ReadYourMood
Cover of Flowers for Algernon

Science fiction · Fantasy

Flowers for Algernon

by Daniel Keyes

4.3 out of 5, from 2,333 ratings from Hardcover readers

Charlie Gordon, a kind man with a low IQ, is offered an experimental surgery that may make him intelligent. The novel is told through his own progress reports, and his writing changes as he does.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
1959
Pace
Medium
Length
Short
Pages
311
Format
Standalone
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you like short, emotional science fiction that cares more about people than gadgets.

Skip this if you want an upbeat story or hard science, since the heart of it is sadness and ethics.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Bullying
  • Mental illness

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Ableism
  • Sexual content
  • Animal death
  • Abuse
  • Suicide

Quick answers about Flowers for Algernon

What is Flowers for Algernon about?
Charlie Gordon, a kind man with a low IQ, is offered an experimental surgery that may make him intelligent. The novel is told through his own progress reports, and his writing changes as he does.
Who should read Flowers for Algernon?
Read it if you like short, emotional science fiction that cares more about people than gadgets. Skip it if you want an upbeat story or hard science, since the heart of it is sadness and ethics.
How long and how fast is Flowers for Algernon?
It is a medium-paced, short read of about 311 pages, first published in 1959.
Does Flowers for Algernon have content warnings?
Content we flag: Bullying, Mental illness.
Can I borrow Flowers for Algernon for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Flowers for Algernon; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Flowers for Algernon?
Readers who liked it often move on to Never Let Me Go, Of Mice and Men, Klara and the Sun.

Where to get it

StorePriceLink
Borrow free
Libby / OverDriveFree with a library card Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive
Print, new
AmazonCheck price Buy new from Amazon
Ebook
KoboCheck price Buy ebook from Kobo
Google Play BooksCheck price Buy ebook from Google Play Books
Audiobook
AudibleCheck price Buy audiobook from Audible

Prices appear here as retailer feeds are connected. Where none is shown, check the store. Links open the store in a new tab.

Some store links, including Kobo, are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Library links are never affiliate links. How this works

Because you might love it

If you loved Flowers for Algernon

All picks

Science fiction

More to read

All science fiction