I felt the same. I prefer my Sci-Fi with more Fiction, and less Science, so some kind of creature would have been nice.
I gave up on the book after 70 pages of growing potatoes
Zzzzzz
Didn't even know it was a book. This is why I don't read.
Just because the book 'The Martian' is a turkey is no excuse not to read.
I would say out of all the films I have ever seen in 99% of cases the book(s) is / are better.
Is it better than the books?
Haven't read the books but I doubt it....