The Martian by first time author Andy Weir is perhaps my favorite book published in 2014. It's easiely in my top five.
I avoided this book for months because I didn't think the story would be plausible. How can someone survive alone on Mars for years; especially considering their mission was only scheduled for 30 days? However, upon finding myself with nothing else to read, I decided to give it a shot. And I'm so glad I did, because Weir manages to make the unbelievable seem possible.
The book opens with astronaut Mark Watney being left on the surface of Mars by his crew, who believe him dead, in a daring evacuation after their mission was prematurely ended by a sandstorm. Watney survives, but has no way to contact Earth, and literally no one knows he's alive. Thus begins his fight for survival.
We read about Watney's time on Mars mostly through his log journals. Which sounds dreadful, but it's not. It's really great. Watney soon dispenses with the dry "Just the facts, ma'am" writing that we expect from astronauts, and his personality comes through. He's funny and personable, and the reader can't help buroot for him.
387 pages is a decent length for a first time novelist, but to go nearly 400 pages with just one character is beyond most seasoned authors. Thankfully, Weir adds other characters. The book follows a handful of NASA administrators as they plan (and scheme) Watney's rescue. The reader also gets to know the other five astronauts that were part of Watney's original mission.
Because this book excels in so many ways, it's hardly worth pointing out my two criticisms. Regardless, here they are:
1) From the moment we meet him, Watney's life is in constant jeopardy. However, apart from a few scenes, I never feel worried about him.
2) Also, the five other astronauts briefly talk to loved ones on Earth, and it's surprisingly touching. But Watney apparently doesn't have anyone on Earth worth mentioning. The reader can't help but like Watney (because he's awesome), and therefore, we really want him to live. Having someone on Earth worrying with us might have helped to heighten the tension (see point 1 above).
These are small details, though, and don't really detract from the story. It's a great book, and I highly recommend it.
Thoughts from a Midwestern Librarian