Best SF Books People Have Never Heard of

[Herb]

How about this one?

 

[BAYLOR]

How about this one?
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I don't recall seeing that one in the bookstore.

 

[Spade]

The Dark Beyond the Stars by Frank M Robinson. It's about a generational ship searching for extraterrestrial life. I absolutely love it and regard it as one of my favorites. I emailed the author and told him I loved it and was genuinely shocked it wasn't nominated for a Hugo. He sent me a two word response: "I know"

 

[Bick]

The Dark Beyond the Stars by Frank M Robinson. It's about a generational ship searching for extraterrestrial life. I absolutely love it and regard it as one of my favorites. I emailed the author and told him I loved it and was genuinely shocked it wasn't nominated for a Hugo. He sent me a two word response: "I know"

This is the sort of recommendation I love. I don't know anything about Frank M Robinson, was barely even aware of him, but I just looked him up on Wikipedia and he sounds like someone I perhaps 'ought' to try out. Anyone else in favour, who can give a supporting "huzzah" for Frank?

 

[Nerds_feather]

Black Hole by Bucky Sinister.

 

[Silver Bee]

The one book I have read is by an author everyone should know and is a title everyone should know and that's Greg Egan's Permutation City. Excellent work by a modern master.

So glad you mentioned this one. It is fascinating and thought-provoking, and presents many fascinating scientific and philosophical questions.
Not for everyone, but it's really worth a shot. You can't miss it if you are interested in computers, artificial worlds and the nature of reality.
One of the best Sci-Fi books I've read in the last few years. Also recommended by the same author: Diaspora.

 

[psychotick]

Hi,

Well I've mentioned it before, but for those who love the Stainless Steel Rat, this is well in keeping with it, and of the same vintage. Starwell - by Panshin. (and there are two sequels.)

Also as a very light but enjoyable read, with a Christian sort of overtone since the author is a Catholic priest but a lot of humour - The Final Planet by Greeley. (He also wrote Angel Fire which is not sci fi, but also good.)

And I'm going to throw in She by Haggard. Older and definitely Victorian values, but his villainess is the archetypal evil queen and you can't help but be conflicted reading her. There are several sequels as well.

Cheers, Greg.

 

[Extollager]

And I'm going to throw in She by Haggard. Older and definitely Victorian values, but his villainess is the archetypal evil queen and you can't help but be conflicted reading her. There are several sequels as well.

Cheers, Greg.

Once, that was a book someone could allude to and "everybody" would recognize it. The best example I know offhand of a book that was once known to "everyone" but that's now virtually unknown is George Borrow's rambling account of open-air life in England and the gypsies, Lavengro. There may still be a George Borrow Inn in Wales. I read it (and its sequel, The Romany Rye) years ago and enjoyed it. But I don't suppose Penguin would make much money on it if they added it to their Classics line. In any event, though, it's not sf.

 

[J-Sun]

Also recommended by the same author: Diaspora.

Good call. That's actually my favorite Egan novel.