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Smiling Shelves

Should/Should Not - The Martian

9/17/2015

7 Comments

 
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I debated about reading The Martian by Andy Weir for a long time before I finally decided to pick it up. I figure that there are probably other people like me out there, still on the fence about this one. So I decided to do a should/should not post about it to try and help out!
Why You Should Not Read The Martian
   -  It swears. A lot. And I know there are those that say, "If I were stuck on Mars, I would swear too!" I get that viewpoint. But the problem is, he's not the only one that swears. There's plenty of swearing from other characters as well. I hate filling my brain with that.
   -  This book is a time-sucker. Make sure you have time to devote to it, because you are not going to want to put it down. Which leads to neglecting things, like your job. . . or your spouse. . .
   -  Parts of it are written as journal entries. Personally, that worked for me, but it's not a style that works for everybody.
Why You Should Read The Martian
   -  There's a movie coming out in a few weeks. Quick, read it before you see the movie!
   -  If you are looking for a character with a unique voice, you can do no better than Mark Watney. His journal entries read like he is talking to you. And astronaut nerd though he may be, he's a pretty funny guy.
   -  You actually kind of learn something about science and Mars. That's always a nice bonus.
   -  The plot. The incessant plot that keeps you turning the pages. This book is so hard to put down!!
   -  It literally keeps you guessing until the very last page.
   -  Mark Watney is a character that you simply have to root for. He's so well-written, you're pretty much given no choice. Who knew you could cheer so hard for potatoes to grow?
In all the reviews I read when I was trying to decide, the swearing was what put me off the most. And the swearing definitely did bother me throughout the book (I still think it would be a better book without it). But at the end of the day, I am glad I decided to read it. I'm glad I met Mark Watney and was so thoroughly drawn into this story.

Please share your thoughts and comments, whether you've read The Martian or not!
7 Comments
Kate @ Mom's Radius link
9/17/2015 09:26:07 am

I'm listening to this book for the second time right now, and I love everything about it...even the swearing. I don't normally care for bad language, but with this book (especially the audiobook), I think it works. I won't say any more because my review will be up soon. :)

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Julie @ Smiling Shelves link
9/17/2015 08:21:35 pm

I really try to avoid swearing in any form, so I think any book would be better without it. :) I look forward to reading your review!

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Linda link
9/18/2015 01:00:30 am

I really enjoyed The Martian. Mark was definitely a character I won't forget. I'm looking forward to the movie in a couple of weeks.

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Julie @ Smiling Shelves link
9/18/2015 04:23:22 pm

My husband and I both wanted to read it before the movie came out. Now we have an excuse to go to a dinner and movie! :)

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Lindsey link
9/18/2015 11:39:59 am

I never really felt the pull to pick this up and my best friend DNF it. I tend to listen to her thoughts, so I'm not sure I will read this one. I really appreciate you sharing both sides of your reading experience, though!

Reply
Julie @ Smiling Shelves link
9/18/2015 04:24:26 pm

It does take a little while to get really hooked, but once you are, there's no escape. Hope my comments helped a little! :)

Reply
Katie @ Doing Dewey link
9/27/2015 12:20:48 am

While I think you're right that the swearing and style could turn some people off, I loved everything about this book! I can't wait to see the movie :)

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    My name is Julie, and I own a lot of books. As in, they are stacked on the floor because I've run out of room on the shelves. And those shelves? There are so many books on them that they smile -- not sag; smile. This blog will cover book reviews and all manner of other bookish things.

    You can contact me at julie@smilingshelves.com.

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