This book was a step further from my usual reading comfort zone than anything I’d picked up recently. My friend wouldn’t stop talking about it, so naturally, I had to see what all the fuss was about 🙂
“Final Progriss Ripoti”
First, it’s a good read. But it’s also undeniably difficult to tackle the complex and often uncomfortable topic of human intelligence.
The story follows Charlie, a gentle, kind 32-year-old man with intellectual disabilities who was placed in an institution by a family unable to cope with societal limitations. And yes, there was a mouse. Who was also Charlie’s friend. Yes. I know.
Through his journey, the book goes deeply into what it means to be intelligent, be a genius, or be deemed “dumb.” It explores the experience of being different, not knowing things, and being oblivious to others’ feelings and your own.
It reminded me of that saying: people want you to do well in life, but just not better than them. They seem to prefer you at a level where they can still feel superior in some way.
This book also made me think deeply about sex and its meaning, both for me and for the person I’m with. It reframed my perspective completely, forcing me to question if people have so much sex for the right reasons or if it’s often an escape from deep issues.
Most importantly, it made me appreciate things I often take for granted: the ability to read freely, express myself clearly, and experience life.
Oh, and this is important. It made me think about how we ignore the small changes we make as we try to improve our lives. I loved seeing how Charlie’s writing would change as he kept learning. Amazing!
If anything, this book was a much-needed reflection as we close out 2023, a year that demanded introspection and growth. It’s not my usual review but rather a collection of my thoughts and emotions stirred by this story.
While this isn’t my typical book, it will stay with me for a longer time. It left me with questions echoing in my mind long after I turned the final page.
I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to understand human intelligence and what it means to be human.
Happy reading,
Jane 🙂
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