Science fiction
The Martian
An astronaut is left behind on Mars when his crew believes he is dead and has to evacuate. With almost no supplies, he must grow food, fix machinery and find a way to signal home.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2011
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 385
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like problem-solving stories where a chatty hero science-hacks his way out of impossible spots.
Skip this if you want deep character drama, because the book is mostly engineering challenges and jokes.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about The Martian
- What is The Martian about?
- An astronaut is left behind on Mars when his crew believes he is dead and has to evacuate. With almost no supplies, he must grow food, fix machinery and find a way to signal home.
- Who should read The Martian?
- Read it if you like problem-solving stories where a chatty hero science-hacks his way out of impossible spots. Skip it if you want deep character drama, because the book is mostly engineering challenges and jokes.
- How long and how fast is The Martian?
- It is a fast-paced, medium read of about 385 pages, first published in 2011.
- Does The Martian have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow The Martian for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Martian; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Martian?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Project Hail Mary, Hatchet, We Are Legion (We Are Bob).
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved The Martian
-
Project Hail Mary The same author, with the same funny, science-led voice, plus a bigger mystery and a surprise friendship.
-
Hatchet A much quieter survival story about one person alone, with the same satisfaction in each small win.
-
We Are Legion (We Are Bob) Another sarcastic, nerdy narrator doing space problem-solving, with a lighter and weirder premise.
Science fiction
