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Reviews tagging 'War'
Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
63 reviews
hds's review
- 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
HOWEVER, I enjoyed every second of it and I love these characters and they made me cry. It was nice to see Ari develop throughout the two books and even though I sometimes missed Dante I LOVED Ari's new friends.
I don't think this sequel existing necessary improves the story as a whole, but it was nice to be able to revisit these characters.
Graphic: Racism, Homophobia, Death of parent, and Transphobia
Moderate: Deadnaming
Minor: War
luisalovesbooks's review
- 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
Graphic: Death of parent and Death
Moderate: War
Minor: Homophobia, Murder, and Pandemic/Epidemic
redheadorganist's review
- 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
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, and Homophobia
Moderate: Murder, Pregnancy, Transphobia, and Racism
Minor: Religious bigotry and War
ronan900's review
- 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
Graphic: Death of parent, Homophobia, Alcohol, and Grief
Moderate: Cursing, Pandemic/Epidemic, Transphobia, Violence, and War
Minor: Hate crime, Bullying, Murder, Sexual content, and Deadnaming
jasmineslibraryy's review
- 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
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!
Graphic: Death of parent, Violence, Religious bigotry, Racism, Pandemic/Epidemic, Medical content, Medical trauma, Hate crime, Death, Deadnaming, Cursing, Child death, Blood, Grief, Homophobia, Murder, Bullying, and Alcohol
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Transphobia, Terminal illness, Child abuse, War, and Pregnancy
Minor: Pedophilia and Cancer
novelty_reads's review
- 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
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
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Death of parent, Gun violence, Transphobia, Homophobia, and Murder
Minor: War
wallflovver's review against another edition
- 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 loved this book so much and i find it so hard to write anything specific in a review.. but this ari and dante have been the only thing on my mind lately and i don't see myself moving on from them for a while
when i finished this, i just in floods of tears. this sounds so dramatic but i genuinely feel changed..
i know i will be returning to these books again and again
Graphic: Homophobia, War, Death, and Death of parent
dreamer01's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Death of parent and Homophobia
Moderate: Racism and Transphobia
Minor: War, Hate crime, and Biphobia
thebookpaiges's review
- 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
Graphic: Homophobia, Death, Racism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Deadnaming, Religious bigotry, Transphobia, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Terminal illness, War, Pregnancy, and Child abuse
loverrbboy's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
this book and it’s beautiful prose ripped my shit open every time i opened it, which is why it took me so long to get through. the side characters really came through in the sequel, it was much needed. Ari’s beautiful family and his transformed relationship with the world around him give me so much hope. this book is about growing up, and learning, and loving even though (and especially because) it hurts. and Dante is a perfect little fool.
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Homophobia and War