If you haven't read much science fiction, Proyecto Hail Mary is the perfect entry point for several reasons:
Creative uses of "The Metric System" (a recurring theme of competence). proyecto hail mary top
The story follows Ryland Grace, a middle-school science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of his name, his mission, or why his two crewmates are dead. If you haven't read much science fiction, Proyecto