The Martian is about an astronaut, Mark Watney, who is the first to walk on Mars. After a sandstorm his crew had to leave him, assumed dead. He survived and the story is about how he survived. Mark is a botanist and mechanical engineer, so the only way he can think of to stay alive is through growing potatoes. Why potatoes- Because it has 770 calories per kilo. So as we read along, he calculates and tries solving many problems that come into play. His dark sense of humour saves him at times. I read this book, because I have seen the movie and it was so good, I had to buy the book. This was also my first time in reading a science fiction book. I must applaud Andy Weir, the way he writes this book, is just astounding. With his knowledge of being a software engineer, his maths and physics, scientifically woven into this story, you would think this would be so believable. His plot twists in this book is superb which you don't see coming. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the engineering industry who like to know how things work, readers who like space, sci fi fans (and apparently Andy Weir is a Doctor Who fan and has seen all the episodes). Word of warning, since it does have dark humour in this book, there is a bit of swearing and crass language, but not overbearing.

“If a hiker gets lost in the mountains, people will coordinate a search. If a train crashes, people will line up to give blood. If an earthquake levels a city, people all over the world will send emergency supplies. This is so fundamentally human that it’s found in every culture without exception. Yes, there are assholes who just don’t care, but they’re massively outnumbered by the people who do.”

• Andy Weir, The Martian

It’s Sol 5 on Mars and the Ares 3 Mission Crew are preparing to head to the MAV (Mars Ascent Vehicle) in hopes to leave Mars before they are hit with an extremely dangerous dust storm. Unfortunately on the way to the MAV, Astronaut Mark Watney, was hit by a flying wreckage sending him away. With very little option Commander Lewis had to abort her search for Watney as the crew shoots off to space. Fortunately for Watney he’s alive, unfortunately he’s stuck on Mars.

First off, WOW!, this was an amazing book, filled with likable characters an incredible story and not to mention hilarious dialogues. The writing on Mark Watney is believable, he’s someone people can easily relate with. Even with his impressive scientific knowledge, he comes off as a total geek but charismatic and because of that I found myself rooting for him all they way.

Another great thing about the book is the science, whether it’s pseudo-science or factual. The book sells it well, from the chemistry, biology to the physics and math. It’s amazingly detailed and believable. Though I’m certain there are inaccuracies but it’s written so well it’s not worth the effort to check. As for the other characters they all have important roles to fill, it almost felt like there are no side characters and calling them side characters doesn’t do them justice as they are also well-written and you can see that they care for Mark Watney and seeing the compassion from them will definitely draw some emotions out of you.

A surprising part of the book is the humor, my goodness this book is funny. For a book filled with scientific explanations and mathematical calculations, the humor is laugh out loud it complements the book really well and it makes the book a whole lot easier to read.

Overall this is an extremely well-written book, it’s funny and educational there’s suspense, drama and every time something horrific happens to Mark Watney, and a lot of bad shit happens, you care, you root for him from the start and from start to finish there’s never a dull moment. The Martian is without a doubt one of the best, sci-fi book out there and I highly recommend it to everyone.

Awesome book