The Forever War by Joe Haldeman

Joe Haldeman isn't one of the best known writers in science fiction anymore. I don't know why, I cannot think of a good reason he shouldn't be. The Forever War won the Nebula in 1975 and the Hugo in 1976, making it one of the most recognized pieces in the genre. And, of course, there were the obligatory sequels (which I have not read...yet).

After I read it, I see why it won, especially when it won. (For those too young to remember, that was right after the Viet Nam War.) Its a great book, and an honest, if not terribly graphic, look at the true cost of war. It is one of those "must reads", even though I think there are better written books to be read. There are none that I know of that take both a "hard science" fiction approach and that tell a story that is more timeless in its tragedy and triumphs. Despite the rating, grab a paperback of this one, and read it. You'll be glad you did.