Entry 7: Romance In a Book About Mars?

 I’m gonna come out with a little honesty to start this blog. I… don’t mind romance in a book. Most guys at my age of 17 want to tell you they’re so macho and they can’t be bothered with feelings. I am not a normal guy apparently. I don’t mind romance in a book. In fact, I believe it can increase the quality of the book if it’s a little side story. Now I won’t read a straight romance book, but having a side love story that isn’t the main idea is just fine. Such is the case in this book, and it is buried deep into the book and isn’t referenced much at all. I, however, think it’s kind of cute and will thus be talking about it. Real quick, though, I haven’t mentioned the people that are part of this fun side story. It’ll be quick, I promise. Chris Beck and Beth Johanssen are two of the members for Ares 3. Johanssen is what is called the “sysop” which, from context clues of her prowess with electronics and programming, I can only assume means systems operator. Beck is a doctor on the mission as a medic and trained as an EVA specialist. Boom. Mic drop (I told you it would be short). Now, Beck and Johanssen are none too subtle about their feelings, but they are oblivious to each other’s feelings. I think that when that is present in a book that it is hilarious. But I kind of get it. I think that when people have feelings for someone else, they tend to avoid them so they don’t give themselves away. Watney puts a hilarious vibe out there for this topic. The “friend who tries to get you two together” kind of friend. Here’s what it says in his message to Beck. “I don’t have to follow social rules anymore. I can be honest with everyone. Bearing that in mind, I have to say… dude…you need to tell Johanssen how you feel. If you don’t, you’ll regret it forever.” (Weir 205) I love the commentary. It reminds me of all of us when we were in elementary and middle school, freaking out when our friends had crushes and stuff. Weir just dropped that bomb in the middle of the room and left it there, and it is amazing. Lewis even talks about letting them share a bunk because of the modifications they need to make, because this is now an off schedule mission. Then he brings it up again at the most hilarious time possible. The rescue of Mark Watney by the Ares 3 crew. “She grabbed his arm. ‘Be careful crawling along the hull.’ He turned to face her. ‘Be careful setting up the bomb.’ She kissed his faceplate then looked away, embarrassed. ‘That was stupid. Don’t tell anyone I did that.’ ‘Don’t tell anyone I liked it.’ Beck smiled.” (Weir 359) I love the little side story, and I think it is amazing that he even puts it out there that danger brought them closer faster. It’s a very interesting little tidbit to think about and ponder as the book goes on, which is why I think Andy Weir is such a master writer. 

Credit for image: https://www.wattpad.com/stories/bethjohanssen

These are the two actors that play Beck and Johanssen in the movie


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