The Martian (Andy Weir)

This book and Age of Miracles (Karen Thompson Walker) are a study in opposites. Whereas Miracles was strong on characterization and relationships but weakened by stomach-clenching bad science, this one is all science, all the time, propped up with some cardboard characters in invisible relationships. I'm comfortable with what it says about me to say that I loved this one. Its narrator, Mark, is a smart, determined guy with a good sense of humor, but no deep personality beyond that, and nobody else registers much on the human meter. But then Mark finds himself stranded on Mars with no means of communication, in a habitat meant to keep six people alive for 31 days and possible rescue four years off, and he sets out to keep himself alive. He forces machinery to do things its designers would be afraid to have nightmares about. He applies chemistry, biology, and physics like an acid trip. All the science is rock-solid, while still being surprising and creative. I couldn't wait to find out what Mark, and Mars, would come up with next. Much recommended for any science nerds.