I started reading this book because it had interesting cover. (I know, I know. Don't judge a book by it's cover- but the mouse and stark red maze were captivating.) I didn't expect the sucker punch that would follow. OH no. I didn't expect this book to become a favorite and I didn't expect to spend the rest of the week thinking about the story's themes, people, or lessons. A word of advice, don't be mislead into thinking that this will light-hearted and pick-me-up-when-you-feel-like-it book because it isn't. This book will start off slow, give you a false sense of security, and then BAM! Soften you up with an addictive chapter or two and then you're hooked until the end. Did I say end? I mean until the rest of the week when the symptoms have worn off. Beautiful story. Well played, my Friend. Well played...

While the story is incredibly compelling, alternating between heartrending and touching, I think I preferred the short story to the full novel. Do not misunderstand, the novel is well worth your time and explores more deeply some things that the short story could only hint at but there was something in the short story that is lost in this format. By all means read this book, but if you find the short story read that one first. A truly great story and well deserving of the awards that has received as well as your time to read it. Everyone should read this story, in either form, at least once.

I am not a reader, I usually start reading a novel and loose interest! But when this book was given to me to read in High school! I loved it! This book is so touching, and amazing! Cant wait to read it again!

I really enjoyed this book about a man who is intellectually challenged and undergoes a surgery as part of a scientific experiment to increase his intelligence. The book is written as a series of progress reports, journalling the thoughts and feelings of Charlie Gordon as he participates in the experiment. His ally in this is a small mouse named Algernon who has also undergone the surgery and increasingly becomes smarter, but then goes through a deterioration. Charlie's learning is not only academic but social and he wonders if he was not happier before the operation. Thought provoking on many levels, I recommend this as a good read.

Amazing book. Definitely one of my top faves.

This book was so disheartening yet very inspiring. The story causes us to question what really defines intelligence and what makes us human. Amazing. It is true, everyone should try to read something as profound as this novel.

Everyone should read this book once.

This makes you really take a moment to think about life and what other people think and feel.