Bibliophile Babes Book Club discussion
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The Martian
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'The Martian' Discussion Questions
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If you could describe 'The Martian' by Andy Weir in three words, what would they be?
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Do you think the crew did the right thing in abandoning the search for Mark?
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How did you feel towards Mark Watney during his time stuck in Mars?
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The author provides almost no back story regarding Mark's life on Earth. Why do you think he made this choice?
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How did you, as a reader, find the lengthy descriptions about space & science? Did you learn something you didn't know before reading this book?
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To what extent do you think guilt played a part in the crew's choice to go back to Mark? To what extent loyalty?
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How did you feel about Mark's potential survival throughout the novel? Were there points in the novel when you weren't sure whether he would make it?
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For those of you who have seen the movie & read the book: how do they compare?
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Hi Kaitlyn! Was this book different to anything you've read before? or do you think it stands out in its genre as being different?
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(Question 2) The crew did the right thing as they had to also look after themselves, they did try to retrieve Watney but he ..."
No worries at all! I agree. As far as they knew, there was no point staying on Mars and potentially risking all of their lives if Mark was, as they thought, injured and dead. Did you find yourself wondering what you'd do if you were in a similar situation?
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Because I would want to help and try to do anything I could to save a retrieve everyone apart of that mission and I know just like all of them, that they'd feel terrible knowing t..."
Yes! Can you imagine being in that situation and realising you'd left someone behind? It'd be so hard. This book gave me a new appreciation for astronauts!
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It's a different approach to sci-fi however I believe it's what made it more interesting ..."
I agree. There is a lot to be learnt/considered during the read of this book. Although I found the long descriptions a little tiresome, but that says more about my interest in space/science than the quality of the writing!
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That's really interesting! Thanks for your great responses, Kaitlyn.
I also found the lengthy descriptions a little jarring and it made me lose focus while reading because I also didn't really understand it all. Although I would have liked a bit more back story about Mark's life. I found myself thinking 'aren't you worried? Who do you miss?' when he found himself initially stuck on Mars. You're right that the story didn't waver past what was happening right at that moment of the character's life, but I think a bit more back story/some more emotion would have made for a more complex, interesting character.
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I can understand where you're coming from about his backstory, as a curious person, it would be nice to know if he misses anyone or anything. It would break up the science and ..."
Yeah, I think so! That's something I'm hoping will have more of a place in our next monthly read 'A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet'. From the reviews I've read that this book, although set in space, more so focuses on the characters relationships & the book has a more social theme rather than scientific. Do you think you'll read along during November?
Kate wrote: "DISCUSSION QUESTION #1If you could describe 'The Martian' by Andy Weir in three words, what would they be?"
humorous, scientific, awesome
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If you could describe 'The Martian' by Andy Weir in three words, what would they be?"
humorous, scientific, awesome"
I'm so glad you enjoyed it Anmol!
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I can definitely understand that Kaitlyn! Good luck with the transition :) Most of the novels suggested in this book club are adult books so feel free to follow along as we read each month.
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If you could describe 'The Martian' by Andy Weir in three words, what would they be?"
funny, exciting , believable
I don't think anyone is going to argue it wasn't funny :P Mark is hilarious! Some parts had me laughing aloud on the train.
Exciting because Mark just can't catch a break! I especially liked how the HAB tear and the rover roll were third-person narrated. It added this whole 'ohhhh nooo' factor.
I found the story believable both from the science perspective and the NASAs decision making.
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For those of you who have seen the movie & read the book: how do they compare?"
I loved the movie but it felt like a little bit of a let down directly after reading the book. Mark struggled so much on Mars and parts of that were left out.
Seeing Mark's body all thin and malnourished right before he leaves Mars was something I hadn't considered while reading the book and it actually gave me a few tears.
I loved the cast. Especially Rich Purnell! Excellent portrayal :)
I really liked how the book ended with Mark back on the Hermes and didn't need to play out the return to Earth; but I can see how that was needed to tie off the movie nicely.
1. Addictive, brilliant and hilarious.2. I wouldn't say they abandoned him. All the signs told them he was dead. Trying to look for him on the small chance he was alive would have risked all their lives. They did the right thing.
3. I thought he was incredible. He had his moments when he got angry and gave up but he never really gave up for good. He always found a way to get through and fix things. The way he not only kept himself alive but kept his sanity was amazing. Plus, he was so funny.
4. I don't thinks Mark's past came into what was happening to him on Mars. I'm not sure I would've liked reading about it. I liked that it stayed in the present and he didn't go over things he could lose if he died. I mean, if he thought that way he might have given in to the bad situation and lost hope.
5. Some of the science stuff went over my head but I did love reading about space. Especially what happens to a laptop when you take it onto the surface of Mars ;)
6. I think there was a mixture of loyalty and guilt in their decision to go back for Mark but at the same time they were his last chance at rescue and they also knew that. I think they would've felt worse if they hadn't tried to get him and weren't told that he was still alive while they had the chance to bring him home.
7. There were so many parts where I thought he would die but then I looked at how much of the book I still had to read so I figured he was okay till I got closer to the end. Things looked bad when the hub blew. But Mark is so smart.
8. I haven't seen the movie yet.
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How did you feel about Mark's potential survival throughout the novel? Were there points in the novel when you weren't sure whether he would make it?"
The whole time I was reading there was this small part of my brain telling me it'd have to have a happy ending, but there were definitely points where I really didn't think it was possible.
When the HAB blew up I never expected he would be able to repair it, and when he shorted the Pathfinder I didn't know how he's make it to the Hermes 4 site.
When the rover rolled I though about how horrible it would be if he didn't make it to the MAV on time.
But I got my happy ending :)
DISCUSSION QUESTION #1If you could describe 'The Martian' by Andy Weir in three words, what would they be?
Hilarious, brilliant, amazing
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If you could describe 'The Martian' by Andy Weir in three words, what would they be?"
funny, exciting , believable
I don't think anyone is going to argue it ..."
I'm so glad you enjoyed the read and that it kept you on the edge of your seat! I didn't particularly love this book but I am intrigued to see the film so I can compare the two :) Oh and I hear I might be seeing you at the next Dapper market?!
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2. I wouldn't say they abandoned him. All the signs told them he was dead. Trying to look for him on the small chance he was alive would have risked all thei..."
Hi Aimee,
I agree Mark was incredibly resilient throughout the novel! Haha I love that you assess the plot by looking at how long the novel is, I do that as well!
So glad to hear you enjoyed the read. Do you think you'll see the film eventually?
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If you could describe 'The Martian' by Andy Weir in three words, what would they be?
Hilarious, brilliant, amazing"
Fantastic! Sounds like you really enjoyed reading it :)
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If you could describe 'The Martian' by Andy Weir in three words, what would they be?"
funny, exciting , believable
I don't think anyone is going..."
Yay for Dapper Market! I'm actually wearing my DA brooch today :D so I'm excited to shop for more treats and maybe discuss December's book with you ;)
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If you could describe 'The Martian' by Andy Weir in three words, what would they be?"
funny, exciting , believable
I don't think an..."
Oh awesome! Sounds great :)
I'm Kate, I'm the moderator of Lillytales Bookish Club and the face behind the @lillytales Instagram page. I'm 24 and live in Melbourne, Australia. I listened to 'The Martian' on audio book through the Audible app, mostly while I was on the train :)
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