The Martian - Thoughts on Storytelling

I just finished reading the novel The Martian by Andy Weir and am struck by the power of provocative storytelling.  The book is about Mark Watney, an engineer and botanist who is unluckily stranded on Mars by his research crew during a terrible sandstorm.  Finding himself alone, injured, and with nothing but the tools and supplies on-hand, he must find a way to survive.

I won't spoil anything in the book, but I will say it is an exciting and intelligent suspense ride that was a joy to read.  Most science fiction novels are a test of imagination and patience; explaining every detail down to the minutia as the author tries to absorb the reader with information.
Weir bypasses much of this.  The information given never feels like exposition and only helps further our attachment to Mark Watney and push his story further along.

The Martian isn't going to change the world with new ideas or change your viewpoint on the hard issues.  But it is so much fun, it certainly inspires me to write more and create.

I believe great storytelling can teach us more about ourselves than any heavy-handed messaging. We insert ourselves in the action and empathize with a character.  We form our own ideas and plans and problem-solve as we go.  It's always better to experience something over being told something.

As a follow-up to the novel, The Martian comes to movie theaters October 2nd starring Matt Damon as Mark Watney.  The rest of the star-studded cast and production is directed by one of my personal favorite directors, Ridley Scott.  The trailer is below, but I recommend waiting to watch until you've read most, if not all, of the book.