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

dark 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? Yes

5.0

So this was a birthday present from. @books_and_tea89 and has been on my wish list for a while. And it was everything I wanted it to be and more!

First thing you should know, this is extremely character driven, not plot driven. Its a slow burner of activity so if you like plenty of plot twists and action, this may not be for you. I am usually like that but these characters have been developed so exquisitely it absolutely didn't matter 

Ari and Dante are beautiful beautiful human beings inside and out, and I adored getting to know them and follow their journey. The story is told through Ari's eyes, and he is a complex, tender soul who captured my heart completely. I cried with him, I loved with him, I fought fiercely with him. I genuinely ached when reading this book, especially seeing Ari's relationship with his family change over time. To summarize key themes, I would say hope, teenage mentality of the time and unconditional love in its many forms 

I can't say much more without giving away anything, but for a spellbinding emotional read I urge you to pick up this gem. I only realised how much it had touched me once it had ended - I will be thinking about this book for a long long time
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