Number 5 on my all-time favourite novels list is Gateway by Frederik Pohl. This is a hard read for many people due to its use of flash-backs, but the fact that it won the Hugo, Nebula and John W Campbell awards means should at least be up for consideration in any top 10 list. The simple premise is that humanity discovers a moon orbiting the sun perpendicular to the normal plane. This moon is an abandoned alien base and has ships docked, fueled and ready to go. The only problem is that humans only know how to push “go” and then they are along for the pre-programmed ride, wherever it goes… and however long it takes. Would YOU go?
Summary: A very unique premise and a story with lots of twists and turns. Novels written in the 30 years since this was published may cover the same ground more elaborately, but few even come close to the power that Pohl incorporates into his story.
This novel actually spawned 4 sequels and a short story collection, which I’ve read in that fan-boy way I can get sometimes. They are worthwhile if you love this book but they dwindle in power quite quickly by books 3, 4 and 5. Each book reveals more of the mystery behind the ancient technology and race, the Heechee, at the core of this world, but each is obviously a publisher money grab because the signal to noise ratio diminishes quickly too.
I’ve lent this book out so many times that I think I should own two copies. Moreover, my copy is currently out there someplace and I’m not sure where. If you’ve seen it, I’d like it back 
Since it was written 30 years ago, it can be hard to find in smaller libraries or online book stores, but if you come across it, grab it. I have yet to hear that anyone did not like it in the end, despite the flash-back structure of the narrative.
Definitley a must read.
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The novel has been republished in the ‘SF Masterworks’ series (don’t remember which volume).
Your review didn’t mention any characters, so I thought I’d add a note. The book is narrated by Robin Broadhead, an anti-hero who lucks out but at the cost of lifetime guilt. In the present he has just had a nervous breakdown and is telling his story to a computerized psychologist as catharsis.