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Reviews tagging 'Homophobia'
Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
386 reviews
ronan900's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Moderate: Cursing, Transphobia, Violence, War, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Bullying, Deadnaming, Hate crime, Sexual content, and Murder
selenapalaci's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
i cried and cried and cried and held back tears as I read this at work and I highlighted so many things and I'm happy and I am sad and I definitely like this better than the first and ari so special
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia and Death of parent
jasmineslibraryy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
almost DNF'd, really glad i didn't
this sequel was kinda unnecessary in my opinion but it was beautiful. ari has one of the most beautiful character arcs i've ever read. the first one is still miles better but i still thoroughly enjoyed this!
this sequel was kinda unnecessary in my opinion but it was beautiful. ari has one of the most beautiful character arcs i've ever read. the first one is still miles better but i still thoroughly enjoyed this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Cursing, Deadnaming, Death, Hate crime, Homophobia, Racism, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Terminal illness, Transphobia, Pregnancy, and War
Minor: Cancer and Pedophilia
zee128_'s review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Transphobia, and Death of parent
aidareads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Transphobia, Grief, and Death of parent
novelty_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
relaxing
sad
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
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
When I first read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe it took me a while to love it. I actually put it aside after 100 or so pages and read it again a few months later. I'm glad I gave that book a second chance because I loved the story, the philosophical discussions and the raw, tender love between Ari and Dante. When it came to book two, I expected all the elements of the first book but only continued and heightened in Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World.
Now reviewing this book, I must admit I'm a little on the fence. When I finished reading, I was satisfied with the book as it really elevated Ari's character and touched a lot on elements of growing up and going from boyhood to manhood. It also discussed grief, death and love especially familial love as shown with Ari's parents and Dante's family. The book touched on these themes very well and I enjoyed reading about them.
While I loved the glimpses into Ari's character and the aforementioned, I felt like the book was lacking the depth of raw connection between Ari and Dante we've seen in the previous novel. I wanted more of the love between the two boys because it was what made Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe such a beautiful read. I felt like there was limited page time given to the two discovering more about each other and strengthening their relationship. It's the one thing I would've loved more of.
I also enjoyed reading about the platonic relationships Ari developed in the novel. It was another one of my highlights and I liked getting to know our new characters. They added another layer to the novel and I don't think I would've enjoyed the book as much if they weren't there.
All in all, I enjoyed this story. There were many good things and a few things that I wish were strengthened more. I liked the characterisation and platonic and familial relationships portrayed in this book and liked how the author portrayed significant topics such as homophobia and AIDS in the 80's when the book is set. I just wish there was more connection shown between Dante and Ari because unlike book one, I wasn't entirely sold on their relationship. I also felt like the ending was slightly rushed and a bit unnecessary. That being said, overall, I liked this book and wouldn't mind a book three.
ACTUAL RATING: 3.45 STARS
When I first read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe it took me a while to love it. I actually put it aside after 100 or so pages and read it again a few months later. I'm glad I gave that book a second chance because I loved the story, the philosophical discussions and the raw, tender love between Ari and Dante. When it came to book two, I expected all the elements of the first book but only continued and heightened in Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World.
Now reviewing this book, I must admit I'm a little on the fence. When I finished reading, I was satisfied with the book as it really elevated Ari's character and touched a lot on elements of growing up and going from boyhood to manhood. It also discussed grief, death and love especially familial love as shown with Ari's parents and Dante's family. The book touched on these themes very well and I enjoyed reading about them.
While I loved the glimpses into Ari's character and the aforementioned, I felt like the book was lacking the depth of raw connection between Ari and Dante we've seen in the previous novel. I wanted more of the love between the two boys because it was what made Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe such a beautiful read. I felt like there was limited page time given to the two discovering more about each other and strengthening their relationship. It's the one thing I would've loved more of.
I also enjoyed reading about the platonic relationships Ari developed in the novel. It was another one of my highlights and I liked getting to know our new characters. They added another layer to the novel and I don't think I would've enjoyed the book as much if they weren't there.
All in all, I enjoyed this story. There were many good things and a few things that I wish were strengthened more. I liked the characterisation and platonic and familial relationships portrayed in this book and liked how the author portrayed significant topics such as homophobia and AIDS in the 80's when the book is set. I just wish there was more connection shown between Dante and Ari because unlike book one, I wasn't entirely sold on their relationship. I also felt like the ending was slightly rushed and a bit unnecessary. That being said, overall, I liked this book and wouldn't mind a book three.
