Recommended by Irina Botnari, and 1 others. See all reviews
Ranked #8 in Surgery, Ranked #12 in Intelligence — see more rankings.
The story of a mentally disabled man whose experimental quest for intelligence mirrors that of Algernon, an extraordinary lab mouse. In diary entries, Charlie tells how a brain operation increases his IQ and changes his life. As the experimental procedure takes effect, Charlie's intelligence expands until it surpasses that of the doctors who engineered his metamorphosis. The experiment seems to be a scientific breakthrough of paramount importance--until Algernon begins his sudden, unexpected deterioration. Will the same happen to Charlie? less
Reviews and Recommendations
We've comprehensively compiled reviews of Flowers for Algernon from the world's leading experts.
Irina Botnari It’s pretty hard to pick only one favorite book because as we get wiser (to be read: get older ☺) our interests change and so do our books, but it’ll stick to the plan. The highlight of this year for me was Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. The idea behind is heartbreaking and completely brilliant, being in the same time so perfect and so horribly disturbing. (Source)
Rankings by Category
Flowers for Algernon is ranked in the following categories:
- #88 in 13-Year-Old
- #70 in 14-Year-Old
- #99 in 20th Century
- #72 in 9th Grade
- #66 in American
- #82 in American Literature
- #85 in Awarded
- #85 in Brain
- #76 in Bucket List
- #40 in Business Communication
- #45 in Censorship
- #34 in Classic Sci-Fi
- #55 in Diaries
- #75 in Existential
- #38 in Flower
- #95 in Good Read
- #96 in High School
- #87 in High School Reading
- #71 in Hugo Award
- #89 in Human Brain
- #84 in Human Nature
- #60 in Human Physiology
- #86 in Humanity
- #99 in Important
- #93 in Influential
- #88 in Inspiring
- #92 in Leather Bound
- #50 in Meaning Of Life
- #93 in Mental Health
- #63 in Modern Classic
- #89 in Morality
- #50 in Morals
- #99 in Poster
- #57 in Psycho
- #97 in Red
- #28 in Sad
- #68 in Sadness
- #52 in Science Fiction
- #44 in Thought-Provoking