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A review by pulcotinette
Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
emotional
funny
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? No
4.0
As much as I adored the first book, I had a hard time getting into this one. I felt that the tone was off, too mechanical, an adult trying to speak like a child. And in between, I found some poetic moments so beautiful that I thought "This I'll remember for a long time" (the camping, the painting).
However uneven in style, I loved the fact that we get to know about Ari and Dante's everyday life in school. It brings some new characters (or brings them to the front: Gina, Susie) and a touch of fresh air.
I was THOROUGHLY not prepared for this book to be this sad. I wanted to pick a lighthearted and cozy book because I was burnt out, and I had to put it down for three weeks when I got to the point where Ari's father dies. I spoiled myself by turning the page, and it was the end of my reading session, so I didn't want to believe it, and sat on it for a bit. When I went back to it, I read 5 pages and put it down immediately because I felt betrayed by the story. It doesn't make any sense in the story to kill him/have him die, and I hate that this series, which made me want to mend my relationship with my parents, features the loss of a parent. Not happening, babe.
Terrible name-picking from the Quintana as always, but we kind of love them for it. I feel like the ending was pointless, but I am often disappointed by endings these days, so don't mind me. It's just unnecessary drama, really.
However uneven in style, I loved the fact that we get to know about Ari and Dante's everyday life in school. It brings some new characters (or brings them to the front: Gina, Susie) and a touch of fresh air.
I was THOROUGHLY not prepared for this book to be this sad.
Terrible name-picking from the Quintana as always, but we kind of love them for it. I feel like the ending was pointless, but I am often disappointed by endings these days, so don't mind me. It's just unnecessary drama, really.
Graphic: Death of parent, Violence, and Homophobia
Moderate: Bullying and Hate crime
Minor: Sexual content