Narrator: R.C. Bray
Length: 10 Hours 53 Minutes
Published by Crown/Archetype on February 11th 2014
Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction, Action & Adventure, Hard Science Fiction, Thrillers, Suspense
Pages: 384
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
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Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars.
Now, he's sure he'll be the first person to die there.
After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive.
Chances are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old "human error" are much more likely to kill him first.
But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills—and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit—he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?
Why Did I Listen To The Martian by Andy Weir?
I honestly started listening to The Martian by Andy Weir because of a twitter conversation. I think the conversation happened after I saw Jurassic World – not that this is totally relevant, just the timing of that sticks out in my mind. Anyways we were talking about adult books and The Martian was one of the books recommended. I am pretty sure it was one of the West brothers which recommended The Martian. As I take recommendations of non-YA books seriously (because I already know what I like when it comes to YA), I pretty much immediately plunked down an Audible credit for Weir’s story of a man left behind. Oh, and also the movie hype made me really want to listen to the book too!
What’s The Story Here?
The Martian by Andy Weir is essentially all about this astronaut named Mark Watney. Watney is on an expedition to Mars when something goes horribly wrong and they have to evacuate. Unfortunately, something goes wrong for Watney during the evacuation and he is left behind while his fellow astronauts are back into orbit. Watney is a total survivor though and for the next few months he must figure out how to make contact with NASA as well as how to grow food and survive. Let’s just say there are a lot of potatoes in his future. Meanwhile, back on Earth, various countries work together to figure out a solution for Watney, to bring him home, as they say. This is quite the rousing story to be sure.
How Is Mark Watney As A Character?
I doubt that Andy Weir’s The Martian would have been as compelling, had Mark Watney not been such a well written character. Watney has a sense of humor about his situation – which to be fair does suck. It is funny when he is going through the different entertainment hard drives of his fellow astronauts and lands on disco and Three’s Company. The reaction Watney has is priceless. I think that the sense of humor keeps this book from being too bleak, it also made me really root for Watney. He’s this insanely smart person who is also funny, so pretty much the total character package. Actually, come to think of it, now that I have finished reading The Martian I am very curious to see how Matt Damon pulls off Watney’s character.
How’s The Science In The Martian?
Honestly? I am not at all a scientist or a science expert by any means. However, I feel like what I listened to wasn’t bullshit. I think that Weir likely did a lot of research on botany and chemistry for The Martian. What I listened too of Watney’s survival story and the science involved did actually make sense to me, as in it seemed like it could logically work. So, there’s that. Also, there’s no aliens in this book, which was part of what I initially expected, however, given the climate of Mars, yeah that also makes sense.
How Is The Writing In The Martian by Andy Weir?
Friends, the writing in The Martian by Andy Weir is very action oriented. Honestly, if you like Robinson Crusoe type of survival stories where you see someone just roughing it and how they get through their environment, you will love this book. I was a tiny bit worried initially, because this is not my normal sort of book. It won me over though. I found myself very engaged by Weir’s tale of Mark Watney and even what was going on back on Earth as they rush around the clock to figure out a plan for Watney.
What About The Narration of The Martian?
The Martian is narrated by R.C. Bray. Bray does quite the bang up job narrating The Martian. I thought that his voice was perfect for Watney’s character. He really captures this self deprecating, goof ball spirit that Watney has. I think that Bray’s narration really enhanced my enjoyment of Weir’s story. I liked how the other characters were narrated too. This book is a superb listen and I think a good starting point for people who want to try audiobooks.
Sum It Up With A GIF:
LOL, that is the best part of the film trailer, and yes, there is so much science in this book.
Other Reviews Of The Martian by Andy Weir:
Reading Diva’s Blog – “an amazing story of survival”
Justin’s Book Blog – “Don’t pass up a chance to read this book”
Dear Author – “ the kind of science fiction that is accessible even to people who only read SF on rare occasion”
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I have been seeing all the movie buzz about The Martian. I’ve been tossed on whether I want to experience it myself first, or just watch the movie with Brian. Decisions Decisions. I have no idea what to use my next Audible credit on, and I’m just about done listening to Illuminae. (I can’t even with that book. Ahhhh! So good)
Maybe I’ll follow up with The Martian. I don’t think I’m ready to leave space yet. And science is awesome, so that won’t be a problem for me:)
Btw, hope all is well with you!
I think this is a great book, and a superb audiobook. I agree, it’s one to recommend for those who are new to audiobooks. I think the narrator should have won awards. Haven’t seen the movie yet — looking forward to it, but expecting some disappointment (books are always better…) One of my favorite books of 2015. Great review.
Excellent review! I heard from another blogger that the audiobook is excellent, but silly me went and saw the movie first. (Loved it).
I read the book, but I’m glad to hear the audiobook is fabulous. I’ve been recommending it to a lot of people and I bet I have friends who would be willing to try the audiobook format over the print book.
What I loved most about this book was Watney’s narrative voice. Like, yes, he’s in a stressful situation…and sometimes he has real reason to panic (and does), but mostly he’s a guy with whom the reader can identify. He’s watching TV, feeling lonely, and trying his best to survive a pretty awful situation.
I haven’t seen the movie, but it’s definitely on my to-watch list once I can get it at Redbox or on Netflix.
To be honest, I’ve been seeing this book popping a lot since the movie came out but I’ve read very little about it. it’s not my usual fare, you see, but I had to read your review and this does seem interesting. I like the fact the main character is great, especially because he kind of has to carry the story on his own. Hearing the science make sense is also a relief.
I might actually try this one now lol
I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while – have been getting more into sci-fi recently! I have yet to watch the movie, but I’ve seen some hilarious excerpts of this book on Tumblr, which piqued my attention.