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thisisthelion's review
5.0
The most important things that happen to us in our lives, mostly come when we least expect it. And at the time we don’t even realize that they are going to change us. So, when Alex is chased by some bullies, he hides in Mr. Peterson's shed and the bullies destroy its windows, he is blamed of the crime and has to do penance. And that's how he meets Mr. Peterson, how will become a friend and how will transform his life and him. I don’t want to go into detail because then I may spoil a few things, but let’s just say this is an engaging and beautiful story about the unexpected friendship between two people. Is a story about life and courage to do the right thing despite the consequences, and staying true to who you are.
And Alex is an especially engaging narrator, quite especial for his age, with a really witty humour and fond of really riveting stuff.
This is one book that keeps surprising you with the little things and I couldn't put it down.
By the way, now I definitely need to read something from Kurt Vonnegut. Feel free you give ideas, people.
And Alex is an especially engaging narrator, quite especial for his age, with a really witty humour and fond of really riveting stuff.
This is one book that keeps surprising you with the little things and I couldn't put it down.
By the way, now I definitely need to read something from Kurt Vonnegut. Feel free you give ideas, people.
yodamom's review against another edition
4.0
It all started with a drive, thirteen grams of marijuana and an urn of ashes. This is the story of Alex Woods from the age of 10 to 17. Alex is one unique and complex character. His life was shattered into a new realm when at age 10 a meteor crashed through his bathroom ceiling and hit him on the head. He lives with his mother a tarot card reader and is receptive to more than most. She doesn't try to fit in and her beliefs are not mainstream. He is already seen as different in his community. After his accident, he becomes almost famous, stalked by paparazzi and reporters. He is also stalked by the school's bullies. These bullies are truly rotten, mean and nasty. Even with all that they lead him down a path of wonderful discoveries and friendship they direct him on a path of great discovery. His tale of the next 7 years is a wonderland of growing up and being different, of learning self control and who he really is and where he wants to fit into the world.The first chapter had me sitting on the edge of my seat with a level of excitement one has when you can feel a great book beginning and it carried to the end. I just wanted to sit in the shade, drink my tea and slip into the life of Alex. It is not a book that should be rushed, but taken slowly, savored. Every emotion is touched and some hit hard where it hurts. A lovely story.
sandiet's review against another edition
5.0
I honestly don't know how to convey how much I absolutely loved this book by Gavin Extence. A debut novel of excellent caliber and I look forward to reading more from him.
The Universe Versus Alex Woods covers everything from bullying, uniqueness,odd parents, and so much more. I can't reveal too much without giving away what this book is really about but suffice it to say that this book is truly a gem. It has been awhile since I've read a novel that I wasn't in a hurry to finish. Not because it wasn't good but rather because I didn't want Alex's story to end. Now everyone's taste in books is so subjective and while I LOVED this book, someone else might say "huh" but for me it was wonderful. When I looked up the author on Good reads, I couldn't help but envision Mr. Extence as Alex Woods, he was EXACTLY what I pictured Alex would look like.
Read The Universe Versus Alex Woods, I guarantee you'll enjoy it and definitely take away some life lessons along the way.
The Universe Versus Alex Woods covers everything from bullying, uniqueness,odd parents, and so much more. I can't reveal too much without giving away what this book is really about but suffice it to say that this book is truly a gem. It has been awhile since I've read a novel that I wasn't in a hurry to finish. Not because it wasn't good but rather because I didn't want Alex's story to end. Now everyone's taste in books is so subjective and while I LOVED this book, someone else might say "huh" but for me it was wonderful. When I looked up the author on Good reads, I couldn't help but envision Mr. Extence as Alex Woods, he was EXACTLY what I pictured Alex would look like.
Read The Universe Versus Alex Woods, I guarantee you'll enjoy it and definitely take away some life lessons along the way.
ariena's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Immer noch ein sehr lustiges und trauriges Buch zugleich. Eine wirklich tolle Geschichte über Freundschaft mit interessanten wissenschaftlichen Fakten. Und es hat mich wieder dazu gebracht, Kurt Vonnegut lesen zu wollen (auch wenn ich es wahrscheinlich wieder nicht machen werde)!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Death, Suicide attempt, Panic attacks/disorders, and Medical content
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Car accident
lindsayaunderwood's review against another edition
4.0
This story was completely unexpected in the best way! I wish there was a sequel so I could know more about Alex's future.
katie19's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
It starts at the end, with 17 year old Alex being stopped by the police. Then he rewinds the narrative to explain his life up to this point.
I got totally sucked into Alex's story. His life as a series of chance events (being only the second person ever to be hit by a meteor, developing epilepsy), all leading him towards the friendship of Mr Peterson and to his maturation into a young man with incredibly adult and difficult choices to make.
The book is all about chance and choice - what happens to us affects who we are. Our choices stay with us forever and have to be thought through.
By the end I had a deep respect for Alex and the adult he had made himself become.
A touching story, one I couldn't put down.
I got totally sucked into Alex's story. His life as a series of chance events (being only the second person ever to be hit by a meteor, developing epilepsy), all leading him towards the friendship of Mr Peterson and to his maturation into a young man with incredibly adult and difficult choices to make.
The book is all about chance and choice - what happens to us affects who we are. Our choices stay with us forever and have to be thought through.
By the end I had a deep respect for Alex and the adult he had made himself become.
A touching story, one I couldn't put down.
csgiansante's review against another edition
4.0
This book has sat on my shelf for nearly a decade. I liked it a lot. The back half really did it for me and it dealt with a number of themes that I didn't think some generic YA would attempt. Even some sad cry eyes moments, which was surprising. And funny too. My cup of tea tbh.
jesslolsen's review against another edition
3.0
Thanks to the blurb and the first chapter, I kept expecting Alex to have super powers or abilities after his accident, but it turns out that The Universe Verses Alex Woods was simply just a story about a boy. I don't necessarily mean this in a bad way, it's just that because I was preparing myself for a bit more drama it took me a while to get into the rhythm of the story and adjust to the characters speed.
I wouldn't consider this a young adult novel. Again, I'm going to blame my misguided impressions because from the cover image and the blurb I thought it sounded like it had all the makings of a dark twisted real life Harry Potter, so I was genuinely surprised when the story talked about suicide and the ethics around euthanasia.
The writing is really good so I'm not disappointed I kept reading, but in hindsight it probably wouldn't be on the top of my list to read again, it just wasn't what I was in the mood to read at the time.
I wouldn't consider this a young adult novel. Again, I'm going to blame my misguided impressions because from the cover image and the blurb I thought it sounded like it had all the makings of a dark twisted real life Harry Potter, so I was genuinely surprised when the story talked about suicide and the ethics around euthanasia.
The writing is really good so I'm not disappointed I kept reading, but in hindsight it probably wouldn't be on the top of my list to read again, it just wasn't what I was in the mood to read at the time.