The Martian

An excellent combination of adventure, technical realism and geek humour make this book a home run for modern sci-fi and modern fiction over all.
I chose this book for my book club (before the movie came out) knowing that most of the club members didn't like sci-fi but they all loved this! In fact, I was probably the most critical because I expected a little more fantasy and fiction. Instead this book plays out with the most realistic possible scenario for what would happen if a manned mission to Mars went wrong. That Chris Hadfield complimented its accuracy in a review attests to that point.
Watney is a lovable character, and the switching perspectives between Earth and space/Mars keep the pace of the book at a can't-put-it-down speed. I highly recommend this book! (Even if you don't like science fiction)