Few people understood, but “The Martian” is the No. 1 motivational movie ever created. Of course, there are movies that have a similar context. I’m talking about “The Revenant” or “Gravity,” where a woman survived even though she was in orbit, but the hero of “The Martian” had to fight for his goals much more than any other movie (and book) character. After all, he had to come up with ideas:

a) How to survive on an uninhabitable planet. (It’s 10 times stronger than “Passengers.”)

b) Make decisions no one has ever made before.

That’s not all. It’s wonderful that the book is so easily readable. There aren’t many books like this. And if you want to read something similar, I made a list for you. So, if you’re looking for books to read if you love “The Martian,” then I suggest trying these:

Books similar to “The Martian”

1. Artemis, by Andy Weir

I believe it wouldn’t surprise you that I suggest reading another novel by the author of “The Martian.” This book also contains many theories created by the author and his fans.

So, it includes comprehensive scientific explanations and a main character who uses resourcefulness to solve problems. The book has obtained positive reviews and is deemed a praiseworthy read if you’ve already read “The Martian.” If you relish the realistic science and alluring storytelling of “The Martian,” you may also delight in reading “Artemis,” too.

In both “Artemis” and “The Martian,” hardy protagonists take on incredible challenges in the near future, showing us the potential of space travel and colonization. Jazz Bashara navigates the difficulties of living in a lunar colony, while Mark Watney is stranded on Mars and must use his skills and resources to survive. These characters demonstrate remarkable resourcefulness and problem-solving abilities, making for an engaging and inspiring read.

Readers are able to imagine a potential future where humanity and technology come together to unlock new possibilities in space. “Artemis” and “The Martian” show us that even in the midst of dire circumstances, innovation is the greatest tool for survival and progress. 

2. Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline

Why “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline is included in a list of books to read if you love “The Martian”?

It has a similar vibe. 

Like in “The Martian,” the main character must navigate complex challenges to survive and succeed in both the real and virtual worlds. 

Here are three reasons why you should read it:

• The novel is about an ordinary person, like me and you. It’s even better because “The Martian” is about genius. Although “The Martian” is a great book, better connections with the main character can be found with the characters from “Ready Player One.” This is because they are very human-like and deal with similar problems that you have: love, happiness, life goals, enemies. Recall the kid who pretended to be almighty… very interesting.
• This book perfectly demonstrates that to achieve goals, it is necessary to use non-standard and banal solutions. Sometimes, in order to reach a goal, you need to take a step back. Only by doing so can you see the full picture from a distance. Think about it. And read the book again.

3. Alive: A Story of the Andes Survivors, by Piers Paul Read

This is a story about survival, so everyone probably enjoys reading it. If you read it, you will feel the adrenaline running through your veins, just like when you read “The Martian.”

Published in 1974, just two years after the tragic event, this book is a gripping account of the crash and the survivors’ harrowing fight for survival. Read about their struggles with starvation, freezing temperatures, and injuries, and be inspired by their courage and resilience.

To make the book as realistic and as close to the truth as possible, its author interviewed survivors and their families, additionally, rescuers and other witnesses were engaged in compiling a thorough and precise report of the events.

The extraordinary story has an engaging element to it, as it forces the survivors to make tough moral decisions in order to survive. For example, they had to resort to cannibalism after being stranded for two months with no sustenance. The book also examines the emotional and psychological effects of their experiences and how they managed the trauma caused by them.

Fascinating and unusual, “Alive,” tells an interesting story of endurance and survival (based on real events). This is a must-read for those interested in stories of survival, true adventure, or human nature.

4. Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card

This is a story about survival, so everyone probably enjoys reading it. If you read it, you will feel the adrenaline running through your veins, just like when you read “The Martian.”

Published in 1974, just two years after the tragic event, this book is a gripping account of the crash and the survivors’ harrowing fight for survival. Read about their struggles with starvation, freezing temperatures, and injuries, and be inspired by their courage and resilience.

To make the book as realistic and as close to the truth as possible, its author interviewed survivors and their families, additionally, rescuers and other witnesses were engaged in compiling a thorough and precise report of the events.

The extraordinary story has an engaging element to it, as it forces the survivors to make tough moral decisions in order to survive. For example, they had to resort to cannibalism after being stranded for two months with no sustenance. The book also examines the emotional and psychological effects of their experiences and how they managed the trauma caused by them.

Fascinating and unusual, “Alive,” tells an interesting story of endurance and survival (based on real events). This is a must-read for those interested in stories of survival, true adventure, or human nature.

5. The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom, by Slavomir Rawicz

I suggest immersing oneself in “The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom” by Slavomir Rawicz. This book is a memoir that narrates the remarkable story of the author’s escape from a Soviet labor camp during World War II and his remarkable journey on foot to freedom in India.

Here are some compelling reasons why you should read this book:

– “The Long Walk” is based on true events.
– Like “The Martian,” the book motivates you to achieve your goals under impossible conditions.

In conclusion, “The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom” is a perfect fit for this list of books to read if you love “The Martian.” It will definitely leave a lasting impression and make you desire to reread it.

Final word and cooperation with you!

If you love “The Martian,” and have read similar books, send me recommendations on Instagram or Facebook. My Instagram: instagram.com/alexmonaconet and instagram.com/monabooks.

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