The Martian is an interesting book written by Andy Weir, focusing on a manned mission to Mars that, obviously, goes wrong.
This book is fairly technical with a whimsical character and that contrast makes the overall read enjoyable. Anyone interested in learning the ins and outs of potential Mars colonisation need not apply because the technical aspect is couched within an internal logic that mirrors the real world while never trying to replicate it (the author often refers to actual chemical reactions and pieces of equipment that could conceivably be used on such a mission) while the action is typical fantasy (he luckily has everything he needs and doesn't die a thousand times in a thousand different horrific ways).
The details in the world are interesting, providing an insight into the kinds of thinking required of such a mission without bogging down in the excruciating minutiae of an actual excursion - this is where the book stands out. There is enough research to justify the premise and carry the character through to the conclusion.
In many ways the story of the character is the weakest aspect, delivering on the journey aspect, but never deviating from a particularly structured step by step guide on how to survive within this fictional Mars environment. This paint by numbers approach is common elsewhere, but is made readily apparent by the main character who exemplifies the less realistic aspects of the tale. The character is a doofus. He's not a relatable oaf nor is he particularly charming, he's just a walking talking physics robot who has a humour module bolted on halfway through the book, in order to make him more resemble a human. In science fiction there are often cases where the 'science,' very much outweighs the 'fiction,' and this is one case where he has so little personality that I find it hard to remember anything about his particular journey. I can't even remember the guys name. This may seem like a minor slight in a world where ninety percent of books, TV and film have lead characters who may as well be called 'generic protagonist 1,' or 'minor villain X,' but if the primary motivation for a given reader is to follow a story, this hypothetical candidate is going to immediately put the book down. As such, this book is for people who like police dramas, Sherlock Holmes and other media that follows an investigatory route. It's is most definitely not for people who enjoy character development. I'd go so far as to say if you need a character in your story with whom to relate don't read this. He makes one or two pop culture references that were so wildly out of character with a pioneering space explorer, and the potential audience for this book, that I raised an eyebrow. I actual raised my eyebrow!
Having just entirely written off the character and made the book sound horrible I will say I enjoyed it quite a lot. The ways in which the main story dude (herein referred to as robot) solves the myriad problems that arise are interesting, as is the authors imagining of just how the mission will look if anyone does venture forth. I'd never really contemplated the specifics of some of the gear they'd need, besides the basics of habitats and supplies, so this book is a mild introduction into such things. The idea of a rover that can cover long distances and won't break down is obvious, but the imaginings of these parts is interesting as is the inclusion of a some of the more esoteric paraphernalia. There are plenty of doodads to keep robot tinkering away, and plenty of pitfalls to overcome. These aspects are the crux of the story.
Ignore the blurb about this being a story of a man overcoming odds, this is a story of fictional science, sciencing its merry way all around Mars.
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