Flowers for Algernon

Ok I’m going to be completely honest…I didn’t read what this book was about when I bought it. I actually picked it up because a friend of mine said it was his favorite book. I went into it blindly and I’m so glad I did.

I struggle with reading classics, but I was able to listen to this on audiobook while I followed along. I can’t get over how great this was! I loved Charlie and his huge heart & eagerness to learn. His mom was my least favorite character, but I can understand empathically how difficult it could have been for her to want so much for her son and being unable to help him. I think this is one of those books that everyone should read.

The concept and plot were really interesting but the writing was a lot of heavy-handed "telling" instead of "showing" because it was a diary format. As the character grew more brilliant he was supposedly more familiar with the arts but his writing only showed increased science knowledge. We were told he enjoyed and understood literature but the diary writing didn't reach literary subtlety so it felt false.

for those with patience...

Just sad. That's all you need to know. Read it. Cry. I almost did.

The book severely impacted my way of thinking. As a former perfectionist, I constantly viewed myself through my accomplishments and attempts to impress others with inane facts and information. After I read this book, I recognized that our intelligence or achievements do not accurately represent humanity but instead our empathy, service, and compassion for others.