Is there a difference between Stephen King, the author of Misery, and Daniel Keyes, who wrote Flowers for Algernon? Absolutely. While both are fiction, they offer very different experiences.
Misery is about a nurse who kidnaps her favorite author and forces him to write a new book, with his life on the line if he refuses. It’s a story designed to thrill and entertain, with King delivering exactly what his readers expect—fear and suspense.
Flowers for Algernon tells the story of a man who, after an operation, becomes a genius. The book explores how his newfound intelligence affects his place in society. Keyes dives deep into questions about human value and ethical boundaries, making the book a thought-provoking read.
Some might argue that Misery can be just as philosophical as Flowers for Algernon. But Misery wasn’t written to explore deep philosophical questions—it was written to entertain, and it does that well. King wasn’t aiming to dissect metaphysics or ethics; he wanted to tell a story that keeps you hooked.
Flowers for Algernon, on the other hand, is driven by a central question: How does society value individuals? It’s an exploration of ethics and the human condition. Does this make it better than King’s work? That depends on what you’re looking for in a book.
The key point is that these books aren’t equal in their goals. One is primarily for entertainment, and the other is for reflection. Both are worth reading, but for different reasons. Enjoy what they offer, and don’t waste time on books that don’t meet your needs.
Until tomorrow, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.
-Eddy
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