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A review by yasidiaz
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is such a raw and powerful book that everyone should read at least once. It's a story about shame and fear, about not knowing or understanding your place in the universe, but ultimately realizing there was nothing to be ashamed of. It's a perfect coming-of-age story for those who still have trouble accepting parts of themselves.
Not to get too personal, but I've been meaning to read this book almost since it came out. And you might be thinking, "But this book came in 2012, why it took you so long?" Well, being a closeted bisexual with so much internalized homophobia does that to you. I'm sure 13-year-old me knew that if I read this book I couldn't keep denying it and that it scared middle-schooler me so much. And it makes me sad that little kid let their fears make them miss such a beautiful book for so long. I wish 13-year-old and 15-year-old Yasi could see that there was nothing wrong with loving girls and boys.
Just like Ari, I was ashamed and scared of it. But now, just like Ari, I wonder how could I have been so ashamed of being who I am.
I hope many other kids like Ari and I get their hands on this book and see there is nothing wrong with them. I hope anyone who felt ashamed of their sexuality reads this book and sees there is nothing wrong with loving who we love.
The book is bittersweet and complex. None of the characters are perfect and that is the point. It makes the reading much more interesting and it works for a book so character-driven.
If you are looking for a complex and bittersweet story with a hopeful and inspiring ending, this is the book for you.
Not to get too personal, but I've been meaning to read this book almost since it came out. And you might be thinking, "But this book came in 2012, why it took you so long?" Well, being a closeted bisexual with so much internalized homophobia does that to you. I'm sure 13-year-old me knew that if I read this book I couldn't keep denying it and that it scared middle-schooler me so much. And it makes me sad that little kid let their fears make them miss such a beautiful book for so long. I wish 13-year-old and 15-year-old Yasi could see that there was nothing wrong with loving girls and boys.
Just like Ari, I was ashamed and scared of it. But now, just like Ari, I wonder how could I have been so ashamed of being who I am.
I hope many other kids like Ari and I get their hands on this book and see there is nothing wrong with them. I hope anyone who felt ashamed of their sexuality reads this book and sees there is nothing wrong with loving who we love.
The book is bittersweet and complex. None of the characters are perfect and that is the point. It makes the reading much more interesting and it works for a book so character-driven.
If you are looking for a complex and bittersweet story with a hopeful and inspiring ending, this is the book for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Drug use, and Hate crime
Moderate: Transphobia