This is the setup for gavin extences first novel, the universe versus alex woods, and the rest of the book describes, in alexs voice, how it came about. Apr 06, 20 title the universe versus alex woods author gavin extence isbn 9780316246576 genres young adult, adventure, mystery, comedy, drama a bit of everything, really. Red uk warm and funny and tragic and uplifting all in one. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence books. Alex tells his story with such honesty and dignity though he never sees the funny.
Jun 25, 20 the universe versus alex woods is done in a dark, offbeat style that brings to mind the characters hero, the literary giant kurt vonnegut. 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. The universe versus alex woods is written as a first person retrospective narrative in the style of kurt, while that may seem like a strange combination, elements from all of these works are seamlessly combined to create a humorous, poignant novel that will leave a lasting impression. It also includes a short biography, a music playlist of songs alex woods listens to in the book, a recommended reading list, and links to videos of the author on youtube. The universe versus alex woods is done in a dark, offbeat style that brings to mind the characters hero, the literary giant kurt vonnegut. Gavin extence, author of the universe versus alex woods, answers. A young science nerd adjusts to life after being struck by a meteorite. Concerned about the state of the universe in general the secular church of kurt vonnegut. The universe versus alex woods starts off seeming like its gonna be a quirky sort of book. The universe versus alex woods is the story of how misfit alex comes to befriend an elderly american curmudgeon, learns to cultivate marijuana and develops a deep appreciation for the work of kurt vonnegut. Sep 10, 2015 the universe versus alex woods by gavin extence in epub, fb3, txt download e book. New york post about the author gavin extence was born in 1982 and grew up in the interestingly named village of swineshead, england.
Peterson who helps him weather the storm of his teenage years by the wisdom he imparts. The henna artist opens a door into a world that is at. February 11th 20 choice the universe versus alex woods by gavin extence. With writing that is logical yet lyrical, comic yet compassionate, gavin extence has revealed the. The universe versus alex woods kindle edition by extence. His website includes links to purchase the title as well as excerpts from the book. With one exception, alex himself refrains from swearing, but others around him indulge in using expletives.
The universe versus alex woods is a great book that had me utterly charmed. Gavin extence audio books, best sellers, author bio. They start a reading group, for which alexs notice in the local library reads. The son of a fortune teller, bookish, and an easy target for bullies, alex hasnt had the easiest childhood. 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 5 out of 5 stars boy meets world. A rare meteorite struck alex woods when he was ten years old, leaving scars and marking him for an extraordinary future. Alex is a prickly but ultimately very likeable protagonist, with a unique outlook on life. The universe versus alex woods is extences debut novel and is the everyday tale of a teenage science nerd hit by a meteorite who strikes up a friendship with a potsmoking vietnam veteran. Gavin extence lives in sheffield with his wife and children. Find books like the universe versus alex woods from the worlds largest community of readers. I cant seem to be a pessimist long enough to overlook the possibility of things being overwhelmingly good. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence award.
On first read, for all its humor, for all its lighterthanair zip and quip, the universe versus alex woods such an awkward, unfortunate title is a bpicture of a thing. The universe versus alex woods is story narrated by its socially awkward teenage protagonist the words aspergers syndrome is never used but he is definately somewhere on the spectrum who is unfortunate enough to have an overprotective, eccentric mother and no other friends and family who then a quarter of the way through the book goes on to develop a mutually beneficial and unlikely father and son relationship with a stranger. Mar 15, 20 concerned about the state of the universe in general the secular church of kurt vonnegut. Its a wonderful comingofage story, delivered in an offhand casual style that belies the deeply moral concerns of the author. Jun 25, 20 both alex and harry have them, and in each case they become a jagged banner of survival. The universe versus alex woods is story narrated by its socially awkward teenage protagonist the words aspergers syndrome is never used but he is definately somewhere on the spectrum who is unfortunate enough to have an overprotective, eccentric mother and no other friends and family who then a quarter of the way through the book goes on to.
