Book Lair discussion

Looks like a few of you have read the book, so I figured we could have a further discussion about it.

Don't forget that book discussions are different from buddy reads, the entire topic will contain spoilers.

I had a great time reading this book. Some sections were dull, whenever science was mentioned in extense and I did not really understand how some things worked. But Mark made me laugh hard and quite often.

Some of my favourite lines by him:

(from first communication with Houston)

[12:04] JPL: (...) Also, please watch your language. Everything you type is being broadcast live all over the world.
[12:15] WATNEY: Look! A pair of boobs! -> (.Y.)

[11:49:] JPL: What we can see of your planned cut looks good. We're assuming the other side is identical. You're cleared to start drilling.
[12:07] WATNEY: That's what she said.
[12:25] JPL: Seriously, Mark? Seriously?

I'll add more when I am not at work.

I thought this to be primarily a science fiction novel for people who don't normally read science fiction. Which is no bad thing, if it acts as a "gateway drug" to some of the harder and (in my opinion) better examples of the genre.

I like the idea of science fiction, I just do not enjoy hardcore science so yep it is pretty hard to please me :)

I took it as a story of ingenuity and resilience with some serious humour infused.

It reminded me of Michael Crichton. Science that came across as very real, and very over my head. I like that stuff. Makes me think and then run to the computer to see if the author is making crap up!

Re: Michael Crichton, that's sort of what I was meaning with my comment. It struck me as more of a thriller in its pacing and overall structure. The fact that it was space- and science-based seemed like a giant MacGuffin to me.

I was very pleased with it! I kind of skimmed over some of the more the technical and chemistry-heavy sections but the book was still very engaging for me and I loved the humor. I couldn't help but hear Matt Damon's voice as the narrator the whole time I was reading it though haha. I'm seeing a screening of the film tonight, which has also been getting great reviews so far, so I'm excited!

Melissa wrote: "I was very pleased with it! I kind of skimmed over some of the more the technical and chemistry-heavy sections but the book was still very engaging for me and I loved the humor. I couldn't help but..."

That's exactly how I feel. Except hearing Matt Damon xD
I intend to watch the movie today or tomorrow.

It seems every good movie is based on a good book anymore. And that I never even realized it was a book until the movie came out. I'm gonna have to get better at that. Let us know how the movie was! The book sounds like it was worth a read--it's now on the to-read list

I thought the movie was amazing! The few things I struggled with in the book were removed and Damon was terrific.