Keyes tells the story of Charlie, a mentally retarded man who, despite his limitations, longs to be more intelligent. Because he is so motivated, he is chosen to be the subject of an experimental procedure previously only performed on animals intended to raise his IQ. Through Charlie's journal entries, the reader sees firsthand his evolution from ignorant laughingstock to unparalleled genius, and the heartbreaking journey on which this transformation takes him.
Charlie's newfound awareness after the procedure forces him to look inward and discover who he is and where he's come from since his mental capacity was so limited before that he couldn't properly hold on to memories. The discoveries he makes about his family and supposed friends leaves him feeling isolated and bitter, offering a haunting impression which causes the reader to seriously consider how he or she perceives the mentally handicapped.
This is not a happy read. Yes, there are funny, heartwarming moments, but overall this is a story that will make you cry. Charlie's experiences and mercurial emotions will take you on a rollercoaster of thoughts on human motivations and morals. It will make you question which is more valuable: safe simplicity or dangerous complexity, blissful ignorance or painful awareness.
This speculative work of science fiction is fast-paced and often hard to put down, despite being sometimes wretching and painful to read. It's not a lengthy read, but contains more thought-provoking ideas than many psychological works I've come across. It is my opinion that this book should be a staple read for all human beings and I'd recommend it to anyone seeking a touching tale of genuine literary merit.
So no matter who you are, I highly recommend going to pick up this book. Just be prepared to use your brain, (and possibly tear ducts,) while reading. You've been warned.
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