The Martian by Andy Weir
I’ve read several “hard science” novels about exploring/colonizing Mars. A friend of mine, who has not steered me wrong yet, recommended this one, and in fact bought it for my son.
His description, though, while accurate, did not grab me: “It’s about an astronaut who gets left behind on Mars and has to survive on his own.” I pictured heart-wrenching insanity, despair, wistful flashbacks to life on Earth, educational facts about Mars’ environment, etc. Things I ought to be interested in, but never am.
But I couldn’t be more wrong.
I didn’t pick it up for months. I was casting about for something to read while I was going to be waiting for an oil change, and grabbed this, grabbing a backup book in case it was too much of a slog.
I’m here to say I’m sorry for ever doubting you, The Martian. This is a witty, entertaining, and well-written story. I loved the attitude of the main character, and rooted for him the whole way through. Life became annoying interruptions preventing me from reading it all in one sitting.
And yes, even picked up some interesting Mars facts in spite of myself.