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

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Overall good story, Ari's character takes some clunky big swings with the existential inner monologue but I think it's supposed to counter his grappling with Dante's actions and words (and his own ethic POV/ rejection-identification and how that plays off Ari's). I'm interested to see character development vs. plot in second installment. Given the decade it's set in, the risks to being gay in a predominately Hispanic, Catholic, neighborhood culture, were handled both unexpectedly in parent reaction, but stereotypically with other characters.