I listened to an Audible.com version of the book last year and was thoroughly enthralled. Author Andy Weir did a marvelous job of researching the relevant science.
The movie exceeded my expectations. IMHO, the movie makers did a masterful job of compressing Andy's novel into two hours without seriously compromising the fundamental elements of the story.
My wife's book club plans to discuss "The Martian" a few months from now, at which time I'll send them a link to your blog entry, Jeff.