'The Martian' book, fiction

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p51
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'The Martian' book, fiction

Post by p51 »

I'm in the middle of reading this right now. It's amazing book: http://www.amazon.com/The-Martian-Andy-Weir/dp/0553418025/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
The premise is this: An astronaut is injured during an emergency evac of a Mars expedition landing site, an injury that looks obviously fatal to everyone around him. He's left on the ground and comes to later, an amazing stroke of luck that his suit didn't depressurize.
So, he's left alone, on the surface, and the whole world thinks he's dead.
He has no means to communicate with Earth at all and the next expedition (assuming NASA doesn't pull the plug after thinking he died) is years away, to a landing site thousands of kilometers away.

I'm about 1/3 into this book, it's an amazing read. I'd think most SC types would love it. NOTE: it isn't for kids, though. Lots of course language and overall themes which would be over the heads of all but the geekiest kids anyway.
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Re: 'The Martian' book, fiction

Post by street »

Oooo, sounds very interesting! I'll have to get my hands on it!
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Re: 'The Martian' book, fiction

Post by street »

Excellent recommendation, P51! I'm already about 30% into the book and loving it! It feeds the geekdom in his detailed explanations, but doesn't go so far as to be boring. I love the 'voice' in which the book is written. You really feel like you are in Mark's head!
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Re: 'The Martian' book, fiction

Post by p51 »

Glad you like it. I just finished it at lunch today. Real nail biter all the way.
It goes back and forth in the narrative, which I found jarring. But still, it's a very well done story. I've read it's already been optioned for a movie, which I think it'd make a really good film!
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Re: 'The Martian' book, fiction

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I liked the switching of the narrative, so we could see what was happening back on earth. A friend of mine, who read my recommendation on FB, said he thought the movie rights had been purchased. So we may see a film!
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Re: 'The Martian' book, fiction

Post by p51 »

Yeah, the rights were sold last year. This would make a great movie.
"Like Iron Man, commander!"
I thought that was hilarious...*

*You'd have to read the book to get that, sorry! :lol:
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Re: 'The Martian' book, fiction

Post by Steve »

I hope a movie comes out of this book with reviews I hearing.
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Re: 'The Martian' book, fiction

Post by Conan »

I am still on the hold list for this at the Library (where I work, and buy the Science Fiction!) There were 4 ahead of me a week ago. I am buying a second copy to decrease my wait.
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Re: 'The Martian' book, fiction

Post by street »

p51 wrote:"Like Iron Man, commander!"
Yeah, I cracked up over that one. I could just hear him saying it!

So, who do you envision as your favorite character?
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Re: 'The Martian' book, fiction

Post by p51 »

I actually liked the woman at NASA HQ (can't go too deep into this without spoilers).
I think they cursed more in the offices in the novel than they would in real life. I've worked with NASA suit types and they were a massive departure from the old-school NASA type. I really think if some of them whacked themselves in the tumb with a missed hammer blow to a nail, they'd jump up and down, yelling, "Darn," over and over...

Kind of tough to imagine who'd they get to play the roles in a movie version.
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Re: 'The Martian' book, fiction

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I know the character you mean! I pictured her as a quirky, moderately punk style type person. I can't think of an actress today right off the top of my head.
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Re: 'The Martian' book, fiction

Post by Conan »

I finally got it. I'm halfway through and can hardly put it down. Rumors are that Matt Damon has been cast, according to IMDB.
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Re: 'The Martian' book, fiction

Post by p51 »

Looks like the movie version of ‘The Martian’ is being planned now: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-v ... mon-703887
I know some people into sci-fi are griping about the delay for the ‘Prometheus’ sequel, but I’d much rather see this book put the film (as a huge 'Alien' franchise fan, I wasn't terribly impressed with 'Prometheus' anyway) and I think Ridley Scott would do a good job with it, if he stays true to the text.
FYI, I just saw the movie, "Last Days on Mars." Don't waste your time unless you like looking at the hardware made for the film. They did a great job on the habitat, EVA suits and rovers, it's too bad they didn't have a real plot to go with it. Such a neat-looking production and a really promising premise, but it falls flat. Bad.
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Re: 'The Martian' book, fiction

Post by p51 »

Not a lot of mention on the film version of this book, but it does confirm a filming schedule and Matt Damon as the lead character (which, though wouldn't be my first choice as i think it calls for someone with more comedic skills, I think he'll be just fine in the role): http://www.blastr.com/2014-8-25/ridley- ... us-sequels
Now as for a Blade Runner sequel... say what? 8O
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