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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
I absolutely LOVED this book! Wasn't sure at first, picked it up because it promised to be funny and light-hearted. It was, but so much more. Alex's story starts when he suffers a brain injury as a result of being hit by a meteorite, he is ten yrs old standing in his own bathroom when this unlikely event occurs. Alex's Mom is unique, he has no idea who his father is. And so it goes. I'm inspired to break out my old copy of Breakfast of Champions, Kurt Vonnegut is a huge influence. Gavin Extence has a winner in this debut novel!
I don't really understand the high ratings for this book. It wasn't terrible, but I didn't love it either. I felt no connection to the protagonist and actually disliked him for about a third of the book. It was well-written with plenty of detail in just the right places and I teared up once or twice, but it didn't strike a chord within me like I expected it to.
A teenagers autobiography, opening with a trip across Europe and a meteorite. Funny, interesting, packing science, literature and philosophy.
Immensely entertaining all the way through and thought-provoking at the end
Really good story, well-written, in a simple style but ended up grabbing me more than I expected, particularly the end which I thought was very moving. Recommended.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Excellent epilepsy rep (some of the best I’ve read in a long time) and to make it even better - LOTR references AND Vonnegut. What more could I ask for?!
Okay if a book makes me cry it gets 5 stars. This book definitely gets 5 stars. Alex Woods is a completely engaging believable character working through some pretty deep issues–morality, death, responsibility. And yet Extence tackles these issues in such a charming way they don't seem dark, just part of life. The use of Kurt Vonnegut is inspired as well.
I read this too fast - I wanted to see how things would play out so I rushed it - the dialogue was pretty impressive - this is definitely a read again book.