A fine hard science fiction novel about an astronaut left for dead on Mars. Mark Watney, electrical engineer/botanist, is a space-faring MacGyver and thankfully so since it will take all of his skills just to survive. As grim as his situation is, Watney is a smart-ass and finds humor both in his surroundings and himself. Also, kudos go to Weir for the manner in which he spins out his tale - he could have gone with a conventional narrative, but chose not to, for the betterment of the book. 
 While I can easily see a movie being made of the book (which I know is already in the works, if not completed, starring Matt Damon as Watney), I'm not sure how/if it will convey all of the science contained in the book, a good portion of which contains the problems Watney faces and the science he uses to solve them. 
 All in all a fantastic first effort - I'd read his work again for sure.