How far can you get with a positive attitude and a sense of humor? As far away as Mars for astronaut Mark Watney, whose attributes become the difference between life and death.
In this out of this world novel, Andy Weir‘s “The Martian,” Watney finds himself stranded on Mars after his crew members presume he is dead. With a limited supply of foods and no means of communication with planet Earth or his crew, Watney is surely what is in a no win situation.
However, he uses basic skills that resonate no matter where you are located, or which difficult situation arises: resilience and the determination to live. A skilled botanist and mechanical engineer, Watney tackles every obstacle from how to extend his food supply to how to talk to NASA with logic and creativity. His sheer cunning and positive outlook are inspiring.
In addition to being highly entertaining, “The Martian” is very well written and thought provoking. Weir deserves praise for his ability to combine complex issues and deep scientific concepts and intermingle them with humor to keep the reader laughing and engaged. In the end the book is about humanity. Weir brings to life a protagonist that readers will not only want to emulate, but will also want to befriend. It also doesn’t hurt that in the movie version Watney is portrayed by Matt Damon.
While “The Martian” movie took audiences and theaters by storm, the book should definitely not be overlooked.
Hannah Lapin 