A cheeky, ingenuitive, determined NASA astronaut is stranded on Mars.

By Andy Weir

Rating: 4.5 / 5.

I was sure this would be an interesting, solid, four-star book until Weir started introducing different sets of characters and perspectives that gave breadth, tension, and realism to the adventure.

At one point the author’s “camera” cut to inanimate bolts, and I was as thrilled with the plot as I was with the rich imagery and stunning detail of so many startling moments and clever, determined risks different characters reasoned their way through.

Fun read!