By Andy Weir

The Short Take:

If you liked Weir’s The Martian you’ll probably enjoy this one, too. Once again a person is in space, alone, and fighting for survival. Only this time the fate of the human race depends on his success. There’s lots of science-based solutions, a smart-aleck attitude, and a big surprise.

Why?

Even if you’re not a big science nerd (and physical science is not my jam) Weir’s novel is highly readable. His light, humorous touch and straight-forward writing style combine with genuine science to create an absorbing read. This is his third novel and I’ve enjoyed all three of them.

I acknowledge he uses some tried and tested sci-fi tropes: Protagonist Ryland Grace wakes up not knowing who, where, or why he is. But his journey of self-discovery is fun to witness. Once a memory is triggered there is a chapter on that memory. These reveal the who, where, how, and–eventually–the why of his present circumstances

He thinks logically but occasional makes mistakes with unwelcome consequences. Then something totally unexpected happens. That’s when the fun really starts.

A Little Plot:

Ryland Grace wakes up alone with two dead bodies. In space. He has no idea where or why but quickly learns life on earth depends on him. To visit Weir’s website click here, but know that it very out of date.