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Reviews tagging 'Drug use'
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
234 reviews
profilernewt07's review
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
To be honest it wasn’t a book I would normally read, it’s an easy read, but I was left unsatisfied with the ending. I know their is a sequel I probably won’t invest my time in, I just believe that I enjoy plot driven books more, so a book that didn’t have plot as a main point left me a feeling bored. Didn’t hate it, but didn’t love it either, the slow pace definitely brought it down a bit as it was hard to get into for a first read- most likely will not reread, not that there’s anything wrong with it but I also detested some of the comments about women that there was in the book: when Dante was talking to his mom about the name of her baby that she will give birth to, and when she asked if she had an opinion on this Dante said no and that the only thing she should do is clean. Overall, the comment felt weird coming from a man and the fact that it wasn’t address and explored more was a missed lesson.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Cursing, Drug use, Hate crime, Sexism, Dysphoria, Homophobia, Pregnancy, and War
viselik's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
I adored every aspect of this book; it had me completely engrossed, making it a challenge to put down. The way the author crafted Aristotle's character and his growth felt incredibly genuine and organic. It was heartening to witness him mature and embrace his true self, especially in the touching plotline about discovering the truth about his brother. The way Ari's family came to terms with it and supported him throughout was truly heartwarming and endearing.
Dante's character was equally captivating, with his aloof and humorous demeanour, balanced by the love and care shown by his family. Throughout the book, Dante's development took some unexpected turns, which added to the depth of his character.
The gradual progression of their relationship from being so different to becoming close friends was undeniably heartwarming. Witnessing their individual growth and the way they supported each other was truly delightful. I couldn't help but adore how Dante fell for Ari first, while Ari himself was initially unaware of his feelings and even denied them. Watching him come to accept himself and embrace his emotions, with the help of his loving family, was incredibly sweet and made the eventual coming together of Dante and Aristotle all the more heartwarming. This book is a beautiful journey of self-discovery and love that left me with a warm and satisfied feeling by the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, War, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual violence, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Murder, Transphobia, Alcohol, and Drug use
Minor: Sexual content
vr_alyssa's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
2017 review:
Those five stars relate to plot. It really got to me. Just a story of two teenagers, best friends, and life in 1987. It's heartbreaking because it's easy to relate to (no matter your gender, race or sexual preference). I really loved this book.
2023 review:
I decided to re-read this book on a whim. I honestly don't know why. I mean, I already had a pile of books I'm currently reading. Simultaneously, I had forgotten how much I love this book. Not because it's eventful, or fast-paced and action packed (like most books I read these days), but because it's so incredibly human. I don't know if I appreciated how beautifully it depicts the teenage condition last time I read this novel, or how it demonstrates how complicated unconditional love can be. But man. I ugly cried a couple times near the end, which caught me off guard. Because I honestly did not remember how much I love this book, just that I loved it.
Those five stars relate to plot. It really got to me. Just a story of two teenagers, best friends, and life in 1987. It's heartbreaking because it's easy to relate to (no matter your gender, race or sexual preference). I really loved this book.
2023 review:
I decided to re-read this book on a whim. I honestly don't know why. I mean, I already had a pile of books I'm currently reading. Simultaneously, I had forgotten how much I love this book. Not because it's eventful, or fast-paced and action packed (like most books I read these days), but because it's so incredibly human. I don't know if I appreciated how beautifully it depicts the teenage condition last time I read this novel, or how it demonstrates how complicated unconditional love can be. But man. I ugly cried a couple times near the end, which caught me off guard. Because I honestly did not remember how much I love this book, just that I loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Car accident
Moderate: Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Bullying, Homophobia, Cursing, Drug use, Grief, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Murder and Death
daringreader13's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Biphobia, Drug use, Hate crime, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Outing, Racism, Medical content, Sexual content, Racial slurs, Blood, Bullying, Car accident, Cursing, and Grief
_al's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
3.5
Cute lovestory with some dark elements along the way. It sat on shelf for years collecting dust, now I kinda regret it bc I would enjoy it much more if I read it when I bought it.
3/3.5 out for 5. It's fine, I found it somewhat lacking but still enjoyed it.
3/3.5 out for 5. It's fine, I found it somewhat lacking but still enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Hate crime, Homophobia, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Medical content, War, Alcohol, and Drug use
Minor: Transphobia
ronan900's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Violence, Animal cruelty, and Car accident
Minor: Hate crime, Transphobia, Homophobia, Pregnancy, Cursing, Drug use, Murder, Alcohol, and War
marleysclassics's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It's really difficult to write my thoughts about a book that I found to be very confusing at times. It's also quite difficult to explain why - most of it probably is the writing style's fault. It is very minimalistic and I have to admit that this isn't necessarily my favorite thing. When authors try to express everything in a few words it can easily seem a little pathetic - at least to my mind. And yes, that's what I thought here too - sometimes. At other times these one-to-three-word sentences, these half-a-page chapters really hit the spot.
