Pithy Books

Books like The Martian

If you liked The Martian by Andy Weir, start here: 12 similar summaries, with why each one matches.

  1. Project Hail Mary

    Andy Weir · 2021

    Because also by Andy Weir; shares tags: science fiction, space, survival.

    A teacher wakes alone on a ship with dead crewmates and must solve why the sun is dimming to save Earth.

  2. The Death Cure

    James Dashner · 2011 · The Maze Runner #3

    Because shares tags: science fiction, survival.

    Thomas refuses WICKED's final test, remembers too much, and runs with the Gladers toward a last cure and a ship north.

  3. The 5th Wave

    Rick Yancey · 2013 · The 5th Wave #1

    Because shares tags: science fiction, survival.

    Cassie Sullivan crosses ruined Ohio to save Sammy after four alien waves, trusting Evan Walker while doubting him.

  4. The Scorch Trials

    James Dashner · 2010 · The Maze Runner #2

    Because shares tags: science fiction, survival.

    Thomas and the Gladers cross a burned wasteland to reach haven while WICKED watches.

  5. Red Rising

    Pierce Brown · 2014 · Red Rising Saga #1

    Because shares tags: science fiction, mars.

    Darrow, a Red miner on Mars, loses his wife and is remade as a Gold to infiltrate the Institute, where teens wage war for power and he…

  6. The Maze Runner

    James Dashner · 2009 · The Maze Runner #1

    Because shares tags: science fiction, survival.

    Maze Runner retold: Thomas wakes in Glade, walls move, Grievers sting, Teresa triggers end.

  7. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

    Douglas Adams · 1979 · The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy #1

    Because shares tags: science fiction, space.

    Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide retold: Earth's end, Ford, Zaphod, Marvin, and the answer 42.

  8. Ender's Game

    Orson Scott Card · 1985 · Ender Saga #1

    Because shares tags: science fiction, space.

    Ender Wiggin trains at Battle School to fight the Formics, winning games that turn out to be real.

  9. The Hunger Games

    Suzanne Collins · 2008 · The Hunger Games #1

    Because shares tags: science fiction, survival.

    Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games explained: the reaping, Rue, the tracker jackers, the nightlock berry standoff, and what the arena is…

  10. Catching Fire

    Suzanne Collins · 2009 · The Hunger Games #2

    Because shares tags: science fiction, survival.

    Suzanne Collins's Catching Fire explained: the Quarter Quell, the arena's secret, Finnick and Johanna, and the moment the Games turn into a…

  11. The Three-Body Problem

    Cixin Liu · 2008 · Remembrance of Earth's Past #1

    Because shares tag: science fiction.

    A physicist meets a secret from the Cultural Revolution and a game that models a dying alien sky.

  12. The Testaments

    Margaret Atwood · 2019 · The Handmaid's Tale #2

    Because shares tag: science fiction.

    Aunt Lydia, Agnes and Nicole conspire to bring down Gilead fifteen years later.

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