The universe versus alex woods 20 is the debut novel by gavin extence. He lives in sheffield and is currently working on his fourth novel. The universe versus alex woods new york journal of books. The novel pays homage to iconoclastic science fictionliterary writer kurt vonnegut, but british author gavin extence doesnt push the influence too hard. Jan 14, 2014 the universe versus alex woods is done in a dark, offbeat style that brings to mind the characters hero, the literary giant kurt vonnegut. This is a story that will have you smiling through your tears, a story that touches on the most potentially devastating of human dilemmas, without an ounce of sentimentality. The universe versus alex woods is a celebration of curious. As a youngster, he was a keen chess player, winning several national titles. Npr books included on their 5 great summer reads for teens list. Amazon found me the universe versus alex woods and i gave it a try. An already engaging story really takes off and will hold you tight to the last page. The book was described by emma john in the guardian as being the everyday tale of a teenage science nerd hit by a meteorite. Alex is a prickly but ultimately very likeable protagonist, with a unique outlook on life.
The universe versus alex woods may be a debut novel but it is an outstanding novel by any standards. Gavin extence on the universe versus alex woods youtube. Npr coverage of the universe versus alex woods by gavin extence. 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. The novel pays homage to iconoclastic science fictionliterary writer kurt vonnegut, but british author. 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. Dec 05, 2012 a tale of an unlikely friendship and an improbable journey, the universe versus alex woods tread the fine line between light and dark, laughter and tears. He has written two previous novels, the richard and judy bestseller, the universe versus alex woods and the mirror world of melody.
The universe versus alex woods audiobook gavin extence. While theres not much of the latter in gavin extence s excellent debut novel the universe versus alex woods, theres certainly plenty of the former. The first edition of the novel was published in 20, and was written by gavin extence. Gavin extence was born in 1982 and grew up in the interestingly named village of swineshead, lincolnshire. A rare meteorite struck alex woods when he was ten years old, leaving scars and marking him for an extraordinary future. Red uk with wit and warmth, gavin extence shines a light on one of the darkest, most difficult subjects of our times. Free delivery on book orders dispatched by amazon over. Buy the universe versus alex woods by gavin extence from waterstones today. Extence won the waterstones 11 literary prize for his first book the universe versus alex woods 20. He began writing his first novel after he had completed his phd in film. The universe versus alex woods paperback third place books. Books by gavin extence authors like gavin extence what.
The universe versus alex woods kindle edition by extence, gavin. This is the story of alex woods born to a clairvoyant mother and a phantom father, victim of. We even have an older teenage girl character who is feisty, argumentative but ultimately lovable. The empathy problem is a very special novel indeed, one to remember, to keep forever, to read again, and again, and again. While theres not much of the latter in gavin extences excellent debut novel the universe versus alex. An already engaging story really takes off and will hold you. Click and collect from your local waterstones or get free uk delivery on orders over. Stream and download audiobooks to your computer, tablet or mobile phone. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence books. Book club questions for the universe versus alex woods by.
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. Listen to universe versus alex woods by gavin extence at. From the author of the universe versus alex woods comes a dark, painful, and witty novel about a woman whose life is spiralling out of control. May 07, 20 book club questions for the universe versus alex woods by gavin extence may 7, 20 books books contemporary fiction fiction gavin extence a tale of an unexpected friendship, an unlikely hero and an improbable journey.
Buy the universe versus alex woods by extence, gavin from amazons fiction books store. 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. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence used. Buy this book seventeenyearold alex woods was a household name even before authorities discovered. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence, paperback. Click on a title, author name or category to see similar books. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence world of books. I cant say i loved it, i love different fiction more.
The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence is the quirky story of a british misfit geek who befriends an old american war veteran. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence there are two things in life that are certain, goes the saying death and taxes. The universe versus alex woods ebook written by gavin extence. Buy the universe versus alex woods by gavin extence from amazons fiction books store. From the ages of 511, he enjoyed a brief but illustrious. Stopped at customs, he turns up handels messiah on the stereo to try to avert an epileptic seizure and is taken away by the police. The universe versus alex woods audiobook by gavin extence. Listen to universe versus alex woods audiobook by gavin extence. 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 author of the universe versus alex woods. Browse gavin extences bestselling audiobooks and newest titles. And it might just strike you as one of the funniest, most heartbreaking novels youve ever read. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take.
Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Everyday low prices on a huge range of new releases and classic fiction. This is a story that will have you smiling through your tears, a story that touches on the most potentially devastating of human dilemmas. I cant seem to be a pessimist long enough to overlook the possibility of things being overwhelmingly good. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read the universe versus alex woods. Gavin extence audio books, best sellers, author bio. All in all, the universe versus alex woods is a winner for older teens. There are two things in life that are certain, goes the saying death and taxes. The universe versus alex woods is built on brilliant characterisation, humour and emotional sincerity, cemented by philosophical mettle.
This novel might just strike you as one of the funniest, most heartbreaking novels youve ever read. Discover more authors youll love listening to on audible. The universe versus alex woods whatshouldireadnext. The universe versus alex woods owes a huge debt to nick hornbys about a boy. The book was described by emma john in the guardian as being the everyday. Gavin extence, quote from the universe versus alex woods although i dont use it nearly so much anymore, ive decided, five years down the line, that mr. New york post about the author gavin extence was born in 1982 and grew up in the interestingly named village of swineshead, england. Npr books with wit and warmth, gavin extence shines a light on one of the darkest, most difficult. Gavin extence was born in 1982 and grew up in lincolnshire. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence abebooks. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while.
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. A tale of an unlikely friendship and an improbable journey, the universe versus alex woods tread the fine line between light and dark, laughter and tears. If you liked the universe versus alex woods by gavin extence, here are some books like this. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. An unforgettable story of an unexpected friendship, an unlikely hero and an improbable journey by extence, gavin from amazons fiction books. He began writing his first novel after he had completed his phd in film studies and was unable to find employment. The universe versus alex woods is done in a dark, offbeat style that brings to mind the characters hero, the literary giant kurt vonnegut. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence waterstones.
Gavin extence lives in sheffield with his wife and children. The book was published in multiple languages including english, consists of 407 pages and is available in hardcover format. Book club questions for the universe versus alex woods by gavin extence may 7, 20 books books contemporary fiction fiction gavin extence a tale of an unexpected friendship, an. 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. Liz robinson perfect for fans of graeme simsions the rosie project and. The universe versus alex woods starts off seeming like its gonna be a quirky sort of book. From the ages of 511, he enjoyed a brief but illustrious career as a chess player, winning numerous national championships and travelling to moscow and st petersburg to pit his wits against the finest young minds in russia. The main characters of this fiction, young adult story are. Alex connolly is ten years old, likes onions on toast, and can balance on the back legs of his chair for fourteen minutes.
The universe versus alex woods is done in a dark, offbeat style that brings to mind the characters hero, the literary giant kurt vonnegut new york post the universe versus alex woods will put you through the wringer. 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. They make me laugh and cry and find meaning in life. With writing that is logical yet lyrical, comic yet compassionate, gavin extence has revealed the simple beauty of laughter, friendship, love and reason. 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. This is the story of alex woods born to a clairvoyant mother and a phantom father, victim of an improbable childhood accident who is stopped at dover customs in possession of 1g of marijuana and the ashes of his best friend, vietnam veteran isaac peterson. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence goodreads. Gavin extence has written a book that is richer, more lucid than it seems on its surface. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence books on. Alex woods takes a sharp turn into the unknown when alex meets grumpy, reclusive widower mr peterson. The universe versus alex woods by gavin extence the.
Pdf the universe versus alex woods book by gavin extence. The universe versus alex woods kindle edition by extence. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading the universe versus alex woods. 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. He has a phd in film studies, is married, has a daughter and is also a keen chess player.
1115 629 1618 1367 440 158 1469 1499 677 756 1492 326 348 53 1187 926 812 662 958 1390 1650 255 154 407 1165 367 1604 686 929 1166 773 1224 829 325 1408 1407 1194 476