Flowers for Algernon

By: Daniel Keyes

Narrated by: Jeff Woodman

Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Charlie Gordon knows that he isn't very bright. At 32, he mops floors in a bakery and earns just enough to get by. Three evenings a week, he studies at a center for mentally challenged adults. But all of this is about to change for Charlie. As part of a daring experiment, doctors are going to perform surgery on Charlie's brain. They hope the operation and special medication will increase his intelligence, just as it has for the laboratory mouse, Algernon. Meanwhile, each day Charlie keeps a diary of what is happening to him. This is his poignant record of the startling changes in his mind and his life.

Flowers for Algernon was first published as a short story, but soon received wide acclaim as it appeared in anthologies, as a television special, and as an award-winning motion picture, Charly. In its final, expanded form, this haunting story won the Nebula Award for the Best Novel of the Year. Through Jeff Woodman's narration, it now becomes an unforgettable audio experience.

©1966 Daniel Keyes (P)1998 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

• Nebula Award, Best Novel, 1966

"A tale that is convincing, suspectful and touching." ( The New York Times)

If you only read one more book, make it this one.

If you have yet to read/listen to this book, please do yourself a favor. I recommend reading the physical book first, as you can see the changes in Charlie more clearly. However, the story is one that will stick you you for a life time, no matter how it is experienced.

This is my second time experiencing the story (I read the book several years ago) and loved it just as much, if not more, than the first time.

This book will alter the way you look at others and yourself, and will leave a profound imprint on your heart if you let it.

WHEN SCIENCE PLAYS GOD

Where does Flowers for Algernon rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was in the top 20% of the audiobooks I've listened to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Flowers for Algernon?

When things starting going wrong with Algernon, it was obvious the same would happen to Charlie.

Have you listened to any of Jeff Woodman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I don't believe so.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Charlie insists on placing flowers on Algernon's grave probably hoping someone would remember him when it is his time.

progress report

The narrator did a great job portraying the emotions in the story. Will listen again.

Childhood book come to life

If you could sum up Flowers for Algernon in three words, what would they be?

Dreams of mice and men

What other book might you compare Flowers for Algernon to and why?

In a league of its own, I have not been impressed with a book of this caliber since I have read it. I love this book

Which scene was your favorite?

Do not have a particular scene, I just am I'm pressed with the whole story

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I guess when he realized he was being used. Broke my heart. He was so sweet and innocent . I don't like giving the story away ?

Any additional comments?

I really think my heart just explodes at the end, I'm broken .
Still love the book.

Quick Ending

Enjoyed the story and narrative. I felt it played itself out quick towards the end because I knew what to expect as I journeyed with Gordon's experience from start to finish. I was kinda hoping for a twist spin that he was going to push for another procedure. Was a bit disappointed that he didn't push further communication with his father. despite his reasoning along with his his dads unexpected recognition of his own son, I believe his father deserved the introduction of the new Gordon, especially since his mother and sister got it.
Was enjoyed and worth the full listening of this book.

impeccable narration

The narrator did a perfect job with the narration. You really feel like there is a change in intelligence going on while listening. The story also tugs on your heartstrings. This is definitely now one of my all time favorite stories .

A Timeless Story

Written in 1958 and first published in the April 1959 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Flowers for Algernon won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 1960. While it is considered science "fiction," the philosophical exploration of how we perceive intelligence is very real. This story provides a powerful reader experience and I agree, it is a timeless classic. The narrator's delivery is top notch.

Audible Worthy

This book was the one that got me first interested in even wanting Audible.
The story of Charlie is a very interesting and enthralling story, not that it keeps you on your toes the entire book. The development on the book is truly inspiring and the way the narrator, Jeff Woodman does his job performance is nothing short of perfection the way he voices Charlie, both minds. And his mother and sister and father and just about everyone. It’s incredible. This might be my favorite book ever. Such an inspiring book as well.

Flowers for Algernon

I loved this book from beginning to end. I related more to the protagonist than I ever would have expected given our life experience is so different. it was almost tough to finish because you knew how it was going to end but, it was well worth it!

Must read

First read in seventh or eighth grade.-an excerpt reading of the maze racing-and I had to search out the novel. There were many thematic elements I really didn't understand at the time, I just loved the story. And it is a really great story! The one thing I did take away from my first reading was the awareness that you should allow everyone their dignity as much as for your sake as for theirs. But at many of life's crossroads I have gained fresh appreciation for Daniel Keyes' amazing insights on the integration of intellectual and emotional maturation. Also on the mirror tricks of admiration and adulation. Now as I approach old age, I really relate to Charlie's final fears, and have much more compassion and understanding for those around me that feel they are "losing" themselves. I wish I could give flowers to Algernon, and to Charlie.