I’ve been reading and thoroughly enjoying Kim Stanley Robinson’s Red/Green/Blue Mars trilogy at the moment. Somewhat appropriate give Mars’ current proximity to Earth.
The books are science fiction but are not beyond the realms of our current technology. As well they deal with many issues to do with the creation of new societies and cultures mixing a varieties of religions, ideologies, individuals stories and environmental issues. If you have a spare week or three they’re a good read.
More about them at: The SF Site: Kim Stanley Robinson Reading List
Also check out the following for more current information about Mars.