THE UNIVERSE VERSUS ALEX WOODS

Narrator Joe Thomas convincingly narrates this coming-of-age story. Alex Woods is a typical English kid until he gets hit on the head with a meteorite when he's 10, leaving him with a scar (shades of Harry Potter!) and epilepsy. He's 17 at the end of the book, and making life-and-death decisions with the guileless logic and integrity that guide his entire life. Thomas captures the key aspects of the book's main characters, especially Alex's open, honest nature and the gruffness of his pot-smoking American friend, Mr. Peterson. Thomas renders Alex's mother with appropriately exasperated tones. Overall, Thomas's narration is excellent. G.S.D. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2014]