Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
London : Hodder, 2013.
Description
"Alex Woods was struck by a meteorite when he was ten years old, leaving scars that marked him for an extraordinary life. The son of a fortune teller, bookish, and an easy target for bullies, he hasn't had the most conventional childhood. 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 Dover customs with 113 grams of marijuana, an urn full of ashes on the passenger seat, and an entire nation in uproar, he's fairly sure he's done the right thing ..."--From publisher description.
Media reviews
User reviews
LibraryThing member horomnizon
This book was not what I thought it was going to be. It was better. It really touches on a subject that I've not seen in other books I've read. It's obvious what side the author is on, because of the actions and philosophies of the main characters. Although the protagonist does briefly ponder the
I really did enjoy the book and though it perhaps tends toward the YA genre, I think it would be interesting reading for all age levels. (Although as I was reading it, I didn't think that most of the "little old ladies" who come to my library would like it.)
Below is a SPOILER of sorts, so if you don't want to know what the main subject turns out to be, stop here.
I'm typing this just to space out the word SPOILER and the sentence below with the actual spoiler. Really, stop if you don't want to know.
The idea of assisted suicide and end of life rights is not one I've heard too much about in the US since Kevorkian controversies abounded a decade or more ago. I don't know that I necessarily agree with all that happened here and the situation is set up to be less sticky than most people's lives really are (e.g., Mr. Peterson has no living relatives to deal with, neither character is conventionally religious, etc.), which makes it a bit more cut and dried as far as their decision. However, Extence builds the characters in a way that their decision is very logical FOR THEM within this story. That makes a good book - it wouldn't make sense for characters just to do what the author wants them to do with no reasoning - but here we see Alex's philosophy of life and how it came to be (partly through the Vonnegut book club and Mr. Peterson's influence) and how he came to the decision. It fits. Extence was true to his characters.
And so, I found this a well written and enjoyable book, even though I do not share all the same philosophies.
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topic, his decision is pretty quick and this story is fairly one-sided on the topic. I really did enjoy the book and though it perhaps tends toward the YA genre, I think it would be interesting reading for all age levels. (Although as I was reading it, I didn't think that most of the "little old ladies" who come to my library would like it.)
Below is a SPOILER of sorts, so if you don't want to know what the main subject turns out to be, stop here.
I'm typing this just to space out the word SPOILER and the sentence below with the actual spoiler. Really, stop if you don't want to know.
The idea of assisted suicide and end of life rights is not one I've heard too much about in the US since Kevorkian controversies abounded a decade or more ago. I don't know that I necessarily agree with all that happened here and the situation is set up to be less sticky than most people's lives really are (e.g., Mr. Peterson has no living relatives to deal with, neither character is conventionally religious, etc.), which makes it a bit more cut and dried as far as their decision. However, Extence builds the characters in a way that their decision is very logical FOR THEM within this story. That makes a good book - it wouldn't make sense for characters just to do what the author wants them to do with no reasoning - but here we see Alex's philosophy of life and how it came to be (partly through the Vonnegut book club and Mr. Peterson's influence) and how he came to the decision. It fits. Extence was true to his characters.
And so, I found this a well written and enjoyable book, even though I do not share all the same philosophies.
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LibraryThing member bookwormdreams
You know it’s bad when you can use a book as a sleeping pill and it only takes one page to work the magic. At this rate I might have finished The Universe Versus Alex Woods in a couple of years, but why waste my time on boring book (or sleeping) when there are many more interesting books to
I guess it all comes down to expectations and how The Universe Versus Alex Woods didn’t have nothing of what I hoped for: humor and paranormal elements or at least magical realism. This is plain-old contemporary coming-of-age fiction written from a male perspective. I already decided when I read The Tragedy Paper that these kind of books are not my thing and if I knew there was nothing more to it, I would not have requested a review copy.
The Universe Versus Alex Woods started from the end and what an ending it was: intriguing, quirky or simply in one word WTF. But when plot rolled back to the beginning, everything got boring.
The only extraordinary thing about Alex Woods is that he was hit by a meteor and after hundredth repetition that fact is no longer interesting. I read until almost 50% of the book (that’s 200 pages) and it all came down to his tedious retelling of problems in high school. For me this was real snooze-fest. Even Gavin Extence nice and fluid writing style or references to Kurt Vonnegut’s novels could not pierce my bubble of boredom.
