a freak accident knocks astronaut Mark Watney off his feet. unfortunately, he's on Mars, and the rod that knocked him down also pierced his space suit and his life- support system reports no activity. The rest of his crew sees that he's been killed, and with heavy hearts, they leave the planet. 
 however, Mark survived. And he needed to keep surviving for four more years, until he can hitch a ride back to Earth with the next mission. He has food enough to last him a year. He has no way to communicate with Earth, or get messages from them. He's an engineer and a botanist, and of course an astronaut. Can he also be a survivor? 
 Surprisingly gripping for a story with such detailed science-- in-depth discussions of how Watney pulls different solutions together. He's funny, too, which helps-- he's personable, and you root for him. 
 fun, engaging, and ultimately a triumph of the human spirit!