'Flowers for Algernon'

Daniel Keyes

Nebula Award 1966

Based on an award-winning short story, this novel and cautionary tale is written in the guise of Charlie Gordon's diary. Charlie is an engaging simpleton with an IQ of 68 who wants, more than anything, to become smart. He agrees to be subjected to an experimental operation that's been proven successful on a white mouse named Algernon. At first, Charlie's operation seems to have achieved the called-for miracle. He's smart, but intelligence brings anguished realizations. Then, Algernon's sudden deterioration bodes ill for Charlie. This book will inspire you and break your heart at the same time.