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Flowers for Algernon, by Daniel Keyes

This book, Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, is narrated by first-person progress reports written by 32 year, old mentally challenged Charlie Gordon. He is the first subject for a risky procedure that raises his IQ to that of a intellectual superhuman. He starts to remember painful things from his past about his family and friends; he begins to realize things that he simply could not understand when he was mentally disabled. This book broke my heart and made me think about how fragile and elaborate relationships prove to be. I recommend it to anyone wants a real heart-aching story.
-Reviewed by Jackie, grade 9.
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Teen Speak said…
Charlie Gordon is a young man who is born with a very low IQ. When he is volunteered for an experimental surgery, his life takes a vast turn. After testing the experiment on a mouse named Algernon and being successful, scientists put Charlie through the same operation ending with great results. Seen through his many journal entries, his writing, behavior, and interaction with others becomes far more sophisticated. However, his intelligence starts exceeding past those who experimented on him and generally everyone else he knows, striking up social relations amongst his peers. This proves to become the least of his worries once he gets wind of Algernon starting to deteriorate and slowly more frail.

To be honest, this has got to be one of my favorite books. This book took me on an emotional roller coaster, filled with sadness, mirth, and even anger. Before reading this book, I never really enjoyed reading, but the time it took me to read, comprehend, and enjoy this book was an entire day. The style Daniel Keyes uses for writing is very interesting and immersive. The use of journal entries written by Charlie himself keeps the reader constantly turning pages. Along with the entire transformation of Charlie Gordon's intellect, there also sparks up a love story between him and his past teacher. This relationship adds to the flare of the book. It delves into human emotions and how they develop, for Charlie has never been in love, or known what love really is. Overall, Daniel Keyes has done a magnificent job with this novel and I highly recommend it to those looking for a page turner.

Reviewed by Zade D., Grade 10
Library Connection @ Adams Square
May 28, 2014 at 12:57 PM
Melissa said…
The story revolves around Charlie Gordon, a 32-year-old, mentally retarded man working in Donner's Bakery, also attending the Beekman Center for retarded adults. Charlie is chosen to undergo a procedure previously performed on a mouse, which greatly increased its IQ. Charlie slowly becomes a man of superior intelligence compared to everyone he knows, and learns many things, including how others treated him before, things about love and affection, and the emotional maturity that he initially lacked.

This book was eye-opening, showing the unfair way retarded or other mentally challenged people are treated. Towards the end of the book, I better understand the frustration some people must feel as they mentally deteriorate, as easier tasks get harder, and as you understand less and less. This book was one of the most unique and sad books I have read and is definitely a good read. I would recommend this book to really anyone searching for a good book, but especially to those with an interest in anything mental conditions.

Reviewed by Brian Y., Grade 10
Montrose LIbrary
July 3, 2023 at 12:58 PM
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