Reviews

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

mes91's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I can see why this appears on so many book lists. Such a fascinating premise and the narrative style was so unique. Seeing Charlie begin his reports full of spelling mistakes and simple language to then progress to astounding intelligence and eventually regressing was a great technique and very moving.

I found I didn't much like the smart Charlie very much but preferred him before his operation and when the intelligence deteriorates. He was a nicer, warmer person.

malynn's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

janiemcgann's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

Very interesting idea and made me think a lot.  Towards the middle I felt like the way Charlie wrote vs. the way others talked of his intelligence was not very consistent. It also dragged on a bit at the end. Otherwise, it raised good questions and kept you hooked.  

emisteeb's review against another edition

reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

todallyanika's review against another edition

5.0

Flowers for Algernon is one of my favourite middle years books. The way that Daniel Keyes writes Charlie's thoughts as his IQ shifts is astounding and creates so much natural empathy towards the character. This book is a classic for a reason. I would dare anyone to read it without crying. I have read it multiple times, both as a child and as a teacher, and in a disability in literature course in university and I have found new things to love about it every time.

Merged review:

Flowers for Algernon is one of my favourite middle years books. The way that Daniel Keyes writes Charlie's thoughts as his IQ shifts is astounding and creates so much natural empathy towards the character. This book is a classic for a reason. I would dare anyone to read it without crying. I have read it multiple times, both as a child and as a teacher, and in a disability in literature course in university and I have found new things to love about it every time.

jessrozy's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

kylenobles's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

matchatee's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Sad, heartbreaking book. Last sentence :((( I like the way it is written as journal entries and I can see how Charlie slowly becomes more intellectual through his writing.  “I am afraid. Not of life, or death, or nothingness, but of wasting it as if I had never been.”

“P.S. please if you get a chanse put some flowrs on Algernons grave in the bak yard.”

kitkat962's review against another edition

5.0

I wasn't brought to tears as suggested by many, but it's a great read. The book was structured as "progress reports" by Charlie Gordon, a mentally-retarded man. I like how his use of grammar and vocabulary advanced after the operation and then declined with his intelligence flux (even though I don't know if this is a realistic representation of the mentally disabled?)

The story revolves around Charlie accomplishing feats with his intelligence modified, yet the emotional immaturity causes him great suffering. The report narrates how the world changes from his new perspective. Here is where I think the book can be something bigger: the message felt easy (intelligence is bad without love, society's perspective of the disabled, the examination of self). The characters lack depth (except maybe Alice), I think it's okay for Charlie to have more observations without interpretations.

4.5 stars

jadedreads's review against another edition

sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25