IN THE END…
Fans of contemporary fiction with literary flair writing about teenage boys coming of age problems in high school will probably enjoy The Universe Versus Alex Woods. For me it missed that mystical ingredient that sparks my interest to keep on reading…
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read?I guess it all comes down to expectations and how The Universe Versus Alex Woods didn’t have nothing of what I hoped for: humor and paranormal elements or at least magical realism. This is plain-old contemporary coming-of-age fiction written from a male perspective. I already decided when I read The Tragedy Paper that these kind of books are not my thing and if I knew there was nothing more to it, I would not have requested a review copy.
The Universe Versus Alex Woods started from the end and what an ending it was: intriguing, quirky or simply in one word WTF. But when plot rolled back to the beginning, everything got boring.
The only extraordinary thing about Alex Woods is that he was hit by a meteor and after hundredth repetition that fact is no longer interesting. I read until almost 50% of the book (that’s 200 pages) and it all came down to his tedious retelling of problems in high school. For me this was real snooze-fest. Even Gavin Extence nice and fluid writing style or references to Kurt Vonnegut’s novels could not pierce my bubble of boredom.
IN THE END…
Fans of contemporary fiction with literary flair writing about teenage boys coming of age problems in high school will probably enjoy The Universe Versus Alex Woods. For me it missed that mystical ingredient that sparks my interest to keep on reading…
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LibraryThing member picardyrose
Interesting premise, just lost interest.
LibraryThing member julie10reads
The son of a fortune teller, who was struck by a meteorite when he was ten, befriends a grumpy, old widower who discovers he has a terminal illness. Alex proves his friendship by getting stopped at the border by customs with a large bag of marijuana and an urn full of ashes. Summary BPL
We all feel
But young adults, particularly, are sensitive to the dark valley yawning between what can be and what is. Lack of true independence at this age can make a young person feel like a toddler in a walking harness. In these cases, generally it is an exaggeration to say that the universe is against you.
It is clear from page 1 that Alex Woods is being pursued by the universe. Busted at Customs for a bag of weed, he has just returned from Switzerland with the ashes of his neighbor (and possibly best friend), unable to explain the situation as an epileptic episode overtakes him. The author then matter-of-factly traces the trajectory that has brought the delightfully philosophical Alex to this moment in time.
Opposing forces shape Alex's context--a fortune-telling Mum and a meditating neurosurgeon help him recover from the meteorite strike; oafish school bullies endanger him yet obliquely enable his relationship with a reclusive neighbor who introduces Alex to the sublime writings of Kurt Vonnegut. The Guardian calls THE UNIVERSE VERSUS ALEX WOODS "a fairy tale for rationalists".
When Alex gathers people together for a club named the Secular Church of Kurt Vonnegut I wished I could join. The parts where his friendship with Mr. Peterson grows were my favourite, especially as Mr. P comes to rely more and more on Alex and the psychological impact of that on the older man.
Alex's empirical reasoning, determination and charm make him first cousin to Christopher Boone of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, another wonderful tale.
Lots to think about in this book. Looking forward to more from Gavin Extence--even a sequel!
8 out of 10 For fans of character-driven fiction, Kurt Vonnegut and unusual plots.
We all feel
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from time to time that cosmos is conspiring against us. Your teaching contract isn't renewed; your spouse loses a job; your doctor keeps murmuring about a colonoscopy--and that's just my life ha!But young adults, particularly, are sensitive to the dark valley yawning between what can be and what is. Lack of true independence at this age can make a young person feel like a toddler in a walking harness. In these cases, generally it is an exaggeration to say that the universe is against you.
It is clear from page 1 that Alex Woods is being pursued by the universe. Busted at Customs for a bag of weed, he has just returned from Switzerland with the ashes of his neighbor (and possibly best friend), unable to explain the situation as an epileptic episode overtakes him. The author then matter-of-factly traces the trajectory that has brought the delightfully philosophical Alex to this moment in time.
Opposing forces shape Alex's context--a fortune-telling Mum and a meditating neurosurgeon help him recover from the meteorite strike; oafish school bullies endanger him yet obliquely enable his relationship with a reclusive neighbor who introduces Alex to the sublime writings of Kurt Vonnegut. The Guardian calls THE UNIVERSE VERSUS ALEX WOODS "a fairy tale for rationalists".
When Alex gathers people together for a club named the Secular Church of Kurt Vonnegut I wished I could join. The parts where his friendship with Mr. Peterson grows were my favourite, especially as Mr. P comes to rely more and more on Alex and the psychological impact of that on the older man.
Alex's empirical reasoning, determination and charm make him first cousin to Christopher Boone of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, another wonderful tale.
Lots to think about in this book. Looking forward to more from Gavin Extence--even a sequel!
8 out of 10 For fans of character-driven fiction, Kurt Vonnegut and unusual plots.
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LibraryThing member bookqueenshelby
The book starts out with Alex being arrested for having a stash of pot, cash and Mr Peterson's remains in his car. I thought..okay so this is going to be one weird book. Then Alex Woods tells his story.
The story involved is Alex from age 10 until 17. Alex is such a fresh, vibrant voice. I LOVED
This book just kept suprising me. It makes you wonder how far would you go for a friend? How do you treat people that you see as different? LOVED it. Bravo Gavin Extence!
The story involved is Alex from age 10 until 17. Alex is such a fresh, vibrant voice. I LOVED
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his character. He is smart, questions lifes mystery's and is somewhat brain damaged from a rogue comet that hit him in the head.This book just kept suprising me. It makes you wonder how far would you go for a friend? How do you treat people that you see as different? LOVED it. Bravo Gavin Extence!
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LibraryThing member knitwit2
remind me of "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close"
LibraryThing member PatienceFortitude
A British boy gets struck by a meteor... and lives to tell. He's the narrator, for this coming of age tale that managed to stay emotionally balanced, and quirky without feeling like it was trying too hard.
All the eccentricities made sense.
All the eccentricities made sense.
LibraryThing member PatienceFortitude
A British boy gets struck by a meteor... and lives to tell. He's the narrator, for this coming of age tale that managed to stay emotionally balanced, and quirky without feeling like it was trying too hard.
All the eccentricities made sense.
All the eccentricities made sense.
LibraryThing member hillmeredith
Alex Woods is a boy who has survived being hit by a meteor but is not unscathed. As a result of his injury, he delves into the worlds of neuropsych and astronomy and is led to make friends with his elderly neighbor who introduces him to Vonnegut. Alex takes his many difficulties in stride, and
I found this to be a phenomenal book. The character of Alex Woods was endearing if not wholly unique. The plot line is somewhat convoluted, but it offers many opportunities for the reader to reflect on his own values and fosters many "what would I have done" moments. I am strongly recommending this book for inclusion in my school's curriculum for 8th or 9th grade boys.
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strongly reminds the reader of protagonists from other adult novels with "child" narrators. I found this to be a phenomenal book. The character of Alex Woods was endearing if not wholly unique. The plot line is somewhat convoluted, but it offers many opportunities for the reader to reflect on his own values and fosters many "what would I have done" moments. I am strongly recommending this book for inclusion in my school's curriculum for 8th or 9th grade boys.
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LibraryThing member PatienceFortitude
A British boy gets struck by a meteor... and lives to tell. He's the narrator, for this coming of age tale that managed to stay emotionally balanced, and quirky without feeling like it was trying too hard.
All the eccentricities made sense.
All the eccentricities made sense.
LibraryThing member julie.billing
I really struggled with the end of this book. I don't think it helps that it was the second book like this I'd read this month - and didn't realize the commonality up front. I did like Alex, but I found his mother to be a bit unbelievable. But very well written and though provoking.
LibraryThing member LavendarBlue
An upbeat and poignant coming of age tale about life, social customs and morality.
LibraryThing member PeskyLibrary
Meteorites, Marijuana, and a Swiss adventure. After Alex Woods is hit in the head by a meteorite his life rapidly changes, but it is not until he meets Mr. Peterson, a grumpy war vet, and makes a secret pact that he finds himself in a precarious position . If you like books that touch on how
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society walks the line in between black and white and how morals don't necessarily fit in, you would like The Universe versus Alex Woods. Wyatt, Class of 2014 Show Less
LibraryThing member JessicaSim
I have mixed feelings about this book. It was a very easy read and at times it made me chuckle and towards the end I even had to choke back some tears (I was reading in public, otherwise I'd just let them go). But after I finished reading I didn't miss it or think twice about it. This is a bit
The story is reminiscent of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night" and the constant references to Kurt Vonnegut don't work for me. Still, it's a like-able story that makes a good holiday read. I can imagine it would appeal to a younger reading audience, although they might not get all the science or, aforementioned, Kurt Vonnegut references.
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weird as the story tries to address very difficult topics, the most obvious one being "life and death". However, it merely scratches the surface and never goes deep enough.The story is reminiscent of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night" and the constant references to Kurt Vonnegut don't work for me. Still, it's a like-able story that makes a good holiday read. I can imagine it would appeal to a younger reading audience, although they might not get all the science or, aforementioned, Kurt Vonnegut references.
