Sonny: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Sonny: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Sonny is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Raphael, Rick (1919–1994).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Sonny" by Rick Raphael is a science fiction short story published in the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around the experiences of Private Jediah Cromwell, a young recruit from West Virginia, as he navigates military life while discovering his unique ability to influence electrical power and communicate telepathically with his mother back home. The book blends elements of military training with family bonds, exploring themes of homesickness, self-discovery, and the power of thought. The story begins with Jediah, affectionately known as "Sonny," feeling homesick after being drafted into the Army. Throughout his training at Fort McGruder, he discovers that his thoughts can affect electrical devices, which creates both comical and profound situations, such as causing the lights to go out as he tries to mind-talk with his mother. As he hones his shooting skills, he impresses his fellow recruits and superiors with his uncanny accuracy, which he attributes to his unique gift. Eventually, the attention on his abilities leads to higher-ups taking interest in him, culminating in a scenario where he can earnestly communicate with his mother while simultaneously influencing the power systems around him, demonstrating a powerful link between family and personal identity.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Sonny
- Author credits: Raphael, Rick (1919–1994)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Mothers and sons -- Fiction
- Psychic ability -- Fiction
- Science fiction
- Short stories
- Soldiers -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
- Category: Short Stories
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


