If that's one of the better criticisms of the book, that's a pretty good recommendation for the book. The article author clearly just doesn't like their dream being shattered.
As I said, "doesn't get it." Neither the Weinersmiths nor you seem to understand the motivations of people that actually want to settle Mars.
EDIT: It was just pointed out to me that the meat of Peter's review (parts 2 & 3) are paywalled. What I linked to was more like a summary for a review. Sorry.
Space fan: We're going to make a city on Mars!
Weinersmith: It's going to be hard. There is no air, the ground is toxic, an insane amount of constant work will be required just to stay alive.
> It's going to be hard. There is no air, the ground is toxic, an insane amount of constant work will be required just to stay alive.
I'll go! I'll happily go to die a painful, slow, torturous death on the way to Mars, so that humanity learns what to do differently for the next crew. I'm so enthusiastic about the prospect that even my kids know, given the opportunity, I would kiss them all one final goodbye and happily launch towards the red wandering bright dot in the night sky.
I'm a successful developer, not suicidal, generally happy person. And I've dreamed of such a mission for decades.
There may not be many people like me willing to make such a sacrifice, but it only takes a handful of us to help propel our species further.
EDIT: It was just pointed out to me that the meat of Peter's review (parts 2 & 3) are paywalled. What I linked to was more like a summary for a review. Sorry.
Space fan: We're going to make a city on Mars!
Weinersmith: It's going to be hard. There is no air, the ground is toxic, an insane amount of constant work will be required just to stay alive.
Fan: Don't threaten me with a good time.