ACTUAL RATING: 3.45 STARS
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Death of parent, Murder, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: War
ashley_mrose530's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
4.25
A really great continuation of Aristotle and Dante's story. Now they aren't falling in love, but are learning how to navigate being in a relationship while also growing as people and coming out to those they are closest to.
I loved going through this journey with Ari. He's so smart and has such a big heart that he had to learn how to let people into throughout this book. And then the grief was so poignant and beautiful. It was handled so well throughout the second half of the novel. I felt myself tearing up after almost every scene as Ari weathered his grief with his happiness.
I also loved the addition of the aids epidemic and how big of a part of queer history that is. I think the author did well in showing the solidarity of the queer community during the epidemic and balancing how it was starting to affect Ari's life or the life of those around him.
The writing style of the author, though lyrical and beautiful, does take a big to get used to. It's kind of a stream of consciousness style that you don't see very often in contemporary novels. But once I did get used to it, I loved it and how it fit Ari's character with how he's always in his head, silently watching and listening.
I loved going through this journey with Ari. He's so smart and has such a big heart that he had to learn how to let people into throughout this book. And then the grief was so poignant and beautiful. It was handled so well throughout the second half of the novel. I felt myself tearing up after almost every scene as Ari weathered his grief with his happiness.
I also loved the addition of the aids epidemic and how big of a part of queer history that is. I think the author did well in showing the solidarity of the queer community during the epidemic and balancing how it was starting to affect Ari's life or the life of those around him.
The writing style of the author, though lyrical and beautiful, does take a big to get used to. It's kind of a stream of consciousness style that you don't see very often in contemporary novels. But once I did get used to it, I loved it and how it fit Ari's character with how he's always in his head, silently watching and listening.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, and Death of parent
marinasjd's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
2.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Hate crime, Homophobia, Racism, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
papaya_'s review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, and Death of parent
lennie_reads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
Thank you to Netgalley & Simon and Schuster Children's Books UK for this ARC.
Full disclosure - I waited so long to read the arc that I read the finished printed version.
I was so so happy when Saenz annoucned that we had a sequel to the first book.
Whilst I i love the first one, after a re-read it reminded me that we really don't see much of happy Ari or Ari & Dante actually together. And we only experience things through Ari's narrow and unreliable lens.
Despite the books being written 10 years apart, Saenz seems to be able to dive immediately back into Ari's head so it genuinely doesn't feel like any time has passed from book 1 to book 2. (Pun not intended but I'm keeping it!)
In this book we see a much happier Ari who is finally accepting himself and accepting love from his friends, family and Dante.
Although the two still have to navigate rampant homophobia during the AIDS pandemic, racism and the more 'usual' teenage struggles of college and a possible long distance relationship.
This book also seems to delve into different types of relationships, different types of love, and how they're all important in their own ways.
I love the way Saenz write: it just flows so well whilst also being so poignant and beautiful.
This book also confirmed my theory of Ari being demisexual. It doesn't say it anywhere explicitly but istg he is the most demisexual coded character ever.
If you loved the first book then you 100% should read this one. It'll give you the more fleshed out HFN whilst also getting to know the characters more, especially now that Ari's perspectives have been opened up so his perceptions of people are more 3D.
Full disclosure - I waited so long to read the arc that I read the finished printed version.
I was so so happy when Saenz annoucned that we had a sequel to the first book.
Whilst I i love the first one, after a re-read it reminded me that we really don't see much of happy Ari or Ari & Dante actually together. And we only experience things through Ari's narrow and unreliable lens.
Despite the books being written 10 years apart, Saenz seems to be able to dive immediately back into Ari's head so it genuinely doesn't feel like any time has passed from book 1 to book 2. (Pun not intended but I'm keeping it!)
In this book we see a much happier Ari who is finally accepting himself and accepting love from his friends, family and Dante.
Although the two still have to navigate rampant homophobia during the AIDS pandemic, racism and the more 'usual' teenage struggles of college and a possible long distance relationship.
This book also seems to delve into different types of relationships, different types of love, and how they're all important in their own ways.
I love the way Saenz write: it just flows so well whilst also being so poignant and beautiful.
This book also confirmed my theory of Ari being demisexual. It doesn't say it anywhere explicitly but istg he is the most demisexual coded character ever.
If you loved the first book then you 100% should read this one. It'll give you the more fleshed out HFN whilst also getting to know the characters more, especially now that Ari's perspectives have been opened up so his perceptions of people are more 3D.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, Transphobia, and Violence
Minor: Deadnaming