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)

Just great

Sad, and I got into the story right away. Narrated amazingly, and definitely is worth the time.

Truly a classic, full of emotion and depth

Like someone else said, knowing the ending already does not ruin the book because it is about Charlie's journey. Also, they hint at it the whole way along so it's not exactly a surprise twist. Anyone who has studied psychology, worked with or known people with mental disabilities, or is interested in very realistic and down to earth science fiction is sure to love this book. Despite some very obviously glaring experimental flaws in the beginning of the book, the exploration into Charlie's character, past, present, and future is astoundingly insightful and believable. Flowers for Algernon is an emotional journey that at the very least, will cultivate in you a greater respect and understanding for all people.

surprising developments

I wasn't at all sure about this book when it first started. The voice did not sound true to me. But as the story developed, the issues it illustrated through the life of its main character, Charlie Gordon, were fascinating and compelling. I ended up loving it.
Performed extremely well. I a different story but one which is most provocative.

Fantastic! Couldn't have found a better narrator!

I finished this book so quickly. It will have you captivated from page one! Such a classic piece of literature and the narrator really brought it to life. Even though it isn't a modern tale, it is extremely relevant. I would definitely recommend!

exceptional book, exceptional narrator. Timeless

this book is wonderful. Daniel Keyes has made a book that is a triumph if the human spirit.

Beautiful narrated classic of American literature

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

Insightful, heartbreaking, life affirming

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

When he first gains awareness that those laughing at him are not laughing WITH him...and that those he thought were his friends are not.

What about Jeff Woodman’s performance did you like?

I think the narrator did an excellent job of reading this at a good pace and did not overact the portions written to reflect Charlie with a lower IQ.

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

Yes, but I won't say so I don't drop any spoilers in. Overall, it was sad but beautifully written with a lot of memorable moments.

Any additional comments?

This book really moved me and made me think a lot about life, and what I am doing with mine. This book is full of insight and, although it is sad, it is ultimately life affirming... It had been years since I read this book for school and I really didn't remember much about it. Going back through it, I see why this is on the American "must read" lists.

A macabre journey into humanity

Read the damn thing, it should be required by law.

Or watch the movie at least.

Great Book

Still one of the best books ever. the narrator is decent but the story is a favorite of from my youth so I am a bit biased.

Great classic, well-performed

I loved this book as a kid and was excited to “re-read” it. Audiobook format does fall short at conveying the development of Charlie, as I recalled several written techniques when reading the print version that simply could not be conveyed in audio. Nonetheless, I loved the story and the performance by Mr Woodman was true to the book’s message.

Bittersweet. And, so good

The story was well written, and believable. The narrator was excellent. I found myself listening intently, wishing the best for Charlie, to overcome. I don't like spoilers in reviews, I just want to encourage you to give this book a chance. If you do, you will be better for it.