Many many many many writers take on “hard” science fiction, and get lost in the science, leaving behind such niceties as plot, character development, human insight, or deep emotional stakes. Somehow, Andy Weir imagines a thrilling and scientifically plausible adventure, that’s really just about friendship in space. Amidst the ammonia, burritos, and penis blood, sits a tale that brings both Dukes and Bagg to occasional tears. So much so that Bagg wonders if this is the “perfect novel” for our time.

Summer is coming! We’d love to hear your summer reading books. Shoot us a voice memo to hello@uppermiddlebrow.com and give us your name and what you’ll be reading this summer.

If you have a bookstore, writing workshop center (or fully fledged MFA program), a lit zine, or something similar, share Upper Middlebrow with your audience, and we’ll bake in an on-air promo spot for your thing. Just send a screencap to hello@uppermiddlebrow.com and some information about your thing.