Hold Onto Your Body!

"Hold Onto Your Body!" by Richard O. Lewis is a science fiction tale penned during the mid-20th century. The book explores themes of identity and mortality through dark humor, as it features an unusual protagonist who navigates the complications of body possession and the manipulation of life and death. The story follows T.J. Nelson, a cunning and unscrupulous businessman who engages in a series of darkly comedic exchanges with his partners, expressing a desire to benefit financially from their demise. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that T.J. is not just a cold-hearted manipulator; he is also inhabited by two alien entities, Gyf and Gyl, who possess the ability to switch bodies. Their discussion of past and future exploits underscores a satirical exploration of human greed and the absurdity of life. Ultimately, T.J.'s scheme unravels when federal agents intervene, leading to a comical twist as the Venusians face expulsion back to their home planet, and T.J. prepares to abandon his current identity.