The protagonist of the novel, Alex Woods, was hit on the head by a meteor aged ten, and miraculously survived. However, the resulting severity of his seizures means he must stay at home and not go to school for two years, passing the time by helping in his mothers' tarot shop and reading – specifically anything on astrophysics or neurology. As such, he is 'different', which, as he so wittily observes: "is the fast-track to Pariah Town. A pariah is someone who's excluded from mainstream society. And if you know that at twelve years of age, you're probably an inhabitant of Pariah Town."

Alex's first person narrative in this extract and the rest of the novel is one of the reasons it is such a compelling read, since it is straightforward and accessible (even the complicated astrophysics!) with a humorous slant on things which written in a different way could easily become depressing. This is particularly important as a large part of the novel unfolds to be about a person's right to die when and how they choose.

Alex becomes friends with the 'odd' Mr Peterson after running into his garden to escape bullies, but their relationship soon grows, even including an obscure book group which Alex holds in his house named "THE SECULAR CHURCH OF KURT VONNEGUT". This in itself is another good quality of the novel, as it encourages the reader to read his books, as well as being interesting due to the science fiction elements discussed.

As Mr Peterson's health deteriorates, Alex must decide whether or not he should support his friend's decision to try and end his life before his terminal disease does it for him. This topic of Euthanasia (ending someone's life in order to give them a better death than they would otherwise have had), funnily enough coincided with my Religious Studies course this year, yet the approach to the subject through empathy with the characters would allow a reader to understand it, regardless of previous knowledge.

Though this may now sound like a depressing book, it really is more 'life-affirming', due to the style with which it is approached, and the inclusion of Alex's other anecdotes, like his relationship with older teen rebel, Ellie. I would recommend it to anyone over the age of 13, as euthanasia itself is an extremely important moral subject, though here is approached in an accessible and occasionally entertaining way, such as their adventurous break out from the hospital. The novel does not simply preach about the morality of euthanasia (even though the reader is encouraged to make their own judgement as Alex himself does), but is also an enjoyable read for the quirky characters and their interactions with each other.

• Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop

Want to tell the world about a book you've read? Join the site and send us your review!