The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence goodreads. The universe versus alex woods is a funny and affecting comingofage novel, addressing weighty issues with humor, sensitivity, and insight. Tomstyle bond with an elderly, cantankerous american called mr. Buy this book seventeenyearold alex woods was a household name even before authorities discovered. Alex woods gets stopped at dover border control with a bunch of pot in the glove compartment and his friend mr.
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 5 out of 5. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence hachette book. Goodreads members who liked the universe versus alex woods. The universe versus alex woods books richard and judy. It is the story of wilful teenager alex, who acquires a fascination with science and astronomy after being struck by a falling meteorite and going into a coma. Readers questions about the universe versus alex woods. Get 50% off this audiobook at the audiobooksnow online audio book store and download or stream it right to your computer, smartphone or tablet. The book was described by emma john in the guardian as being the everyday tale of a teenage science nerd hit by a meteorite who strikes up a friendship with a potsmoking vietnam veteran. Visa, mastercard, american express paypal, diners club and discover. The universe versus alex woods contains language that will offend some readers. Download the universe versus alex woods audiobook by gavin. The universe versus alex woods prerecorded audio player. A book club for people interested in all or some of the following. Title the universe versus alex woods author gavin extence isbn 9780316246576 genres young adult, adventure, mystery, comedy, drama a bit of everything, really.
Jun 21, 2014 gavin extence, the universe versus alex woods the protagonist of the novel, alex woods, was hit on the head by a meteor aged ten, and miraculously survived. Gavin extence, the universe versus alex woods the protagonist of the novel, alex woods, was hit on the head by a meteor aged ten, and miraculously survived. As with mark haddons book, extence depicts an unusual teenage protagonist, the. An already engaging story really takes off and will hold you tight to the last page. The universe versus alex woods free pdf, epub, fb3, txt.
To ask other readers questions about the universe versus alex woods, please sign up. Jan 31, 20 the universe versus alex woods is story narrated by its socially awkward teenage protagonist the words aspergers syndrome is never used but he is definately somewhere on the spectrum who is unfortunate enough to have an overprotective, eccentric mother and no other friends and family who then a quarter of the way through the book goes on to. Download or stream the universe versus alex woods by gavin extence. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence bbc. All content included on our site, such as text, images, digital downloads and other, is the property of its content suppliers and protected by us and international laws. The universe versus alex woods gavin extence, 20 redhook 416 pp. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence, paperback.
The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence waterstones. What follows is a highly original and compelling account of alexs life and the strange series of events that brought him here. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence, 9781444764611, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. They make me laugh and cry and find meaning in life. Its a musthave for your library, and a treat for both the young, as well as the young at heart. He lives in sheffield and is currently working on his fourth novel. At its heart, the universe versus alex woods is yet another comingofagetale, following alex as he forms a goodnight mr. The universe versus alex woods 20 is the debut novel by gavin extence. Richard and judy summer bookclub read 20, amazon rising star, and shortlisted for. The universe versus alex woods new york journal of books. With writing that is logical yet lyrical, comic yet compassionate, gavin extence has revealed the simple beauty of laughter, friendship, love and reason. Alex woods takes a sharp turn into the unknown when alex meets grumpy, reclusive widower mr peterson. Peterson encourages alex to read vonnegut, prompting alex to create a book club called the secular church of kurt vonnegut, giving alex a. Feb 12, 20 february 11th 20 choice the universe versus alex woods by gavin extence.
The universe versus alex woods may be a debut novel but it is an outstanding novel by any standards. The universe versus alex woods paperback third place books. Extence makes absolutely sure that from the first page you are not going to want to put this. The universe versus alex woods would be a great book for either a reading group or discussion group. Gothgirl ellie, for example, employs fk almost every time she speaks, as do the bullies who torment alex at the start of the book. The universe versus alex woods is a very impressive debut novel. Its my debut novel, the universe versus alex woods.
159 1346 143 989 890 327 1154 1182 1139 775 938 1200 1404 284 1058 87 732 888 278 740 139 1491 931 165 204 657 420 1034 226 635 1299 767 887 531 1097 1175 974 154 84 1358 886 638 405 398 470 1293