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Reviews tagging 'Murder'
Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
70 reviews
lambclown's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
3.0
Not everything has to be so profound and i found it really unrealistic the way everyone talked to each other. too poetic. but im also a jaded old bitch
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Racism, and Death of parent
Moderate: War
Minor: Murder and Transphobia
jerrysaywhaaa's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
4.0
My first though reading this book was that not all great books need sequels and this was one that didn’t need one. It has a very slow start in my opinion, but finally caught my attention in part four. It had me bawling my eyes out reading the final two parts and the ending was so cute. I appreciate the book even more after reading the author’s acknowledgments and seeing why he felt the need to write this book to finish their story. He is a very talented writer for sure. I do, however, wish we got a bit more Dante in the book that has his name in the title.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Homophobia, and Transphobia
Minor: Murder
pkc's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
I fell in love with Ari and Dante when they set out to discover the secrets of the universe and I had measured hopes here. I’ve been burned when it comes to sequels that weren’t necessarily pre-planned and how they treat their characters and advance their story. This was equally wrenching and beautiful. There’s a fair amount of tragedy, and framing it in the context of the height it the AIDS pandemic grounded it in some much needed (albeit sobering) realism. This book is accessibly esoteric - grand thoughts that everyone can relate to but might not have the words to give context and light to. I certainly wouldn’t have the words or ability. The story ends definitively, but do I want a third instalment? You bet your sweet bippy I do.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Homophobia, Deadnaming, Murder, Pandemic/Epidemic, Grief, Death of parent, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, and Transphobia
barbarella85's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia, Transphobia, and Murder
sundayfever's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
I don't normally rate the second book in a series higher than the first. But this one really dives in and tackles grief, racism and homophobia in deep ways. A beautiful story about how friendship and love can save people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Homophobia
Moderate: Transphobia, Murder, Racial slurs, and Racism
luisalovesbooks's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Death
Moderate: War
Minor: Homophobia, Murder, and Pandemic/Epidemic
redheadorganist's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, and Homophobia
Moderate: Murder, Pregnancy, Transphobia, and Racism
Minor: Religious bigotry and War
ronan900's review
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: 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
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: 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
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: Pandemic/Epidemic, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Death of parent, Gun violence, Transphobia, Homophobia, and Murder
Minor: War