Thus, Aristotle and Dante definitely made me think and feel quite a lot. Here too, I somehow feel pathetic because I guess that's exactly what the author wanted to achieve. But I have to admit: it worked. I certainly experienced a wide range of emotions, from feeling seen to being angry to being shocked to feeling touched to being annoyed to smiling at the pages in front of me. And at all times there was a certain dullness, a thing lingering in the air.
I'm not sure if it is that thing that was resolved on the last, very last page(s), I don't know if I want it to be. Because I feel like it would make everything that is so deep and entangled and there in this book unauthentically simple. But also ... it wouldn't. And even if it kind of seems like this in the end, I think it might be exactly what the story needed. These last to pages, this last sentence - I was just happy. Okay, maybe not just. But quite a lot.
Thus, Aristotle and Dante definitely made me think and feel quite a lot. Here too, I somehow feel pathetic because I guess that's exactly what the author wanted to achieve. But I have to admit: it worked. I certainly experienced a wide range of emotions, from feeling seen to being angry to being shocked to feeling touched to being annoyed to smiling at the pages in front of me. And at all times there was a certain dullness, a thing lingering in the air.
I'm not sure if it is that thing that was resolved on the last, very last page(s), I don't know if I want it to be. Because I feel like it would make everything that is so deep and entangled and there in this book unauthentically simple. But also ... it wouldn't. And even if it kind of seems like this in the end, I think it might be exactly what the story needed. These last to pages, this last sentence - I was just happy. Okay, maybe not just. But quite a lot.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Hate crime, Homophobia, Alcohol, Blood, Drug use, Bullying, Car accident, Cursing, and Violence
Minor: Lesbophobia, Murder, Transphobia, Medical content, and Death
hobbithopeful's review
dark
emotional
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
4.5
You ever read a book and after you finish it you just sit there for awhile? Thinking about the story, the characters, and the world. I finished reading this and I just had to take a moment to say "wow." Thought provoking and emotional, Ari's tendency to get lost in his own head and thoughts flowed from page to page. All of his hurt, anger, and seemingly uncaring attitude were emotions that resonated so deeply within me as I read through the chapters.
I feel like whenever I read coming of age books I am always bracing myself for something traumatic, or deeply depressing to happen. I am happy to inform you that while this book is emotional and does have sad moments, it does not have an all encompassing event that seems to be in way too many coming of age books. The relationship Ari has with his family and even Dante was so realistically depicted, and so telling of what Ari is actually feeling on the inside.
When you spend your whole life not wanting to admit who you are, it's hard to find worth in anything.
I think at its heart this is a story of discovering yourself, friendship, and love. A must read.
I feel like whenever I read coming of age books I am always bracing myself for something traumatic, or deeply depressing to happen. I am happy to inform you that while this book is emotional and does have sad moments, it does not have an all encompassing event that seems to be in way too many coming of age books. The relationship Ari has with his family and even Dante was so realistically depicted, and so telling of what Ari is actually feeling on the inside.
When you spend your whole life not wanting to admit who you are, it's hard to find worth in anything.
I think at its heart this is a story of discovering yourself, friendship, and love. A must read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Hate crime, Violence, Drug use, Homophobia, and Medical content
marzapane's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident and Cursing
Minor: Hate crime, Drug use, Addiction, Alcohol, and Homophobia
lilshelly's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
I didn't know what to expect going into this book, but sometimes that's the best option. We quickly meet Aristotle and Dante, both named after famous literary references. I found a small happiness in that revelation, letting my literary focused heart latch on to these young boys in their coming of age story. I also resonated with their desires to be known by something other than their parent-given names, and enjoyed the contrast in ultimate acceptance between the two.
I deeply enjoyed the contrast in their characters and found myself resonating with both of them in different ways: Dante with his vulnerability and love of literature and Ari with his self-doubt and internalized anger. They balanced each other out in a beautifully poetic manner. All we really want in life is for someone to listen and allow us to be vulnerable.
Reading this book allowed me to discover my own secrets to the universe. I hope others can find the same solace in the pages of Ari and Dante's journey.
I deeply enjoyed the contrast in their characters and found myself resonating with both of them in different ways: Dante with his vulnerability and love of literature and Ari with his self-doubt and internalized anger. They balanced each other out in a beautifully poetic manner. All we really want in life is for someone to listen and allow us to be vulnerable.
Reading this book allowed me to discover my own secrets to the universe. I hope others can find the same solace in the pages of Ari and Dante's journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Hate crime, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: War, Transphobia, Medical content, Drug use, and Murder