Flowers for Algernon

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes is a deeply emotional exploration of human intellect and the fragile nature of identity. The story follows Charlie Gordon, a man with an intellectual disability who undergoes a procedure to dramatically increase his intelligence. As Charlie’s mind sharpens, his awareness of the world around him grows, revealing both the beauty and cruelty of human nature.

When I picked up this book back in 2018, I read it over again and again, always in one sitting. The fleeting moments of clarity, connection, and happiness —Keyes captures this emotional journey with heartbreaking clarity, showing how the very things that make us human—our intelligence, our emotions, our relationships—are also the most fragile. It makes me consider what constitutes a human and what are, really, our natural needs and desires.