The Martian: a book review

The Martian: a book review

Read a review of the book 'The Martian' to practise and improve your reading skills.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and do the exercises.

Preparation

Reading text

Read the review of the book The Martian below.

Then do the exercises.

Review: The Martian

The Martian tells the story of Mark Watney, an astronaut on the Ares 3 mission to Mars. After a terrible storm almost destroys the ship and the base, the crew of his ship believe he is dead. 1) _____. Alone on the red planet, he has to survive until the next mission to Mars arrives.

While this novel is fiction, in some ways it feels like non-fiction. It is very scientific and packed with details about survival on Mars. Watney is a botanist and engineer, and he begins to grow food and produce water in his artificial camp. How does he do this? 2) _____.

The author is Andy Weir, and this is his first published book. In it he has created a realistic character. There is a lot of humour in the story, and the reader can identify with the emotions (although no one can really imagine what it's like to be on Mars). Watney admits at the beginning that he is in deep trouble, but he never gives up. 3) _____. Instead, what The Martian gives us is a realistic look at an intelligent person alone on a planet and trying to survive.

The majority of the plot takes place on Mars and is written in the form of Watney's journal entries. 4) _____. Unfortunately, the other characters in the book (his fellow crew members, the scientists at NASA on Earth) do not get much development and so they often feel one-dimensional.

I should also mention that the book is thrilling to read. You will be on the edge of your seat until the very end. 5) _____. It's good not only for space travel fans and scientists but for anyone who is looking for a unique and exciting story. The Martian was so popular that it was made into a film starring Matt Damon in 2015, but I recommend reading the book first.

Discussion

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Language level

Average: 4.2 (26 votes)
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Submitted by naru on Sun, 16/08/2020 - 11:47

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I would like to recommend the book named "library wars" in English titles. This novel was published in 2008 and written by Arikawa hiro. This series was adapted into live action movie and comic and loved by people of all ages. As main content, It is dipicted the imaginary world be prohibited reading books as law. And It's about war between goverment and library seeking freedom. It's not SF novel but also romance novel. If you have a opportunity, please read it.
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Submitted by Hennadii on Thu, 06/08/2020 - 11:03

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As a bibliophile, I read lots of books and clearly easily can find something to recommend. From the recent books, I recommend reading awesome Kate Fox's book named "Watching English". The author is an English social anthropology who made a huge research of "typical" English behavior. I know that all the national stereotypes are quite nonsense and you can't judge a person by his nationality (you know, Germans are pedantic, Brits are prim) but, man, no matter if this book tells at least a bit of truth about residents of Albion (I think it does and a lot) it's anyway very funny.

Submitted by Winterson on Sun, 02/08/2020 - 01:57

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Hi, everybody... I recomend a beautiful story in spanish called "El libro salvaje", the author is Juan Villoro, It is a story about a child spends his holidays in his uncle´s library. It´s a good story for love more the books

Submitted by Sharif Tayyebi on Mon, 20/07/2020 - 13:43

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I am reading a book about human rights education which was published by the Office of United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights. So, unfortunately I haven't read novel or story books to recommend to others. But, I am reading the second part of that book and it is truly a good one in the area of human rights education. Therefore, I would like to recommend it for all who are interested in the field of human rights, specifically in human rights education. I know that all members of this site aren't going to read this book, but if they study I am sure they will learn a lot. On the other hand, human rights is a core concept in the world and in international relations between governments, so the reader will be aware of the importance of human rights in States policies. Thanks, Tayyebi

Submitted by Julia19 on Fri, 03/07/2020 - 09:26

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This year I've been reading a lot of different books. I think I haven't ever read so much books as at this year. And I'm very happy that I find a few books, that made me to live with the characters their lives together. It was comprehensive immersion on their growing, troubles, happiness and many others things. These all about my favourite books- " Gone with the wind" and "Singing in the blackthorn". Both of these boos have a long-life plot and the history causing tears.

Submitted by Ayaan on Tue, 09/06/2020 - 08:56

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This review has really helped me and i will read such books in the future

Submitted by syah on Tue, 02/06/2020 - 08:48

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I don't really like read novel. But, I prefer to watch their film that read their novel. I also interested in science-fiction genre like The Martian. I really recommend Interstellar Film by Cristopher Nolan. That was the great film that I ever watch.

Submitted by Nihal_ on Thu, 28/05/2020 - 12:46

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I didn't read science fiction books before, but I will read this book soon. I read a few books in English like Wonder, The fault in our stars, and To all the boys I've loved before.
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Submitted by Gelashvili Nika on Sun, 17/05/2020 - 14:12

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I recommended Litle Prince wrote by Antuan de sent Egsuperi famous french writer. This book tells as, a story about a little kid with a different view of world and also a pilot ho travel in this kid universe

Submitted by Muhammad Bagir on Fri, 15/05/2020 - 05:45

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If you ask a fiction, i would recommended Sophia"s World written by Jostein Gaarder. It's a good book, really.