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

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 against another edition

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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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mjadeh's review

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emotional hopeful 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

4.5

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mxdegroot's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I simultaneously loved and hated this book.

There's not much to say about Sáenz's writing style except that it has to suit you. The quick dialogue and fairly short sentences made for a fast paced read, but also a lack of character development. As much as I found myself relating to Ari, it was hard to really get into his head, and there was barely anything in the story itself that really hinted at his feelings for Dante.

Nonetheless, this was a beautiful book. Everyone had their flaws and learned from them, both Ari's and Dante's parents were flawed but loveable, and it was a very good portrayal of the type of teenage experience that is barely betrayed in any medium of media.

minor tw: transphobia
The one thing that did really bother me was the transvestite comment at the end. After the way homosexuality was handled all throughout the book, you'd think this would have been handled better.

Content Warnings

erikagibson126's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

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

4.75

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