I really enjoyed that book and the whole “alone in space” vibe it gives off. Are there any more like it?
Massive fan of The Martian and Weirs follow up called ‘Project Hail Mary’. It leans a little more in the direction of Science Fiction than the Martian did, but it’s an absolute page turner from front to back.
Wow you’re fast! Just looked it up and that looks like an awesome book. Going to have to read that one. Thanks!
It’s also an excellent audiobook, gives it another layer
Ohh interesting! I am not really an audio book guy though, whenever i read i’m listening to music.
It’s a really fun audiobook, if that’s your thing!
The way they did the alien speech in the audiobook was really neat
I keep hearing that the audiobook is amazing, but it’s a fantastic book either way. A true spiritual successor to The Martian.
Listening to Project Hail Mary for the 3rd time excellent book. Great characters and the build up is excellent.
How do you feel about the ending?
I love project hail merry the ending was excellent
Also check Weir’s book Artemis. Not as good as the Martian or Project Hail Mary, but still pretty good.
Had a hard time with this one and I’m not sure I ever figured out why. Initially I thought it was just a bit uninteresting but now I’m wondering if there’s more there. Not sure he writes his female protagonists all that well (which I can understand given you know, he’s not female).
This was exactly my experience with Artemis. I had to stop halfway through because I really didn’t like the protagonist and reading her in first person was torturous for me
I’m currently reading this and am thoroughly enjoying it. However, I’m not sure how much it relates to the “alone in space” angle that OP is looking for.
Will do. All of Weir’s other stuff seems to be highly regarded too.
Try the Bobiverse books by Dennis E Taylor. They were my next step after the Martian and we’re pretty good.
I also tried out a nice series by Nick Jones following a time traveller called Joseph Bridgeman which was decent, though it does deviate from alone in space to more loner.
That one really gives new meaning to being alone with yourself.
Try Solaris by Stanislaw Lem. One of the best books I’ve ever read and is more or less what you are describing.
I think The Star Diaries by Lem might be as good a fit. Personally I enjoyed it even more than Solaris.
Project Hail Mary, almost as good as the Martian and his 3rd book. I didn’t care for Artemis, not that it’s a bad book but he deviated a little too much from what made The Martian great for me.
Yep, if you liked the author, Project Hail Mary by the same guy has very similar vibes. Optimistic scientist dude stuck in space using science in creative ways to save the day.
The Last Astronaut and Paradise-1, both by David Wellington come to mind.
I haven’t read The Martian, but Shipwreck by Charles Logan is one of my greatest hidden gems. Not well known at all, I have never heard anyone talk about it. I picked it up for 25 cents at a senior’s home garage sale, on a whim and loved it.
The basic plot is that Tansis crash lands on a planet in deep space, the others have died in the accident, and the book starts shortly after the last crew member but him dies. The planet is hostile, filled with a specific plant that has dominated with no signs (at first…) of animal life, and the atmosphere at first doesn’t seem safe to breathe. It’s a story of isolation, trying to survive, trying to escape, and coming to terms with one’s situation. It feels very real, without being extravagant, engaging writing style, and I never quite knew what would happen next even right up to the satisfying (but perhaps not for everyone!) ending.
I really hope you read it, but if not that’s okay :)
The first two books in C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy: Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra both fit the bill. Plus I find them extra-charming because they’re so dated, which adds to the adventure and mystique, in my opinion. They feel like a hybrid of science fiction and something like a Jules Verne adventure story.
Neither one came close to scratching the itch like The Martian in my view. They did lead me to a Sherlock Holmes kick though.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. You will love it.
I also really like the bobiverse books by Dennis E Taylor. They got a similar vibe in my opinion.
