Scan barcode
Reviews tagging 'Pandemic/Epidemic'
Aristóteles e Dante Mergulham nas Águas do Mundo by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
18 reviews
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
vael's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
Benjamin writes poetry. I’m convinced he puts a lot of his soul in this pages, I’m always going to be grateful for the opportunity to read his words, his vision of the world.
This was a sad book. A book about love. And I could not stop crying while reading
One time my best friend hold my hand after picking me from work, he told me how wonderful it was to do that without others staring at you with hateful eyes.
He was the one that gifted me this book. I Could not stop thinking about that while reading, oh how I wish I could gift him a better world in exchange.
This book will always be in my heart as much as the first one. So many word are in my heart right now
This was a sad book. A book about love. And I could not stop crying while reading
One time my best friend hold my hand after picking me from work, he told me how wonderful it was to do that without others staring at you with hateful eyes.
He was the one that gifted me this book. I Could not stop thinking about that while reading, oh how I wish I could gift him a better world in exchange.
This book will always be in my heart as much as the first one. So many word are in my heart right now
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Bullying, Cursing, Death of parent, Deadnaming, and Pandemic/Epidemic
luisalovesbooks's review against another edition
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
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: 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 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: 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 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: Pandemic/Epidemic, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Death of parent, Gun violence, Transphobia, Homophobia, and Murder
Minor: War
stephanieswilley's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Deadnaming, Death of parent, Cursing, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Violence
Minor: Deadnaming and Racism
navayiota's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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? Yes
5.0
This was a great sequel! In some ways, mainly the romance, it was not as great as the first. But it made up for it with everything else. I agree with other reviewers about it being incredibly cheesy, it was at times annoying, but I like how it seems not to take itself too seriously. It wasn't crafted to accurately portray being gay in the 80s, it's a story. It accomplished what it set out to do. And I really appreciate that. However I also feel like it was trying a bit too hard to be quotable. That might be my only real complaint.
I love how they further explored Ari and Dante's relationships with their families, the plotlines about Ari's brother and his father's death tugged at my heart. As someone who had to go through the circus of getting over their first serious relationship and then dealing with a family death, it hit hard. I was pleasantly surprised to find out how many things Greek culture shared with Mexican culture, especially about funerals/deaths. I really connected with that part of the book. Having gone through it, it felt incredibly validating to read about it. I relate a lot to Dante, and I kinda wish Ari hadn't followed him to Paris. I wish they just stayed friends. I wish there wasn't such a focus in our society on the couple ending up together in the end. I don't like how sugary sweet the ending felt, I think a bittersweet one would have been better, though heartbreaking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Alcohol, Homophobia, Death, Death of parent, Hate crime, Child death, Bullying, Racism, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Pregnancy
More...