Stranger in a Strange Land
Robert A. Heinlein, 1961
Ace Books
528 pp.
ISBN-13: 9780441788385
Summary
One of the greats in science fiction writing and winner of the 1962 Hugo Award for Best Novel.
It is 25 years after a space launch from Earth landed on Mars—never to return. Now a second expedition heads out to learn what happened and returns home with the Man From Mars. Valentine Michael Smith is human, born from parents of the original expedition...but raised by Martians.
Confronted by the many oddities of a strange new land, Mike must learn to adapt to Earth—not only its atmosphere, but its language and cultural practices. Aided by nurse Gillian Boardman and reporter Ben Caxton, Mikes eludes World Government agents who may be trying to kill him. He finds refuge in the home of Jubal Harshaw, a well-known doctor, lawyer, and writer. Jubal offers protection and wisdom, standing in as a father to Mike.
Mike is the classic outsider viewing and commenting on society's pervading culture—a culture familiar to the book's readers. With considerable wit and humor, Heinlein portrays a futurist civilization gone awry. Consumerism, gambling, sexuality, alcoholism, and hyper-religiosity represent the new norm for Earthlings. Will Mike be Earth's nemesis...or its savior? (From LitLovers.)