The Martian

A surprise favorite. A very realistic take on what would happen if a person was stranded on Mars in the near future. But made interesting and fun by the monologue of our hero.

It has scientific descriptions of lots of things, long stretches of tedious work, and an entire scene of just driving in a circle.

It has no aliens, no deadly comets, and no lasers (or weapons of any kind).

And you should DEFINITELY READ THIS BOOK.