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The Whole Man by John Brunner

Have you read this book? Just a few quick questions — it takes about a minute. Share what you liked (or didn’t), and we’ll use your answers to recommend your next favorite read!

Love The Whole Man but not sure what to read next?

These picks are popular with readers who enjoyed this book. Complete a quick Shelf Talk to get recommendations made just for you! Warning: possible spoilers for The Whole Man below.

In The Whole Man, did you enjoy ...

... the intense psychological journey of a protagonist grappling with extraordinary mental changes?

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

If you were captivated by the way The Whole Man immerses you in Gerald Howson's inner life and struggles with his telepathic abilities, you'll be deeply moved by Flowers for Algernon. Following Charlie Gordon's profound transformation and the emotional complexities that arise from his newfound intelligence, this novel offers a similarly empathetic, introspective exploration of a unique mind.

... themes of strong character growth as individuals with psychic abilities come together and evolve?

More Than Human by Theodore Sturgeon

If you appreciated Gerald's journey toward self-acceptance and maturity in The Whole Man, you'll find More Than Human compelling. It traces the lives of several outcast individuals, each with special abilities, as they grow separately and ultimately form a new kind of collective being, highlighting personal development and emotional evolution.

... a soft science fiction approach focusing on the emotional and social consequences of psychic powers?

Dying Inside by Robert Silverberg

If you were drawn to the focus on the human and societal aspects of telepathy in The Whole Man, Dying Inside is a must-read. It follows David Selig, a telepath losing his powers, as he faces alienation and despair, offering an intimate, character-driven examination of psychic ability and its toll.

... morally ambiguous protagonists wielding psychic abilities in a tense, futuristic society?

The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester

If you found Gerald Howson's ethical struggles and ambiguous choices fascinating in The Whole Man, you'll be hooked by The Demolished Man. It features Ben Reich, a ruthless businessman, and Lincoln Powell, a telepathic detective, both navigating a world where mental powers blur the lines between right and wrong.

... philosophical themes that probe the nature of identity, destiny, and what it means to be human?

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

If you admired the philosophical undertones of The Whole Man—its questions about selfhood, purpose, and humanity—then Never Let Me Go will resonate with you. Through the haunting lives of Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy, it explores fate, memory, and the human soul in a deeply moving way.

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