The Martian is a science fiction novel written by Andy Weir. It follows the story of Mark Watney, an astronaut who is left stranded on Mars after his crew mistakenly believes he is dead and evacuates the planet. Mark must use his ingenuity and resourcefulness to survive on the harsh Martian environment until rescue becomes possible. The Martian explores themes of resilience, problem-solving, and the human will to survive. The book gained popularity for its realistic portrayal of science and its witty and relatable protagonist.