69 pages • 2-hour read
The Martian
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Book Club Questions
General Impressions
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
1. Do you think the novel succeeded in its intent to create a “realistic” portrayal of life in space? At what point, if any, did the novel stretch your credulity? How might you compare this to other “hard” science-fiction novels, like The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu or Foundation by Isaac Asimov?
2. How do you feel about Mark Watney as a protagonist? Were you compelled by his characterization and voice? How did the science impact his narration and your personal engagement while reading?
3. How does this novel fare against Weir’s later novels, Artemis and Project Hail Mary? Considering that The Martian evolved from serialized blog posts, do you get the sense that this book is different from the novels he had written after his debut?
Personal Reflection and Connection
Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.
1. Share an experience in which a successful outcome might have been impossible for you to imagine. How do you face this challenge with insurmountable odds? How did you react to the situation?
2. How do you feel about the human endeavor to explore outer space? Do you think the idea of planetary colonization is foolish, or do you think it is the next step in the survival of the human race?
3. Discuss the role that community plays in facing personal challenges in your life. Do you feel that you are better able to tackle these issues with the help of others, or do you thrive when you approach a problem alone?
4. Putting yourself in Mark Watney’s place, what are some special skills you have that you could use to help you survive being stranded on Mars?
Societal and Cultural Context
Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.
1. Discuss the novel’s commentary on the history of exploration. What does the history of human missions into space reveal about the human spirit and its larger purposes?
2. The novel’s title suggests that Mark Watney is the first person of his kind to make a home out of Mars. What are the other ways the novel addresses national or planetary identity? Consider in your discussion the way politics emerges over the course of the novel.
Literary Analysis
Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.
1. Analyze Mark Watney’s narratorial voice against the precision and knowledge competency required to perform NASA missions. What might Weir be trying to say about the gap between astronauts or scientists and the rest of humanity? How does he deploy humor and mood to reinforce these ideas?
2. Discuss the irony of bureaucracy in space. How do red tape and the waste of resources exacerbate Mark’s situation in contrast to the natural challenges of a hostile environment?
3. Assess the novel’s characterization of its supporting cast. Do the other characters feel as developed as Mark? What are some of the narrative techniques Weir employs to deepen their characterization?
4. How does Weir balance the isolation Mark feels against his reliance on the novel’s supporting characters? Discuss the way Weir develops the setting of the novel to explain your answer.
Creative Engagement
Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.
1. Imagine you have been stranded on an island or in a dense forest. Using the items you currently have on your person or the items you find around you, how might you try to survive through one day in your chosen environment?
2. Mark relies on pop culture to relieve the stress of isolation. Make a playlist of the songs you wouldn’t leave Earth without. Alternately, come up with a list of movies, books, or television show episodes that would bring you comfort in space.
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