This review originally posted at More Than Just Magic 
 You know when you watch an episode of The Simpsons and it starts out in one place and ends up in a completely different one? But you don't even realize how far off course you went until it's all over? That's kind of what this book is like. 
 The Universe versus Alex Woods, is, unsurprisingly, about a young man named Alex Woods - a boy who was never meant to have a regular life. Hit on the head by a falling meterorite at ten years old he becomes a bit of an outcast at school and befriends Mr Peterson, a old American Vietnam war veteran in his neighbourhood. That alone would make an interesting novel in my opnion, but this book takes things a bit further when it introduces Kurt Vonnegut to the mix. 
 Unlike Mr Peterson, who loves Vonnegut's work, I have never been a huge fan. I've read a few of his books and well I think they're well written I didn't see why people LOVED them. But during The Universe vs Alex Woods, we follow Alex's discovery of the books and the book club he forms as a result and I found myself wanting to read all of Vonnegut's books. Especially ones I hadn't heard of before - like the Sirens of Titan and Timequake. Alex's enthusiasm about these books and the conversations the book club have made me excited to give Vonnegut's writing another shot. I love when a book gets me excited about reading even more. 
 And then if that wasn't enough this book switches trajectory once again. I don't want to reveal to much about what happens next but this book addresses a pretty important and serious political and social debate. It's a fantastic look at humanity, dignity and a person's right to agency over their own body. And though the book ended on a sad note, it was also - in my opinion - the appropriate one. I was proud of Alex and I wish he was a real person so I could hug him. 
 The Universe Vs Alex Woods is one of those books that manages to be a great many things all at the same time. It's thoughtful and intelligent - without being condescending. I hate when books purposely try to be clever but it all feels very natural here. This book is also compelling. You want to know what will happen to Alex and where is crazy life will take him next. And surpringly, given some of the subject matter, this book is funny. Gavin Extence's voice is charming and refreshing and I'm really looking forward to reading more of his work. 
 Recommendation: The Universe Vs Alex Woods was a book that really resonated with me. It is thought provoking and heart warming without being annoying, depressing or over the top. Highly recommended.