"Well, here we are..."
The beginning of an epic trilogy about Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson. It's filed in science fiction, but it is really more of a factual account of a possible future, and not simply sci-fi gibberish. This is the first book of his Mars trilogy and it spans the time between the landing of 100 colonists and the first two Martian revolutions.
For those more used to action-oriented writing, the book is indeed a slow read. It progresses at a slower pace and opts for description and environmental imersion over quick action and sex appeal - although it's got plenty of the latter for those with the patience to read through it.
If you can't pay attention long enough to watch an NBC sitcom or handle exposure to philosophies and ideas that differ from your own in your sci-fi then by all means stay away from this one. Like most books that delve into political, personal, and radical philosophies there are many that may not appreciate it.