I read a lot of SF in college, then quit. It’s been over 40 years. Was a big fan back then.
I just pulled off one of my thousands (not kidding) of science fiction books off the shelf and took it with me on the plane (aka sardine can) for a long flight. I couldn’t put it down—and I am still stunned over how great this obscure novel is:
Frank M. Robinson-—The Dark Beyond The Stars
It was written in 1991.