Reading Is an Adventure

Lately I have been invested in reading the Martian by Andy Weir. I have seen the movie adaptation a while back and was looking for more stuff to read, so this was suggested to me. I wasn't sure how much I would like it because I remember liking the movie but I forgot why. On the surface, reading the story of someone who faced so many months of isolation should freak me out since that's one of my bigger fears is being alone (especially with my thoughts and no form of distractions as well). But the author does a great job of addressing that in a realistic way and also making the reader realize what is needed to survive in those situations. Humor. People underestimate how much a sense of humor can save your mental well-being. I myself have been able to turn negative thoughts, insecurities or bad situations into funny stories and light-heartened comments. Some people think it's bad taste to make jokes about serious things or it's rude to be sarcastic, and while I agree there are some situations that call for being serious and unironic, I think it's good when people can laugh about stuff, because it makes it less of a big deal in your head, thus making it more manageable. This is especially important for the things you can't change. For situations like that it's easy to become overly stressed about them and make yourself sick, but since you can't change them, the only thing you're affecting is your health. So don't be afraid to laugh. But also learn the difference between laughing at someone and laughing with them.

I also really enjoy the realism of all the science in this book. While my math and science are a bit rusty since it's been a while since I had classes with them, I could still tell that the concepts and the math in the book were pretty realistic. So, out of curiosity, I turned to the back inside book sleeve while reading one day. This is where they normally keep the About the Author section, and that's where it was in this case. Turns out Weir is a programmer and computer engineer (where all the accurate math and stats came from, no doubt) and a space nerd (where all the accurate space science stuff came from). I really enjoy creators like him who also have a big academic side to them. It makes for such an interesting read. I read the crap out of a lot of sci-fi and fantasy books and graphic novels, so I do enjoy the stories based on concepts that don't exist (or at least not yet!), but it is nice when you question why something in the book is the way it is or how that would work and they are able to give you a concrete answer.

Now, that of course doesn't mean I need my writers to be good at STEM. That's why you have colleagues and friends and family, or if all else fails, the internet. Eventually you will stumble across the perfect source to elevate your writing. So basically, this book is a 10/10 so far. Whatever it is you do or want to do, I believe in all my jellybeans! See you all next week and stay happy, healthy and safe.