When an accident during a dust storm leaves astronaut Mark Watney stranded on Mars, everybody thinks he’s dead. Left alone with no communication, few resources and limited food and water, Watney will be a testament to the human instinct of survival. Armed with his botany and engineering skills, Mark sets out to survive by any means possible. Every day, he faces a new task ahead of him - all while knowing that his chances of survival become slimmer each day. After NASA finally discovers that he’s alive, the time for a rescue mission is quickly running out. Mark and the team on Earth are faced with a vital question - can he survive until help arrives?
The Martian is one of the best books I have ever read. It’s a perfect blend of science, humor and survival in a captivating format that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The scientific details are well-explained, making the story feel realistic. The character traits of the protagonist, Mark Watney, make sure that you won’t get bored of the book. The novel was so good, in fact, that it was adapted into a movie starring Matt Damon. I rate The Martian a perfect 5/5 for its invigorating plot and detailed science. If you enjoyed this book, I would also recommend Artemis by Andy Weir and Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson.