The Universe versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence

The most wonderful thing about reading novels is the many new discoveries one makes. And so it proved again with Gavin Extence’s debut novel The Universe versus Alex Woods.

The book introduced me to the American writer of sixties’ and seventies’ fame, Kurt Vonnegut, best known for his famous work Slaughterhouse-Five, which was based on true events that he had witnessed first-hand during World War II.

Learning about Vonnegut through the eyes of young Alex Woods is both interesting and enlightening. It is through Alex’s obscure book club named "The Secular Church of Kurt Vonnegut" that one is encouraged to read Vonnegut’s books and to find out more about the various science fiction elements discussed by the group.

But getting back to The Universe versus Alex Woods – it was by far one of the most delightful reads for me this year. There is certainly nothing conventional about the teenager, Alex. In fact, Emma John describes it rather accurately in The Guardian as being ‘the everyday tale of a teenage science nerd hit by a meteorite who strikes up a friendship with a pot-smoking Vietnam veteran. And who may or may not be involved in his death’.

The book begins with seventeen-year-old Alex being stopped at customs with a large amount of marijuana in the cubbyhole of his car and an urn full of ashes on the passenger seat. Perhaps it is Alex's first person narrative as he recounts how he ended in this precarious situation causing nationwide uproar that makes it is such a compelling read. With a humorous slant and a matter-of-fact style, even complicated astrophysics becomes accessible to someone like me.

But it also shines a light on the often debated matter of whether human beings should have the right to choose when and how they die. As Alex’s best and only friend, the ageing Mr Peterson's health deteriorates, he has to decide whether or not to support his friend's decision to end his life before his terminal disease does it for him.

Yet, despite the serious topic of euthanasia, it is not a depressing book. In fact, in many ways it is more a celebration of life, of being different and of the value of true friendship.

Despite being classified as a ‘coming of age novel’, I would highly recommend the book to all readers older than 13.