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Cathryn's Reviews > The Martian
The Martian
by
by
Cathryn's review
bookshelves: favorites
Mar 06, 2015
bookshelves: favorites
Read 2 times. Last read November 25, 2014 to November 29, 2014.
The part of survival stories that I love the most - whether it's a natural disaster, zombie apocalypse, or being stranded somewhere - are the logistics of staying alive.
How do you find food and water?
How do you find safe shelter?
What happens when you get hurt?
How do you stay sane if you're all by yourself?
Do you stay put and wait for rescue or do you venture out into the unknown?
So when I read this book I was in heaven. Sure some of the science was over my head but reading about Mark Watney's thought process, trying to problem solve under extreme circumstances, and still retaining his sense of humor made this the most enjoyable reading experience.
Now, don't let the science scare you if you aren't a science enthusiast. Weir does an excellent job of educating us so that we understand the dire and dangerous situation Mark is in while at the same time explaining it in layman's terms without talking down to you.
And the humor!!! I said it in one of my status updates. Mark Watney with his smarts and snark is now at the top of my list of book boyfriends. I was literally laughing out loud while reading this book.
Lastly, the tension in this book was so well done. I could feel my heart racing while reading about all the crazy stuff that happens and worrying if Mark was going to be all right.
This has easily been one of the best books I've read this year.
How do you find food and water?
How do you find safe shelter?
What happens when you get hurt?
How do you stay sane if you're all by yourself?
Do you stay put and wait for rescue or do you venture out into the unknown?
So when I read this book I was in heaven. Sure some of the science was over my head but reading about Mark Watney's thought process, trying to problem solve under extreme circumstances, and still retaining his sense of humor made this the most enjoyable reading experience.
Now, don't let the science scare you if you aren't a science enthusiast. Weir does an excellent job of educating us so that we understand the dire and dangerous situation Mark is in while at the same time explaining it in layman's terms without talking down to you.
And the humor!!! I said it in one of my status updates. Mark Watney with his smarts and snark is now at the top of my list of book boyfriends. I was literally laughing out loud while reading this book.
Lastly, the tension in this book was so well done. I could feel my heart racing while reading about all the crazy stuff that happens and worrying if Mark was going to be all right.
This has easily been one of the best books I've read this year.
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Reading Progress
February 3, 2014
– Shelved as:
to-read
(Audible Audio Edition)
February 3, 2014
– Shelved
(Audible Audio Edition)
November 25, 2014
–
Started Reading
November 29, 2014
– Shelved as:
favorites
(Audible Audio Edition)
November 29, 2014
–
Finished Reading
Started Reading
(Audible Audio Edition)
March 1, 2015
–
Finished Reading
(Audible Audio Edition)
March 6, 2015
– Shelved
March 22, 2015
– Shelved as:
favorites
Comments Showing 1-14 of 14 (14 new)
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by
Anne
(new)
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rated it 4 stars
Jun 03, 2015 06:39AM
I've had this on hold forever. It needs to come in!
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It's so good. I hope you like it!
That's what I keep hearing. I'm almost scared to read it now. ;)
Anne wrote: "That's what I keep hearing. I'm almost scared to read it now. ;)"It's so good. Just try not to imagine Matt Damon too much while reading it.
I actually had Matt Damon's voice in my head while reading this and it didn't bother me. I listened to the audiobook version of this not too long ago and the narrator's voice was much gruffer and completely threw me off for awhile.
Cathryn wrote: "I actually had Matt Damon's voice in my head while reading this and it didn't bother me. I listened to the audiobook version of this not too long ago and the narrator's voice was much gruffer and c..."Yay, audioboooks! I love 'em, I'm listening to Ishiguro's The Buried Giant right now while I commute. Lovin' it.
As for Damon, I actually like him a lot as an actor, but I feel he is now too old for the part (45! wow). He really would've killed it back in his Bourne Identity days, though, no doubt.
So this is going to be a movie? Huh.
Anne wrote: "So this is going to be a movie? Huh."Yeppers. Some very talented people involved, too: not just Damon, but also Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, Kristen Wiig, Sean Bean, Jeff Daniel, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and more! and directed by Ridley "He Still Might Have One Decent Movie Left In Him" Scott.
The movie definitely has potential to be really good. Fingers crossed.
Nice review Cathryn.Put on your big girl pants here Anne, there's quite a bit of science talk. I actually didn't mind that part, but the humor wore thin.
Edit: I initially did rate it 4. I never reviewed it, but my lower rating is more like a 3.5. It really is quite good.
It's been so hyped up, that I'm not expecting perfection. Hopefully, I won't hate it. That's all I want!
If all the science talk doesn't bore you to death, you'll be alright. Seems like that's the sticking point for most people.
Thanks Dan!Yeah I can see the science being the sticking point for a lot of people. I found the science more difficult to get through on the audio book. Didn't bother me on the paper book.
