Flowers for Algernon

By Daniel Keyes

Flowers for Algernon - Daniel Keyes
  • Release Date: 2007-12-01
  • Genre: Literary Fiction
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 697 Ratings

Description

Winner of both the Hugo and Nebula Awards, this powerful, classic science fiction story is about a man who receives an operation that turns him into a genius...and introduces him to heartache.

Charlie Gordon is about to embark upon an unprecedented journey. Born with an unusually low IQ, he has been chosen as the perfect subject for an experimental surgery that researchers hope will increase his intelligence—a procedure that has already been highly successful when tested on a lab mouse named Algernon.

As the treatment takes effect, Charlie’s intelligence expands until it surpasses that of the doctors who engineered his metamorphosis. The experiment appears to be a scientific breakthrough of paramount importance, until Algernon suddenly deteriorates. Will the same happen to Charlie?

Reviews

  • Emotional

    5
    By M.BAaa
    I saw the end coming but didn’t think it would hit me so hard. The ending was so well written.
  • Never Take Intelligence for Granted

    4
    By 06PaulKubo
    Flowers for Algernon is a really powerful and moving book. I sometimes work around children who are not as mentally equipped as their peers, and this story truly helped me see the world through their eyes. It’s a reminder not to take intelligence for granted and to appreciate the dignity and humanity in everyone. A beautiful read that stays with you.
  • Great read!

    5
    By Bnichols1313
    Very emotional, but satisfying book. It shows you in life that the grass is not always greener on the other side and to not take things for granted.
  • Five , Stars,

    5
    By Whim1954
    The, highest, honor, I, can, bestow, upon, contemporary, literature.
  • What a ride

    5
    By Brafolli23
    Not the book I thought I needed to read but it was so good. Charlie Gordon has challenged the way I look at life and for that I am grateful. Good book. Highly recommend. Also, thanks to my friend who suggested reading this book.
  • Wow…

    5
    By Jorge 15 Guerra
    It was a heartbreaking experience to witness through Charlie’s experiences that understanding more was often more painful than his lack of understanding. How evolving comes at the price of our relationships… an ebb and flow that can easily out stretch our ability to connect with people. While this book did not move me to tears, it did break my heart.
  • An Intellectual Roller Coaster

    5
    By Wicked Nature
    A timeless book everyone should read at least once.
  • What an amazing book

    5
    By Bucwild68
    This was such an excellent story. I rarely do these reviews but I felt that I would do this book an injustice . I couldn’t put it down
  • Wonderful

    5
    By M_Lubo
    Unique story wonderfully written and very insightful. Must read.
  • Flowers for Algernon

    5
    By Gavin Miller 0123
    Such a beautiful book. Hurts my heart with the true thoughts and feelings of Charlie Gordon. He was personalized very well, I only wish there was more of pre-op CG at the back end of the book.
  • Just amazing.

    4
    By Sillygoose246
    I feel like I went on a journey through one of the most heart-wrenching, painful, and incredible stories I’ve ever gone on. It’s been a long time since I’ve had this much fun reading. Charlie Gordon is hands down one of the best-written protagonists I’ve ever read. I was just completely blown away!
  • Simply great

    5
    By awesome🤘
    A wondeful story about someone struggling to make sense of a world previously unknown to him. Charlie explores the ups and downs of intelligence and the emotions he can finally understand. 10/10 %100 recommend.
  • Very interesting

    5
    By panda089711
    This was a great read. I finished it in about 2 days, couldn’t put it down.
  • Tragic, well-told story

    4
    By geosyog
    This book was about a guy who was stupid who got a medical procedure to become smart. As he become smarter, he became disillusioned by the way people were treating him. Later, he became dumb again because the effects of the treatment wore off. He slowly became stupider and stupider until he couldn’t take care of himself. I think he died early because the mouse died early. It was very tragic. I liked that this book was easy to follow with few characters.
  • What the heck

    5
    By Rhianna Portillo
    Good book
  • Wonderful.

    5
    By HBS-9
    I ought to have read this about 30 years ago. I’m happy I finally did, because it’s one of the best Ive ever read.
  • good

    5
    By hrhryr
    good
  • Perfect

    5
    By Avery6197
    This book 100% made me cry at the end, amazing and timeless book in its own right.
  • Unforgettable Story!

    5
    By Wmdogan
    I’ve read the book long time ago which was giving to me as a gift from my English Teacher in High School!( 1996 ) I’ve been still thinking about it! Take my word & read this book!