We’ve talked about books about movies or about actors and actresses, but this week, I’m excited about a book that’s been made into an upcoming movie! Yes, there are many, but the one I’m excited about is “The Martian” which comes out in October.

“The Martian” by Andy Weir was riveting. In the near future, astronaut Mark Watney has been stranded on Mars after his crew had to evacuate, thinking he was dead. Watney has to figure out how to make water, grow food, stay sane, and simply survive on Mars until the next Mars mission, which is scheduled to arrive in four years. 

I was completely hooked by this book. I didn’t intend to read it in two sittings, but it was so engrossing that I knew I wasn’t going to sleep if I put it down. Watney is a fascinating character. He is realistic about his chances of survival but isn’t going down without a fight. Watney rolls with the punches (or explosions or disasters) and comes out thinking about how to stay alive. And somehow, he is still funny, self-deprecating and wise-cracking. 

Weir did a lot of research before writing this book; it shows. There’s no magical device that suddenly makes the situation easier for Watney. All the technology presented seems to be a logical progression from devices already in use and research that’s currently being conducted. It feels like it could be real.

Connect with surviving Mars at the Buda Public Library!