Reviews tagging 'Chronic illness'

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

7 reviews

d00rframe's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny relaxing tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I love this book!! its so sad yet comforting? highly recommend 
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pkc's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I fell in love with Ari and Dante when they set out to discover the secrets of the universe and I had measured hopes here. I’ve been burned when it comes to sequels that weren’t necessarily pre-planned and how they treat their characters and advance their story. This was equally wrenching and beautiful. There’s a fair amount of tragedy, and framing it in the context of the height it the AIDS pandemic grounded it in some much needed (albeit sobering) realism. This book is accessibly esoteric - grand thoughts that everyone can relate to but might not have the words to give context and light to. I certainly wouldn’t have the words or ability. The story ends definitively, but do I want a third instalment? You bet your sweet bippy I do.
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daniellekat's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I really wanted to love this as much as I loved the first book. While the writing was still beautiful and there were some really endearing moments in the plot, I just couldn’t get into it the same way. At times I felt like the author was trying to cover too much and over-repeating points. The book was a bit long and the last 20% just felt unnecessary to me.   I’m glad to have listened to the audiobook because I think this would have landed on my DNF otherwise. I loved Ari and his growth which was really the saving grace for me. 
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tetedump's review against another edition

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sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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betweentheshelves's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of this to review! I remember loving Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe back when it came out, so I was excited to dive into this one. Especially because it has an absolutely gorgeous cover!
This book picks up pretty much where the first one left off, if I remember correctly. It’s been quite a while since I read the first book. What’s great about these books are definitely the characters. Like Ari, you’ll fall in love with Dante, his quirky personality, the way he doesn’t seem to care what other people think. The side characters are also well developed, creating a cast you’re sure to fall in love with.
However, this book is very slow moving. Usually, I’m fine with slow moving books, but I just had a hard time getting into this narrative. Maybe it’s because it’s been too long since I read the first book. I don’t know. I’m not sure this book needs to be as long as it is, as pieces of the plot definitely feel like they drag a bit. There are beautiful moments, and I wish we had more of a chance to focus on those.
Despite the length, there are absolutely lyrical moments throughout the book. I do wish we got to see more of Dante throughout the book, as this is definitely more focused on Ari’s journey. But, if you loved the first book, I’m sure you’ll be just as hooked in this one. 
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I think it's just been too long since I read the original book, and I just wasn't necessarily in the mood for this paritcular story. More to come in a review this week!
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theskyboi's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring relaxing sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

As a sequel, Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World not only captures the essence of its predecessor; it amplifies the emotional depth of its characters' motivations and inner musings. Though it is not without levity, much like the first book, this is the very first book to make me cry while reading. Benjamin Alire Sáenz crafts a cast of loving, pensive, and thoughtful characters that are impossible not to fall in love with, and the world they learn to appreciate and discover is grounded in the reality of the human experience.

As Ari & Dante mature, so do their concerns. At the forefront of the novel are their familiar, jovial musings, but they uncover new layers of wonder and fear about what the future may hold as they approach the end of the 20th century. While the story centers on two Mexican-American cis gay teens, Sáenz paints a portrait of a decade steeped in quite a number of social-justice concerns that lie beyond the scope of their lived experiences.

Even in the face of the book's saddest moments, I found myself unable to stop smiling throughout my read. Ari & Dante have a story that can warm even the toughest of hearts. It's with great pleasure that I put another five-star read back on my shelf for safe keeping.

Thank you to Book Club Favorites at Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review.
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ynbushehri's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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