2001: A Space Odyssey is a science fiction novel written by Arthur C. Clarke. It is a companion novel to the iconic film of the same name, directed by Stanley Kubrick. The book follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. With its blend of scientific accuracy and philosophical themes, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a captivating read for fans of space exploration.