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LibraryThing member JBD1
A rather heartwarming debut story about a unique boy (not many folks have been hit in the head by a falling meteorite) growing up in rural England, forced to confront the facts of life's end in a dramatic way. Filled with interesting literary allusions and lots of Vonnegut.
LibraryThing member c.archer
This is a delightful book about a delightfully innocent young man. Alex is special in comparison to other young boys. He doesn't have a clue who his father is thanks to his mother's failure to get the name of her one night stand. His mom is a psychic who runs a business telling fortunes and selling
The character of Alex is endearing and unique. I fell utterly in love with him and his innocent trust and curiosity. He finds great pleasure in books and reading, much like me. He doesn't really get along well with other kids, but he has no problem with adults. In certain ways he reminds me of some of John Irving's boy characters like Owen Meany or Garp. Alex's character was one of my favorite things about this story.
The other things that the author does very well is give the reader a chance to see with things with a new eye by looking through the lens of Alex as the narrator. One of Alex's dreams is to become a physicist and figure out a "Theory of Everything (ToE)" that "would finally crack the problem of how the universe works." He finds someone to believe in him in Mr. Peterson, a slightly cranky Vietnam veteran who is all alone in the world. The relationship that develops between this odd couple is empowering to both of them. Without giving away the story, each is able to provide for the other what is needed to make some tough decisions. Alex in particular shows a true picture of selfless unconditional caring that is not often found in today's world. His heart is genuine in spite of the things he has been through. He is a pretty good argument for the concept of nature being more important than nurture.
The Universe Versus Alex Woods is an enjoyable and uncomplicated book to read. It is a definitely a must for fans of John Irving like myself. Although much simpler in plot than Mr. Irvings, Mr. Extence's characters are similarly quirky and unorthodox. Because both Alex and Mr. Peterson are fans of Kurt Vonnegut, readers who enjoy his work may want to check out this title as well. It is classified as a YA novel, but I think it's appeal is much broader.
I found young Alex to be a refreshing narrator. He at times seems naive, but ultimately he shows a more thoughtful view than many of the adults around him. Can you tell that I am crazy about him?
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new age paraphernalia. Alex is more interested in books and reading than typical boy things like sports, and he is always trying to find the "appositive" (perfect) word for a situation. Add to this the fact that at age 10 he is hit in the head in his bathroom by a meteorite (which nearly kills him and leaves him unconscious for several weeks) after which he is diagnosed with epilepsy. Although notorious after his accident, he has no real friends and is the target of bullies at his school who plague him with aggressive bahavior and insults. Quite by accident after being chased by these bullies, he meets an elderly man who becomes his mentor and best friend. Alex and Mr. Peterson prove to be friends for life in a most unique way that makes a fantastic and fresh story.The character of Alex is endearing and unique. I fell utterly in love with him and his innocent trust and curiosity. He finds great pleasure in books and reading, much like me. He doesn't really get along well with other kids, but he has no problem with adults. In certain ways he reminds me of some of John Irving's boy characters like Owen Meany or Garp. Alex's character was one of my favorite things about this story.
The other things that the author does very well is give the reader a chance to see with things with a new eye by looking through the lens of Alex as the narrator. One of Alex's dreams is to become a physicist and figure out a "Theory of Everything (ToE)" that "would finally crack the problem of how the universe works." He finds someone to believe in him in Mr. Peterson, a slightly cranky Vietnam veteran who is all alone in the world. The relationship that develops between this odd couple is empowering to both of them. Without giving away the story, each is able to provide for the other what is needed to make some tough decisions. Alex in particular shows a true picture of selfless unconditional caring that is not often found in today's world. His heart is genuine in spite of the things he has been through. He is a pretty good argument for the concept of nature being more important than nurture.
The Universe Versus Alex Woods is an enjoyable and uncomplicated book to read. It is a definitely a must for fans of John Irving like myself. Although much simpler in plot than Mr. Irvings, Mr. Extence's characters are similarly quirky and unorthodox. Because both Alex and Mr. Peterson are fans of Kurt Vonnegut, readers who enjoy his work may want to check out this title as well. It is classified as a YA novel, but I think it's appeal is much broader.
I found young Alex to be a refreshing narrator. He at times seems naive, but ultimately he shows a more thoughtful view than many of the adults around him. Can you tell that I am crazy about him?
