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Publisher's Summary

A rare meteorite struck Alex Woods when he was 10 years old, leaving scars and marking him for an extraordinary future. The son of a fortune teller, bookish, and an easy target for bullies, Alex hasn't had the easiest childhood.
But when he meets curmudgeonly widower Mr. Peterson, he finds an unlikely friend. Someone who teaches him that that you only get one shot at life. That you have to make it count.
So when, aged 17, Alex is stopped at customs with 113 grams of marijuana, an urn full of ashes on the front seat, and an entire nation in uproar, he's fairly sure he's done the right thing....
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.
©2013 Gavin Extence (P)2013 Hachette Audio
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Most Helpful
5 out of 5 stars
By Annie M. on 10-26-13

Boy meets world

Where does The Universe Versus Alex Woods rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a simple book about a boy who is "different," and how he finds his way. It is along the lines of "The Case of the Dog in the Night," "Harold Fry," "About a Boy," and "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand," all British coincidently. But all of which gained an international audience, deservedly so. Fans of Kurt Vonnegut will also get a kick out of the all-Kurt Vonnegut book club and how this contributes to Alex's ability to navigate through life.

What other book might you compare The Universe Versus Alex Woods to and why?

Along with the list cited above, I might compare it to "Catcher in the Rye" for the fact that is about a teen, but should be read by YA and adult readers alike. Like RC Pallacio's brilliant book, "Wonder," you get to see the worst--and ultimately--the best in everyday life.

What does Joe Thomas bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

At first, I thought Joe Thomas sounded too mature to narrate a book with a 17-year-old protagonist. But Mr. Thomas has a voice that is very easy to listen to, and I quickly was lost in the narration. He was really the perfect reader, able to capture the perfect, wry tone for those moments of understated humor. He handled tender scenes with a light touch, without getting maudlin. I will look for more of Mr. Thomas's work.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed. I cried. I loved. I am smiling now just thinking about the satisfaction I took in this listen.

Any additional comments?

Time--and a credit--well spent.

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3 of 3 people found this review helpful

4 out of 5 stars
By Beth Anne on 08-04-13

expertly written coming of age novel.

solid book about a boy growing up, and then becoming a 17 year old dealing with life, death, friendship, family, being an outcast, being "different"...

really well written, really well read, with thoughtful characters. Alex "Lex" was a thinker, having an unusual mother and no father, and then the "accident" -- i enjoyed his explanations and thoughts processes. he was bright and interesting.

of course i loved the Vonnegut references.

the book themes overall were thought provoking. i enjoyed this.

(ps. doesn't read as a YA novel. i was surprised that this was categorized as such)

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3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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