Literally Geeky discussion

Something to say about this book that can't wait until the hangout? Then this thread is for you!

I've been wanting to read The Martian ever since someone suggested it in our anniversary book poll. There's almost as much hype around it as there was Ready Player One - and I loved that book! Can't wait to get started!

It was me! I suggested it!

As I said, I was going to pick this in November but honestly, the hype put me off a little. I'm a little worried that it's going to be another Redshirts... however, four months later I'm still keen to read it, so here we are.

Looking forward to starting!

I read an excerpt of this on a website somewhere and decided not to read it. I have a thing about books written in the first person. I'll still be watching at the end of the month to see what you think of it.

It's not all written in the first person. 50 pages in it switches to a traditional narrative. At least, for the scenes that take place back on Earth.

The first time I heard about this book was Andy Weir doing a reading of the first chapter. I really like the first person voice he has used.

I can't wait for the movie, although if they mess it up I will scream and shout in the cinema and have to be escorted out...

Since when does Hollywood mess up book adaptations?

Never mind...

So, I'm done.

I'm not always very keen on first person either, but this book has a nice mix.

I wish I'd read it at last minute as usual... I want to talk about what I thought NOW.

Ah, I'm back in the Literally Geeky saddle. Sorry I've missed the last few, but you know, life. Anyway, just finished The Martian (spurred on by Lou Carvalho's review and the fact it was only about £1.50 on the Kindle), and what an enjoyable book it was, albeit an extremely nerdy one. Here's my review - feel free to read it, since unlike Aaron, Lara, Ez and Donovan, no-one's waiting with bated breath for the verdict tomorrow. ;)

One thing we didn't get to talk about tonight was everyone's thoughts on an actual manned mission to Mars.

Me? I'm super-keen. The advances made on the back of the lunar program were incredible, and yeah, it costs a lot (estimated costs are around $400 billion for the whole program), but a NASA or inter-agency mission would be an inspiring achievement.

Mars One though, urgh, what a load of old flubgubbins.

Uhh, I wanted to talk about that too. I'm all for it. Even with the perils it represents, even if there were failures, we should sail to the stars, or in this case... planets.
It always makes me happy to see when Humans are determined and have a endless supply of cash (e.g Apollo and Manhattan projects) can do.

Really wish China, India, Europe and USA would embark on such a mission. A CERN like project. Funded by various countries.

And boo to Mars One. I always found it strange that a private sector could do it, but one could dream, right? Bunch of scammers.

Would anyone here support a one way mission to Mars?

Necropost!!!

In the spirit of sharing, just seen this review of The Martian from Warren Ellis:

"THE MARTIAN, by Andy Weir, is imminently a Matt Damon film. It is probably going to be a fun film, if it sticks to the source material, because this was at once a relaxing and involving read. It doesn't demand too much other than that you sit back and watch the chirpy everyman-ish protagonist do gonzo planetary science. The guy is mostly likeable enough (if the author takes any serious missteps, it's in working too hard to make us like the guy, which occasionally has the inverse effect), and the situation treacherous enough (astronaut left on Mars with a limited time to live) to give you a rooting interest in seeing the story through, and Weir does indeed sail you through smoothly to the end. I mean, sure, it's Robinson Crusoe On Mars, but it does have the capacity to surprise and delight. It's short and will recharge your spirits."

Seems about right...that is all - move along now... ;)