Reviews for Rules of the Universe

The average rating for Rules of the Universe based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2008-05-13 00:00:00 Justin Jarvis (CIP) Thirteen-year-old Austin Hale, an aspiring scientist and disciple of his grandfather, a Nobel Prize-winning molecular physicist, finds himself in control of a powerful energy force that can turn back time and turn his orbit upside down. (Claudia) Though Rules of the Universe is well-provided with the trappings of science fiction ' microscopes, microbes, summer science camp ' the wish-fulfilling "star" passed on to Austin by his grandfather would be more at home in a fantasy than a science fiction setting. However, despite various improbabilities, the storyline is engaging and often humorous, and nerdy Austin is a sympathetic adolescent. The emotional trajectory of the story rings true, as Austin struggles with his beloved grandfather's approaching death, and the unexpected consequences of having some of his wishes come true. Although Austin is gently forced to face his grandfather's readiness to die, and to accept moral responsibility for returning his age-regressed best friend to his proper age, he chooses not<\i> to return his sister - regressed from a brash, black-clad, pierced and dyed 14-year-old to a sweet preadolescent ' to her proper age, a decision endorsed by his grandfather. A satisfying outcome for a browbeaten younger brother, no doubt, but not an empowering model for girl readers on the verge of breaking out of childhood dependence into experiments of their own. (Gr. 5-7) (Booklist) "The book smartly addresses the ethics of altering something's molecular structure, and the meaning of death and friendship. Budding scientists may enjoy suspending their disbelief long enough to ponder the questions raised."

Review # 2 was written on 2015-01-14 00:00:00 Don DaRinsplenta Quote by Austin, the main character of the book: "Camp Quantum is in reality Camp Alcatraz, where I will serve out a long and unfair sentence." I normally don't like or read science fiction books, so I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. I grew to like Austin and his grandfather, and his friend Rey. This book has not won any awards, but the author Robin Vaupel wrote "My Contract with Henry" which Publishers Weekly called "crisp and often lyrical".