Seriously. Stop reading the reviews and buy this book! The movie is great, perfect cast, go see it! And get this.. the book is better! The narrator is perfect, the action, writing and science are smartly written. I can’t think of a single thing to criticize. I was left totally happy with this book.

Now, if your still with me and want a more expanded review. Here you go. Mark Watney is a botanist that gets stranded on Mars. An accident happens and his crew and earth think he has become the first astronaut to die on mars. The book does a great job detailing his experience. The author makes you feel for how lonely and afraid that Mark must be. But its also filled with humor and hope. You really root for Mark. He’s a likable guy in an impossible situation and he uses humor to try cope with the situation and relies on his knowledge of science to save him.

While it is a “science fiction” book, the science is also believable. This book reminds me a little of the book “Impulse”, by Steven Gould, where science actually plays an important part of the story. I love books where the science isn't totally made up to the point of absurdity. Its exciting and encourages a love an interest in science that I think are lacking in most science fiction books.

We need more media like this were science is used for hope and inspiration.