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LibraryThing member ethel55
Hit by a meteorite when Alex Woods was ten, the resulting fame and recognition is soon set aside for a diagnosis of epilepsy from the brain trauma. What results is a young boy very curious about all things neurological as he learns how to mediate the oncoming of any seizures and maybe, someday, be
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off medication completely. His bald head and scar don't win him any prizes at school and an altercation with boys Alex would normally give wide berth to ends up with Saturdays spent with a neighbor, Mr. Peterson, as punishment. Occasionally, Alex's journey over these years would remind me of a certain young man with Mad Cow disease. No garden gnomes here, though. Just a cantankerous Vietnam Vet, a tarot-reading mother, Kurt Vonnegaut and a great story that was really hard to put down. Show Less
LibraryThing member jessicariddoch
There was something in this book that reminded me of a dog in the night time. it was the cool calculation of the main character who was always assesing what was happening rather than simply feeling (this was part of his character and not a writing flaw) it gave for a strange air, though perfect for
The basic story line was of a friendship of a young boy with an older gentleman (nothing kinkie) and how this led to him taking him across to legaly commit suiside. detailing the problems that they enountered and how they saught every other way.
it is a though provoking book, it leads you gently into the decision and makes it seem reasonable as an ending.
well worth the read
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explaining the character.The basic story line was of a friendship of a young boy with an older gentleman (nothing kinkie) and how this led to him taking him across to legaly commit suiside. detailing the problems that they enountered and how they saught every other way.
it is a though provoking book, it leads you gently into the decision and makes it seem reasonable as an ending.
well worth the read
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LibraryThing member Wonderland_Books
Inspiring. Heartfelt. Articulate. First of all, assisted suicide is a very controversial issue. Secondly, I could relate to this book. As odd as that may sound, it is actual truth. I recently had to put down a family dog and it was heartbreaking. Granted, a lot of people would say that this is not
It was a very moving novel in a sense that it put me on an emotional rollercoaster. I found myself feeling very angry during certain scenes in the story, but ultimately peaceful and happy when the story came to a close.
I recommend this book to those who are looking for an inspiring read. This story is very strong, for lack of a better word. If you're a John Green fan, pick this book up. You won't regret it.
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the equivalent to a human life. Regardless, it hit close to home. It was a very moving novel in a sense that it put me on an emotional rollercoaster. I found myself feeling very angry during certain scenes in the story, but ultimately peaceful and happy when the story came to a close.
I recommend this book to those who are looking for an inspiring read. This story is very strong, for lack of a better word. If you're a John Green fan, pick this book up. You won't regret it.
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LibraryThing member clairefun
Today I read this, and so today was a good day. As it's now gone midnight, though, a review will have to wait, suffice to say, I loved it and see now that it fully deserved the hype.
LibraryThing member clairefun
Today I read this, and so today was a good day. As it's now gone midnight, though, a review will have to wait, suffice to say, I loved it and see now that it fully deserved the hype.
LibraryThing member c_why
Skimmed half (no time). Nice characters ( except for the bullies). Good start for 1st novel.
LibraryThing member Lady_Lazarus
This was one of the books I just grabbed in a used books shelf just because it was in English and seemed readable. It was. Just nothing for me. The story flowed nicely and it was an ok read, but I didn't particularly enjoy it, I was just killing time and seeing where it would take me. Nowhere. In
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the end I didn't feel for the characters although they were likable. In addition I felt the story was made too long compared to how little it said. Show Less
LibraryThing member Ma_Washigeri
Plus half a star. Enjoyed it a lot. Lot's of good science, plot kept up the interest despite starting with the ending, nice characters to spend time with and a gentle pace. A good outing for humanism.
LibraryThing member AnaraGuard
What a delightful, quirky, thoughtful book. It opens with the narrator being stopped at customs, in a car full of marijuana and cash, cranking up classical music as loudly as it will go and catching the strange aroma of flowers as he finds himself unable to obey the police instructions to get out
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of the car. We find out that he is having an epileptic seizure, that he is 17 years old, and known throughout the UK for his history with a meteorite. And now infamous for this escapade about which I will remain silent. Sadly, this book does not seem to be available in the US, nor Gavin Extence's second novel, with his third about to emerge this summer. I hope that a Stateside publisher will come to its senses soon and start offering his novels, which will appeal to both YA and adult. Great humor, salted with pathos and a painfully clear renditions of adolescence. Show Less
Awards
Dublin Literary Award (Longlist — 2015)
Alex Award (2014)
British Book Award (Shortlist — New Writer — 2013)
Waverton Good Read Award (Winner — 2013)
Authors' Club First Novel Award (Shortlist — 2014)
Desmond Elliott Prize (Shortlist — 2013)
Language
Original publication date
2013-06-25
ISBN
9781444765892
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DDC/MDS
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