In this story, the intelligence of a mentally challenged man is greatly enhanced by neuro-surgical treatments. He forms an attachment with a mouse named Algernon who has already undergone this same treatment shortly before him. Charlie is asked to keep a dairy and the novel consists of his daily reports. As his intelligence grows Charlie becomes more aware of his status. He soon develops into a "super genius" and finds he is just as isolated …showed first 75 words of 746 total…

…showed last 75 words of 746 total…his darkness?" It refers to whether or not a "genius" lifestyle is in fact any better than a "retarded" lifestyle. Well, is it any better? Could it possibly be worse? Ahhhhh...I leave you with that question to contemplate. In closing, this is a great story and provides much insight into our dealings with others, how different people look at the world, our interactions with the mentally challenged, and in bioethics. I highly recommend it.