Tyler Has Words is the blog of Tyler Patrick Wood, a writer/musician from Texas. You'll get free book excerpts twice a week. On the other days, you'll get words. If you would like an original take on everything by an expert on nothing, this might be a cool place to hang out.

About Spacebooks

About Spacebooks

Post 404:

            Book/movie review time. Just whipped through a space book, written by a guy who did another space book—so let’s talk about space books.

            By the way, I wrote my own space book. It’s called The Laws of Space. Available anywhere, except space. Try Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

            Note: My space book is not about the kind of space we’re talking about today—it’s more clever than that.

            Okay, so I just read Artemis, a fun little romp about a lunar lady and her lunar problems. It’s penned by the guy that wrote The Martian, another book I’ll talk about. (Andy Weir is his name)

            I won’t spoil too much of Artemis, except to say that the writing is fun and fast and the first person really works. The main character is supposedly flawed, but she can do anything and is just so smart and capable and clever. That kind of bothers me, but screw it, the book is entertaining. I’m not looking for a revelation in literature on this one. I’ve been reading heavier stuff lately, and, just like the moon, things are lighter with Artemi—I can’t finish that pathetic attempt at humor. Anyway, my review is—sure, why not… It’s actually funnier than I expected. Funny is good.

            Remember The Matt Damon? I mean The Martian? Another character who can do anything except leave Mars with his friends. These days, the books aren’t necessarily better than the movie, but in this case—yeah.

            I don’t blame the movie. It’s sort of like Ready Player One—a tough adaptation to make, because it’s pure plot. Do this thing, then this thing, then this thing—exceptional for a quick page-turner, but movies that are pure plot get a little tedious. I want some tears. Some emotional girth. I’m a sensitive man, dammit. There’s a few moments, but mostly it’s like the most isolated guy in the universe is—generally okay on Mars. I don’t think it should feel that way. Whatever. Dollar bills. The funniest thing about the movie is that when he gets back to Earth, it feels like he’s even more alone.

            This could be a thing. Adjusting and the mental problems that could entail—but I think they did this by accident. Because the movie is about science. And critical thinking. Because math. The stuff dreams are made of. Yuck.

            But read The Martian. Watch the movie. It looks great and there’s agriculture. Two things every movie should have. Cheers and see you after.

           

About My Flattened Ego

About My Flattened Ego

About Writing and Still Having Friends

About Writing and Still Having Friends

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