Parents' Guide to

The Universe Versus Alex Woods

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Quirky, affecting coming-of-ager hits life-and-death issues.

Book Gavin Extence Coming of Age 2013
The Universe Versus Alex Woods Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 1 parent review

Kilted1
Kilted1 Adult
November 23, 2018
age 15+

Harsh, kind, intelligent, love, life.

I found this in the pound shop. Didn't get around to reading for a while. By the time I did, I couldn't put it down. Literally praying to stay awake for next chapter. You'll have read to outlay of the novel. So no point in repeating Once I'd read it, and been struck by the uniqueness of this book, I went on an adventure to buy many copies. Unfortunately for me, hopefully not so for others, all copies for pound long gone. But on Amazon found for 1p, but postage to be paid. Ended up sending to Highlands of Scotland friend, going on holiday to Dubai wanted to gift copy to companion and also daughter in NY. 3 continents. It really is a wonderful read. Not a kids book. Talking about vonagaught. ? Blew my mind. A book to make you just think, make this life what you can be, and do what you feel is good.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

THE UNIVERSE VERSUS ALEX WOODS opens with the 17-year-old British protagonist detained at the Dover border with 113 grams of marijuana in his vehicle's glove compartment and an urn full of human ashes on the front seat. The narrative then backtracks to the previously most significant event in Alex's young life, the day he was struck by a meteorite. The blow left him with temporal lobe epilepsy, which made him even more of an outsider. After he takes the blame for some destruction on a neighbor's property, Alex develops a friendship with Mr. Peterson, a rather secretive and stubborn older man, and winds up making a promise that he will do almost anything to keep.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

The Universe Versus Alex Woods is a funny and affecting coming-of-age novel, addressing weighty issues with humor, sensitivity, and insight. Alex is a prickly but ultimately very likeable protagonist, with a unique outlook on life. The novel pays homage to iconoclastic science fiction/literary writer Kurt Vonnegut, but British author Gavin Extence doesn't push the influence too hard. All in all, The Universe Versus Alex Woods is a winner for older teens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Familes can talk about how teens who prefer solitary pursuits are sometimes bullied. Why do you think that is? What can they do to protect themselves and others?

  • Why do you think coming-of-age stories, like The Universe Versus Alex Woods, are popular with teens? What others have you read? What makes an effective coming-of-age novel?

  • What are the pros and cons of assisted suicide? What kinds of safeguards need to be in place to protect patients and their families?

Book Details

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