Reviews with content warning for Bullying - Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

I would have loved this book as an emo teenager on tumblr. As an adult, I still enjoy some of the twee writing and feel emotional at *the* moments, but alas, I can tell I have grown.

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torturedreadersdept's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective 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

5.0

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ursa_arlo's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Positives. Sometimes you have book cravings for a specific genre and sometimes that genre is 'Queer coming-of-age story about second-generation immigrant teens that asks deep philosophical questions about selfhood and death'. (Also see: Cemetery Boys, They Both Die at the End.) I can tell you: this novel delivered. Dante and Ari's relationship is as complicated as it is sweet, and as they each grow into fully realised human being, they explore what that means for their relationship as friends and as more than friends.

I also really like the setting of this book which takes place in 1987/1988. It explains why Ari drives the type of truck that he does, Dante's fear of not being accepted for his sexuality, the fact Ari and Dante need to send each other letters when Ari is away and the usage of some outdated terms. It makes the novel stand out from novels like it while it was one of the first books in its genre.

Negatives. Because this novel was one of the first in its genre, its concept and execution is not always as intriguing as stories like it. While poetic, the language used is rather simple (which makes sense for a YA book) and that helped me race through the pages. Really, all of these things are personal preference, I really enjoyed this book.

Quote. "'(Ari) I love swimming.' (Dante) 'I know,' I said. 'I love swimming,' he said again. He was quiet for a little while. And then he said: 'I love swimming- and you.' I didn't say anything. 'Swimming and you, Ari. Those are the things I love the most.'"

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d00rframe's review

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adventurous emotional lighthearted reflective sad 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? It's complicated

4.5

I love this book, currently reading the second one :3

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stormeno's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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delisouseyelids's review

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emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

5.0

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rubberrosebooks's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

My heart feels so full. This book will stick with me forever, and I wish I had read it sooner. I fell completely in love with these boys and their parents. Everything about this book was just so wonderful. Reading books like this makes me feel so grateful to be alive.

It's only January, but I already know this will be one of my favorite books of 2024. I'll be reading the sequel immediately!

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mikeymara's review

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I loved this book. If you are looking for a bl, boyxboy, gayest book, then this isn’t exactly it. It is more the life of a boy, about his sadness, happiness and his loves. It is an extreme slow burn, but in it is cute moments that you will love. I am buying the second one now, this has become one of my favorite books.

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