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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
Really loved this debut novel. Both the writing and the story were compelling, and the ending was satisfying. Look for this one to get nominated for a Gateway Award (I hope!).
3.5 stars, because of length. That's a very personal criticism, though, as I highly value economy of language, and that is not necessarily in keeping with the telling of this story. I enjoyed this book. I read it because it was a 2014 YALSA Alex Award winner, and I definitely agree that it belongs on that list. Additionally, I started reading this book just before I read [a:Andrew Smith|1383409|Andrew Smith|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1270158603p2/1383409.jpg]'s [b:100 Sideways Miles|20493997|100 Sideways Miles|Andrew Smith|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1390410069s/20493997.jpg|16818609], which is also narrated by a seventeen-year-old epileptic. They're very different books, but I enjoyed reading the two close together.
A funny, sweet and moving human story. Alex is loveable in so many ways, the way he sees the world is enlightening and I definitely related and sympathised with his outsider arc.
It’s also amazing how his mind works, and the extreme amount of detail he ends up knowing about topics when he puts his mind to it. From meteors and neurology, to driving theory and cannabis. It was a delight to get lost in a rabbit hole of information with him.
At its heart though, this is a story about his unlikely friendship with an older gentleman in the village, how they taught each other new things and gained new perspectives from each other, and then ultimately have to make the toughest but most important decisions together.
There was a twist I wasn’t expecting when I first started reading this book - I didn’t expect it to be about that in the end. But when you got there and followed through, it’s done with such care and compassion, that it’s quite beautiful. It’s a bittersweet but happy ending.
It’s also amazing how his mind works, and the extreme amount of detail he ends up knowing about topics when he puts his mind to it. From meteors and neurology, to driving theory and cannabis. It was a delight to get lost in a rabbit hole of information with him.
At its heart though, this is a story about his unlikely friendship with an older gentleman in the village, how they taught each other new things and gained new perspectives from each other, and then ultimately have to make the toughest but most important decisions together.
There was a twist I wasn’t expecting when I first started reading this book - I didn’t expect it to be about that in the end. But when you got there and followed through, it’s done with such care and compassion, that it’s quite beautiful. It’s a bittersweet but happy ending.
Wow. Amazing character development, tightly written, and thought-provoking. Everyone should read this novel. And then talk about it.
I would have to agree with the character Ellie's assessment of the main character Alex: he's pretty clueless. And though he comes off as a robot for much of the book AND I hate HIS assessment of his mother (even more so after the books end), it was an overall satisfying read. I like to consider myself a good friend, but I'm not sure I could pull myself together enough to do what Alex Woods did for Mr. Peterson, his friend.
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Someone recommended this book to me many years ago, and it has been sat on my kindle, patiently waiting.
I decided to give it a read at the end of May and I am so glad I did. This book has soul and a heart and it made me laugh and cry. It's the best book I've read so far this year and I would reread it in an instant.
I decided to give it a read at the end of May and I am so glad I did. This book has soul and a heart and it made me laugh and cry. It's the best book I've read so far this year and I would reread it in an instant.
What amazing characters, loved their relationship and I miss them both already! A must read.
I personally really liked this book but not sure if it would go over well with everyone. I read via audiobook and I think the narration was spot on. This book gets scientfic here and there. It covers anatomy, cosmology and mathematics. I enjoyed this immensely but others may not find so interesting. At the core of the book though is the story of friendship and family. Alex’s heart was so pure and I’m so glad Mr Peterson had him in the end.
This book is difficult to quantify. It is about a love of reading Kurt Vonnegut, finding family in unexpected places, death and dying, contemplating the meaning of life, the universe and everything, and meteorites. Yet none of those accurately describe the plot of the book, but instead just give snippets into aspects of the storyline. It's mostly about Alex, an extremely intelligent, yet somewhat innocent young man. I enjoyed the book and I certainly enjoyed the discussion of Vonnegut. I did feel narration tended to be a bit tangential in parts and I found myself skimming ahead. However, that was part of Alex's character--he had a lot of varied interests and liked to talk about them. Overall, it was a good read and I'd recommend it to anyone in a philosophical mood.