It’s funny how I keep saying “this is not my usual kind of book,” over and over again. Perhaps it’s time to reexamine the definition of my “kind of book?”
In any case, I read this one a few months ago and got all caught-up in it ‘n’ shit. It’s a story about an astronaut mistakenly left alone on Mars. His fellow crew members believed he’d been killed, and were forced to evacuate quickly during a storm. So, when he regained consciousness he realized he was now on his own. On Mars.
It’s a really fun book. The astronaut is the narrator, and is a regular guy with an enormous amount of training. He goes full-Macgyver with whatever equipment he has at his disposal, and is also really sarcastic and funny. This thing is suspenseful and exciting, and also full of laughs.
Another cool thing about it? It was originally self-published. The author was unknown, traditional publishers wouldn’t give him the time of day, and his book is now an international phenomenon. There’s also a movie version coming, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon. So suck on that, traditional publishers!
As I type this The Martian is $5.99 for Kindle. You’ll have a blast with it. Here’s the trailer for the film:
This was definitely my favorite book of the year. I don’t think I’ve talked to anyone that was able to put it down. I think I read it in 2 or 3 days, finding any available minute to stuff my nose back in the book. Jeff’s comments are right on — funny and sarcastic, with a great balance of tension and action to keep this interesting.
I’m looking forward to the movie, but afraid it won’t do the book justice.
Spot on Jeff I loved it too!!
Listened to the audio version. What a ride!! I did tend to zone out a little during the mathy-calculations parts but I definitely recommend it.
Damn! I made a Jeff Kay Martian reference on Facebook and had no idea you’d read it! Boom. Next…captain underpants