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

Reviews tagging 'Violence'

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

516 reviews

lilshelly's review against another edition

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.

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justinareads's review against another edition

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emotional 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

4.75

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xandry's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

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

5.0

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meeklovestoread's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

Honestly, the one reason why this book wasn't five stars is because I've kind of gotten outgrown the whole "ya-coming-of-age" storylines. I've just seen them done many times so I recognize many of the themes the author was trying to portray, however, that doesn't mean the book's message and storyline didn't land. On the contrary, I teared up multiple times, and the last hundred pages completely destroyed me. I was sobbing beyond belief. Like I could feel the pain inside me (it left both a good and bad feeling in me, to be honest). I really identify with the main character, Ari (Aristotle). His struggles of finding himself, the pain he faces, the questions he has no answers to, the conflicts he faces with loneliness and anger really resonated with me. And I absolutely adored Dante through and through. And I loved their parents and the friendship that sprouted between them too. I didn't really expect this book to hit as hard as it did, but it definitely delivered on my expectations and I'm so happy to read the second book. However, I wasn't really sold on the romance part of this book. I feel like their friendship reigned true for me more.

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sara277's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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

This was such a good story. Wholesome, sad, and precious. I loved reading it, and I loved the writing style. The characters were all so lovable, and there were so many good lines. I think it’ll be a comfort book to go back to. I will definitely check part two and any other writings from the author!

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