Timeless Books

There are books that are considered classics. Books like Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, Oliver Twist, etc. I recently read a science fiction book written in 1960 which many consider a modern classic. The book is Daniel Keyes' Flowers for Algernon. It's been a long time since a book had such a personal impact on me. I'd say that Flowers for Algernon must be required reading for all psychology students.

The book is about a man born with low IQ who was given an opportunity to develop better IQ through an experimental treatment first successfully performed in a lab rat named Algernon. Charlie underwent the surgery and the procedure seemed successful until Algernon started deteriorating. What will happen to Charlie?

This book is beautiful in its treatment of the ethical issues related to psychology and the beauty of the human soul. Written using the unreliable narrator style, the book is an exciting read. Touching and relevant, I'd say that this is truly a book worth your time.