Looking for a book -- think I need sci-fi fans.

[July]

My brother called last night asking for help finding a book he read 25 to 35 years ago. From the little information I have, it sounds as if it might be a science fiction book. He says that it involves a brilliant guy who is trying to make sense of the world around him and discovers near the end of the book that he is just a head and is being used or manipulated by the society he's in. My son and I are trying to find it, but there's so little information that it's difficult.

Anyone have any knowledge of a book like this?

[Starbucks Anarchist]

1. Stranger in a Strange Land?

Do you have any other details?

[July]

2. I'll check that out.

Unfortunately, that's all the information my brother could give me. He likes to reread books he's enjoyed, and for some reason, this book from decades ago came into his mind.

Thanks for the suggestion.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

3. I'm not sure if that's the one you're looking for.

But it is a famous sci-fi novel and the plot sounds similar to what you described. The author is Robert Heinlein, who was a huge sci-fi writer, and others include Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury and Orson Scott Card. Any of those ring a bell?

[July]

4. I've heard of all but Card, but I'm no expert.

I'll look at some of their books and talk to my brother. Maybe a name will jog his memory. Thanks, again!

[Starbucks Anarchist]

5. No problem.

Let me know if you find it or need more help.

[myrna minx]

6. I recall a short story I read many years ago called "They".

I don't recall the author, but it was about this man who was extremely paranoid that he was being watched and studied. He believed that his wife was in on the conspiracy. If I recall correctly he would notice that it would rain on only one side of the house. It turns out that he was an experiment and that he was being manipulated and studied by aliens, that the whole world was a illusion created by the aliens to test his reactions. That is the only story that I can think of that is like the one you describe. I wish I could recall the author. :-(

[mzteris]

7. hmmm.....

Time out of Joint, by Philip K. Dick?