The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence
A rare meteorite struck Alex Woods when he was ten years old, leaving scars and marking him for an extraordinary future. The son of a fortune teller, bookish, and an easy target for bullies, Alex hasn’t had the easiest childhood.
But when he meets curmudgeonly widower Mr. Peterson, he finds an unlikely friend. Someone who teaches him that that you only get one shot at life. That you have to make it count.
So when, aged seventeen, Alex is stopped at customs with 113 grams of marijuana, an urn full of ashes on the front seat, and an entire nation in uproar, he’s fairly sure he’s done the right thing …
Introducing a bright young voice destined to charm the world, The Universe Versus Alex Woods is a celebration of curious incidents, astronomy and astrology, the works of Kurt Vonnegut and the unexpected connections that form our world.
My Thoughts;
I loved this book. It is quirky and filled with content from the mind of it’s young narrator who loves the sciences and loves reading. Because I was interested in a lot of the information Alex was providing, I did find some of the book slow going as the science was heavy, but fascinating. I was only slowed, because I wanted to understand everything I was reading. He explains about the science of the meteorite and the medical effects being hit by said meteorite has on him.
Once Alex meets Mr Peterson, things pick up a little. They have a wonderful relationship and share and teach each other things about life.
The turn of events that lead to Alex being found in the car full of marijuana and an urn full of ashes I didn’t see coming. It is a brilliantly done book and one I would definitely enjoy reading a second time. I would recommend this book to you whole heartedly, but there’s a massive plot point that makes this book what it is, that is hidden away, so I can’t tell you it all, but it it is a really well written book and I’d highly recommend it.
Here’s Gavin Extence himself talking about Alex and his mum.
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – What an innovative idea for sharing science concepts! And I do like the idea of the young narrator when it’s done well Thanks for the recommendation.
Rebecca Bradley says
It really is a wonderful book. And there’s a book club within the book as well!
Jacqui Murray says
Sounds fascinating. I think you should write teh back covers for books–or my query letters. You did a great job wordsmithing the plot, characters and why I should read it!
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Jacqui! That’s really kind.
diannegray says
I love the ideas in this book and really enjoyed watching Gavin talk about the story (the fact that his mum thinks she’s based on the mother in the book is wonderful!)
Rebecca Bradley says
It is a wonderful book filled with so much information as well as great characters. It’s a good job the mother was a good character or Gavin could have been in trouble!
danpentagram says
I’ve got this sat on my bookcase 🙂