The Martian, by Andy Weir

Andy Weir’s, The Martian, is a brilliantly written novel set on the barren planet Mars. After a large sandstorm hits their landing site and his crew is forced to leave him behind after he is hit with shrapnel, Mark Watney has to survive the unforgiving planet of Mars. With only limited supplies left after the sandstorm, Mark must make do with what he has to last long enough for the next Ares mission to pick him up. After learning that Mark is still alive, the world comes together for a common purpose; “Bring Him Home”.

In my opinion, this is my favorite book I have ever read. I'm always interested in Science Fiction books. There are many views on what people think the future will be like, and I believe this one is the most realistic. Not only does it show the dangers of space travel, but it shows that many people will come together to help one person. I like how this book takes a survival story, and puts a twist on it. If you're looking for a book with humor, drama, and action, I highly suggest The Martian.

Reviewed by 

Charles B., Grade 9  Montrose Library

Doctor Zhivago, by Boris Pasternak

Doctor Zhivago is a novel by Boris Pasternak that follows the life of Yuri Andreevich Zhivago as he lives through World War I, the Russian Revolution, and the Russian Civil War. As Yuri grows up, he eventually marries his childhood best friend Tonya. But when he gets drafted as a doctor for World War I, he meets Lara Antipova, whom he can't seem to get off his mind, even when he returns from the War in time for the Russian Revolution to his old home, but a new Russia.

I was very intimidated to read this book because not only is it a heavy classic, but it's translated and I feared that it would lose meaning and sense, but I am so happy that I read it. Something I love about the novel is that nearly every single character mentioned, no matter how irrelevant they may seem in the moment they are mentioned, is somehow connected to every other character. All of their lives cross points somehow, by some strange connection of another familiar person. Also I really enjoyed noticing how the political events of Russian in the early 20th century are mimicked in Yuri's relationships with Tonya, Lara, and Marina. I would recommend this to anyone who likes Nobel Prize winning novels or enjoys learning about the effects of the Russian Revolution.

Reviewed by Nayri T., Grade 12

Casa Verdugo Library