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A review by journey2
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is one of the most beautifully written books. I loved the characters deeply, despite the earnestly struggling melancholy that Ari, our mc was feeling. Being 15 is hard. Being 15 with a brother in prison who no one will talk about, a father with PTSD, struggling with anger issues and discovering who he is supposed to be, all while traversing a new and exciting friendship that challenges him in every way?? That's a lot. This book is gorgeous and moving and beautiful. I loved it so much.
Minor: Bullying, Hate crime, Homophobia, Transphobia, Blood, Car accident, Murder, Alcohol, Classism, and Deportation
Tw: homophobia, transphobia (use of an out dated t word that would have still been in use in the 80s, although this does seem to be rectified by the second book and handled with more care), violence, car accident, death, incarceration, AIDS.