Astronaut Mark Watney has cause to be very grateful for his green thumbs. Stranded on Mars with limited resources and a long wait for potential rescue, being able to grow food could make all the difference. Fortunately Mark is an engineer as well as a botanist and he will need every skerrick of knowledge and resourcefulness he has to stay alive in the Martian environment.
This is a gripping survival story of nail-biting tension and plausible science so convincing that you'll be puzzled as to why you can't remember the coverage of the mission launch.
Comments from Groups:
A very positive reaction by everyone. Best book this year! Great discussion followed. Highly recommended. Whangarei 023 Half of our group really enjoyed this book, and the other half were lukewarm, but everyone had read it, which is unusual in our group! It was very technical at times, but not beyond the realms of possibility. It was thought-provoking in many ways. Christchurch 239 Several of us thought it was the best book we had read in a long time. Some did not enjoy it at all, finding it too scientific. Palmerston North 029 We all loved this book! It led to a great discussion of human nature and individual human worth. Personally, I had to keep reminding myself that it was not a true story! Auckland 236 'The Martian' scored a 7 out of 10 by those who finished the book. Our group found the story an interesting concept, a light read, and enjoyable particularly as unexpected things happened to the hero. Of interest was the manner in which Watney kept finding ways to stay alive, despite all sorts of impossible odds. Most found the ending poor and a "let-down'. The book highlighted the enormous logistics (and cost!) involved in such a mission, and the potential for massive problems if every contingency isn't planned for. A most enjoyable meeting. Christchurch 320 Loved it! Auckland 143 Those who finished the book enjoyed it. The discussion was animated and wide ranging, with an interesting variety of opinions. Some enjoyed the book more after seeing the movie, others vice versa. Most found the technical information boring. Northland 003 There was too much detail, however most really enjoyed the book and found it humorous. It would be a great book to introduce to College students, to gear them towards science studies. Mangawhai 001 Categories: Fiction, Adventure/Exploration, Dystopia/Futuristic, America, What's Hot, 2016 Titles, Small font
