The Martian

Apollo 13

Jim Lovell

A non-fiction account of the real-life space mission that faced catastrophic failure. The astronauts use engineering skills and teamwork to survive a potentially fatal mission, much like Mark Watney. It provides a true-life parallel to the resourcefulness and scientific problem-solving in The Martian.

Rendezvous with Rama

Arthur C. Clarke

A classic hard science fiction novel about exploring a mysterious cylindrical spacecraft. The story focuses on scientific exploration and human ingenuity when confronting an unknown alien artifact. It shares The Martian's emphasis on technical detail and problem-solving in a space environment.

Cryptonomicon

Neal Stephenson

A complex novel blending technology, mathematics, and storytelling. While different in setting, it shares The Martian's appreciation for technical detail and intellectual problem-solving. The book demonstrates how technical knowledge can be both fascinating and crucial to survival.

Artemis

Andy Weir

Another science-driven novel by the same author, set on the moon. It follows a smuggler who gets caught up in a complex conspiracy. The book features similar scientific problem-solving and a witty protagonist, with detailed technical explanations and a fast-paced plot.

Contact

Carl Sagan

A scientifically rigorous novel about first contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. Written by a renowned scientist, it combines technical accuracy with compelling storytelling. The book shares The Martian's respect for scientific methodology and exploration.

Seveneves

Neal Stephenson

An epic science fiction novel about humanity's survival after a catastrophic event. The book is packed with scientific detail and human resilience, featuring characters who must use technical knowledge to overcome seemingly impossible challenges. It shares The Martian's focus on scientific problem-solving and human survival.

Packing for Mars

Mary Roach

A non-fiction book exploring the quirky and challenging aspects of human space travel. While not a novel, it provides fascinating scientific insights into space exploration, similar to the technical details in The Martian. It offers a humorous and detailed look at the challenges of space travel.

Red Mars

Kim Stanley Robinson

The first book in a Mars colonization trilogy that provides a detailed, scientifically grounded exploration of Mars. It follows the first human settlers and their challenges in establishing a colony, sharing The Martian's fascination with Mars and technical problem-solving.

Wool

Hugh Howey

A post-apocalyptic science fiction novel about survival in a confined environment. The protagonist must use ingenuity and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges, similar to Mark Watney's approach in The Martian.

Gravity

Tess Gerritsen

A medical thriller set in space that combines scientific accuracy with high-stakes drama. The novel explores survival challenges in a space environment, featuring problem-solving and technical details reminiscent of The Martian.