The Martian vs. After the Quake
The Martian
Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he’s sure he’ll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, he won’t have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old “human error” are much more likely to kill him first. But Mark isn’t ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills—and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit—he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?
After the Quake
An electronics salesman who has been deserted by his wife agrees to deliver an enigmatic package— and is rewarded with a glimpse of his true nature. A man who views himself as the son of God pursues a stranger who may be his human father. A mild-mannered collection agent receives a visit from a giant talking frog who enlists his help in saving Tokyo from destruction. The six stories in this collection come from the deep and mysterious place where the human meets the inhuman—and are further proof that Murakami is one of the most visionary writers at work today.
Reviews
Reviews
| Item | Votes | Upvote |
|---|---|---|
| Engaging and humorous narrative | 1 | |
| Accurate scientific details | 1 | |
| Thrilling survival story | 1 | |
| Strong character development | 1 | |
| Appeals to both sci-fi fans and general readers | 1 |
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|---|---|---|
| Heavy on technical jargon | 1 | |
| Slow start | 1 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
'The Martian' is often considered a more engaging and thrilling read due to its humorous narrative and strong character development, appealing to both sci-fi fans and general readers. In contrast, 'After the Quake' is a collection of stories that delve into the surreal and philosophical, which may not resonate with all readers. If you prefer a fast-paced survival story with accurate scientific details, 'The Martian' is likely the better choice.
'The Martian' presents relatable themes of resilience, ingenuity, and the human spirit in the face of adversity, making it accessible to a wide audience. On the other hand, 'After the Quake' explores more abstract and philosophical themes, which may appeal to readers looking for deeper introspection but could be less relatable for those seeking straightforward narratives. Therefore, if you value relatable themes, 'The Martian' may be more appealing.
'The Martian' features a straightforward narrative style that combines humor with a clear survival plot, making it easy to follow. In contrast, 'After the Quake' consists of six interconnected stories that may require more effort to interpret due to their surreal elements. Thus, if you prefer a more direct storytelling approach, 'The Martian' is likely the better option.
'The Martian' is a sci-fi novel by Andy Weir that tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who becomes stranded on Mars after a dust storm forces his crew to evacuate. Believed to be dead, Watney must rely on his ingenuity and engineering skills to survive while figuring out a way to signal Earth for a rescue.
Pros of 'The Martian' include its engaging and humorous narrative, accurate scientific details, thrilling survival story, strong character development, and its appeal to both sci-fi fans and general readers. Cons include its heavy use of technical jargon and a slow start.
'After the Quake' is a collection of six short stories by Haruki Murakami. The stories revolve around characters dealing with the aftermath of the Kobe earthquake. An electronics salesman who has been deserted by his wife agrees to deliver an enigmatic package; a man who believes he is the son of God pursues a stranger who may be his human father; and a mild-mannered collection agent receives a visit from a giant talking frog who enlists his help in saving Tokyo from destruction. These stories explore the deep and mysterious intersection of the human and the inhuman.
'After the Quake' is authored by Haruki Murakami, a renowned Japanese writer known for his unique blend of surrealism, magical realism, and contemporary themes. He is one of the most visionary writers at work today.
The main themes in 'After the Quake' include human vulnerability, the impact of natural disasters, existentialism, and the intersection between the human and the inhuman. Murakami explores how these events shape the characters' lives and their perceptions of reality.
'After the Quake' belongs to the genres of literary fiction and magical realism. The stories often contain surreal and fantastical elements that blur the lines between reality and imagination.
