Solaris

A really different perspective on science fiction. Lem brings all sorts of fresh ideas to the table, and explores some really interesting ideas, including the frailty of the human subconscious, the purpose of human exploration into the universe, and how we seek purpose in our individual lives. I loved the concept of the ocean-like entity, that can not be probed by even the most competent of humans. 

There were some long sections of the book dedicated to describing in detail the history of scientific experimentation on Solaris, that I found to be very dry and long-winded. That being said, the book is really short, and is almost exactly how long it needs to be to get across it's ideas. 

Lem creates a wonderful sense of existential dread and anxiety that seeps into the fabric of the story. The characters, the planet, and the laboratory all drip with melancholy. Overall, I really enjoyed it. Lem leaves you with some serious ideas to chew on after you're done, which is one of the best ways a book can end. I'm sure I will read it again.