Final answer:
Georgie implies that the author's portrayal of life on Mars is idealized, which is characteristic of the science fiction genre where speculation is based on scientific principles but includes elements beyond current reality.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Georgie says that the author of Red Mars made life on Mars sound not half bad and that is why it's called science fiction and not reality, she's referring to the genre's ability to create a plausible but idealized portrayal of life on other planets. Science fiction literature often uses current knowledge of science to speculate on future technological and societal developments. However, it still remains a work of fiction because it includes elements that do not currently exist and may never be a reality. This distinguishes it from factual representations of life on Mars, which, as of present understanding, is fraught with extreme challenges and does not yet support human colonization.
In the context of The Martian, the author acknowledges the liberties taken with the Martian windstorm scenario, which, while dramatic, does not entirely align with the scientific understanding of Mars' atmosphere. The story taps into the common science fiction theme of exploring new worlds and the human spirit's resilience. This is also evident in literature about space colonization as a whole, which often serves as a commentary on societal and political issues that stem from technological advancements.