The Martian by Andy Weir is a fantastic blend of humor, science, and high-stakes survival that had me hooked, even though science fiction isn't my usual genre. Weir masterfully balances the technical info dumps with wit, pop culture references, and thrilling story twists. I loved how the protagonist’s victories often felt hard-earned, only to be followed by setbacks that kept the stakes high. While the pacing dragged in a few places, it added to the realism of the character’s prolonged struggle. Overall, it’s an entertaining and clever read that I highly recommend—even for those new to sci-fi.