i absolutely loved this story i thought it was great. i think that everyone should read this book. it almost made me cry a couple times. i think that this story is so powerful. ( )

This is one of those books I read so much in my late teens I haven't been able to read for years - but I've got a copy, and keep meaning to read it again. I will one day. ( )

A beautiful story about how brains cannot replace kindness, a book for all to read. Bitter sweet but every page is inspiring and unlike anything else. ( )

I picked this up after hearing the premise: a young man, 'mentally retarded' in the language of 1966, undergoes an operation and becomes a genius - after which, the operation's effects unfortunately decay, and the reverse occurs. What's most impressive is that the entire novel is written in first person and does a fantastic, credible job of conveying this rise and fall, as told by the central character through a series of journal entries. There are a number of themes here, probably not all of which are immediately evident to me. There is the emphasis on the difference between intellectual growth and emotional growth, and their symbiosis. But what grabbed me most was how the character processes and comes to terms with his past, now that he sees it through different eyes. We see that not everything about his genius life is better or superior to his life beforehand (as he reminds us, he was always human even before the operation), and we fear he may not regain that happy innocence after the operation's effects wear off. The laboratory mouse that mirrors his dilemna and precedes him through its stages meets a bad end, so how can Charlie avoid the same fate? What must he do, what can he do, to reclaim his old life? This novel is quickly read, but not so quickly considered and mulled over. Just the way I like it. ( )

Charlie Gordon is an adult with a low IQ that has been chosen for an experimental brain operation that previously had only been performed on mice. Algernon was one of those mice. Charlie and Algernon become acquainted through maze testing and behavior comparisons. Charlie shares his frequent progress reports of his mental capabilities before, during, and after his surgery. He discovers a lot about himself and the world around him.

Keyes has done a fabulous job with the voice of Charlie. His character felt very genuine and honest. Also, I'm impressed with Keyes ability to make this story flow and to blend the science fiction with reality. The story of Charlie and Algernon is quite a thought provoker; therefore, making this a great choice for discussion groups. (4/5)

Originally posted on: "Thoughts of Joy... ( )