This is one of the best books I read... it's a science fiction novel, told by the main character, Charlie, via a series of "progress reports", basically like a diary. He's a mentally retarded man who undergoes surgery to increase his intelligence. Algernon is a mouse who has undergone the same surgery. I loved the style and how it changes with Charlie's evolution, I couldn't stop reading until the end. The book describes how mentally retarded people where considered and treated at the time and follows Charlie's evolution after the operation, his perception of himself and others. It's an extremely interesting and moving read, and I'd recommend it to any sci-fi reader (but not only).