"The Martian" a spoiler free review and personal impression.

    So, I just finished"The Martian", a novel by Andy Weir and soon to be movie starring Matt Damon. As a book was pretty damn good, especially being his debut novel. And if the film stays true to the book, it's one I'm really looking forward to seeing it. I know there are those out there that don't really like Damon but it seems that he'll fit nicely into the role of the main character Mark Watney. Like a "Good Will Hunting" like intellect and attitude as stranded astronaut. Now on to the book itself which I will keep spoiler free.
 
   The basic premise of the novel goes like this. The third manned mission to Mars is forced to leave the planet early,but in the scramble to get to the launch vessel during a massive dust storm one of the astronauts is lost. He finds himself shortly after alone and realizes what has happened. He now has to figure out a way to use the remaining supplies and equipment to survive until the next manned Mars mission which is four years away.
     The majority of Watley's account is in the form of a mission log that details his predicament and how he plans to work through the problems he faces. His log, to me, seems pretty realistic on how someone trained properly would approach the problems. He states early in the book that should he not survive that he wants this log to be able to be read not just by those in NASA but the average person. He does so in a way that brings an well explained and understandable account to the most average person on what he is doing and often times in a humorous manner. I caught myself laughing out loud several times, and had to put the book down a couple of times to finish laughing because I couldn't keep reading until I had fully processed the statements.
    Watley's accounts, via his log are told right along side with the goings on at NASA, and the crew of the ship, 'Hermes', that are traveling back to Earth. This secondary narrative paints a hell of a picture of the good folks over at NASA on how they approach problem solving. From the moment they realize that he is still alive they launch full bore into the problem solving on how to save this lone human millions of miles from home.

     In short Andy Weir's first novel is an awesome example of story telling. Compelling, engaging, and draws you in to keep reading. He makes you care about the stranded astronaut and cheer for him as the story progresses, Even though there are a few spots where it slows down a bit, the book keeps you interested. As far as I'm concerned this is a must read for any sci-fi/science fan. And hopefully will translate into a spectacular movie. Go now and grab or download this book and get started, you will not be disappointed.


                                   Mr. Angry Beard