I am unsure if it is possible to write about meeting an alien species and not have sixteen people and their cousin not poo poo the whole thing. That said, I loved the way Mr. Weir had me rooting for the alien main character more than the human. Fun Sci-fi read. Somewhat Scooby-Doo, but I expect that with Weir and am totally ok with it. There is nothing wrong with feeling good about a science fiction book.