People have developed a dangerous fascination with space in the last 60 years. Humans have stopped looking at the stars and started reaching for them. From putting a man in space, to putting one on the moon, or attempting to colonize Mars, people are entranced. The success of Andy Weir’s novel, The Martian, is built on this idea of touching the unknown.

The story revolves around the main character, Mark Watney, a botanist, mechanical engineer, and the lowest ranking member of the Ares 3, the third mission to mars. When a sandstorm sticks, the crew is forced to abandon their mission. Watney is hit by debris, and carried into the storm. Believing him to be dead, the crew leaves him on Mars. He wakes up alone, with no way to contact NASA, and not enough supplies for long term survival. Watney must use his resourcefulness and problem solving skills to keep himself alive.

This book is a thrilling adventure, but only for science lovers. While reading, I found myself rereading pages to make sure I understood what was going on; the science terminology can be a lot to keep up with. But Watney, the sarcastic and slightly sassy protagonist, tells the story in a way that is possible to understand. The story itself is gripping. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. Every day on Mars is a battle to stay alive for Watney, everything he tries seems to backfire, but he keeps fighting, and works around it. It is a well planned and interesting story that I would recommend.