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kayanoelle 's review for:
Flowers for Algernon
by Daniel Keyes
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Flowers for Algernon is an incredible book!
It made me feel grateful that I get to read and understand books to the extent that I can.
This book is very reflective of how we treat people with disabilities in our society and touched on philosophical questions such as “What is a good life?” or “Is it possible to attribute more meaning to one way of life over another?”
I found it quite fascinating to be reminded that, even though this was written in the mid 20th century, some fundamental questions about humanity and existence in general have always been around and will never be answered - and that our ancestors have thought about the same questions when lying awake at night.
As a girl in STEM, I especially liked the scientific aspect of the book. I liked how, if indirectly, the question of ethics in scientific projects was woven into the story.
Charlie was a great protagonist and it was hard to read about him uncovering the way he’d been mistreated and abused by people he had considered friends and family.
All in all, this is a perfectly paced book touching on subjects such as science, philosophy, disability, trauma, abuse, sexuality and the endless search for who we are and what life is all about.
It made me feel grateful that I get to read and understand books to the extent that I can.
This book is very reflective of how we treat people with disabilities in our society and touched on philosophical questions such as “What is a good life?” or “Is it possible to attribute more meaning to one way of life over another?”
I found it quite fascinating to be reminded that, even though this was written in the mid 20th century, some fundamental questions about humanity and existence in general have always been around and will never be answered - and that our ancestors have thought about the same questions when lying awake at night.
As a girl in STEM, I especially liked the scientific aspect of the book. I liked how, if indirectly, the question of ethics in scientific projects was woven into the story.
Charlie was a great protagonist and it was hard to read about him uncovering the way he’d been mistreated and abused by people he had considered friends and family.
All in all, this is a perfectly paced book touching on subjects such as science, philosophy, disability, trauma, abuse, sexuality and the endless search for who we are and what life is all about.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Excrement, Alcohol
Minor: Animal death, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Dementia