Flowers for Algernon: Pre-Reading Discussion

[Winter, Group Reads]

This month we will be reading Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

This book was nominated by Ilona for our monthly theme Lily.

Charlie Gordon is about to embark upon an unprecedented journey. Born with an unusually low IQ, he has been chosen as the perfect subject for an experimental surgery that researchers hope will increase his intelligence – a procedure that has already been highly successful when tested on a lab mouse named Algernon.

As the treatment takes effect, Charlie's intelligence expands until it surpasses that of the doctors who engineered his metamorphosis. The experiment appears to be a scientific breakthrough of paramount importance, until Algernon suddenly deteriorates. Will the same happen to Charlie?

[Lisa]

I read this for the first time in 2017, right after getting back into reading, and it's still stuck in my mind. It'll be interesting to re-read it through a more well-read perspective.

I've read a lot of reviews along the way, on both sides of the spectrum, and I see merit in both the most common critiques, as well as the highest praise. So, I'm really intrigued to see the differing opinions here.

[Liana]

I look forward to starting this. It has been in my tbr for a while, have read heaps of good reviews for this book.

[Beth]

I've seen the excellent movie multiple times, but I'm not sure I've ever read the book. I'm eager to start!

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I read the novel a few years back so I won't read it again but I'll gladly participate in the discussion.

The novel is based on a short story with the same title. When I was in grade school (a long time ago back in the 1970s) one of my teachers read the short story to the class. I remember how emotionally powerful it was back then, and I believe it was probably my first exposure to written Science Fiction. I still prefer the short story to the novel.

I hope everyone enjoys this story and I look forward to the discussion.

[Lisa]

I prefer the short story, aswell, RJ! And I also really enjoyed the movie, Beth!

I was definitely caught up in the emotional takeaway on my first reading, but looking back now, I'm predicting it will be a lower rating this time around (which is a bit sad.... but oh well).
In retrospect, there's a very precise moment where it becomes extremely clear to me that this is an elongation of a short story.

[Stephanie]

I borrowed the audiobook from my library yesterday. I didn’t know there was a film and a short story based on this book. I look forward to reading everyone’s comments/responses. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Amy]

I read this as a child and have been wanting to reread it. I look forward to the discussion.

[thorne]

Will be starting this soon, waiting on it at the library!!

[Denise]

I read this years ago as a play, and decided to try the book. I've just started it and will check in the mid-read questions when I make more progress

[LinaVer]

I've been meaning to re-read this, as it's been one of my favorite books since I read it for the first time probably 10-12 years ago. Can't wait honestly, and even though I already have quite some books lined up for May, I think this is going to be high on the list.