A review by carrot2025
Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I absolutely adored this book. I think I managed to love it more the first one which I didn't think was possible. It was absolutely amazing seeing the journey of these two as they faced their first real gay relationship during the aids pandemic. Watching as they question their love and struggle to find happiness in a world that is too quick to cast them aside. I especially loved the ending. Seeing their relationship tested and them proving that no matter what, they will always be with each other and love and care for each other. 

I can not recommend these series enough. It's the absolute perfect story.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Transphobia, Murder, Death of parent, and Homophobia

I can not stress enough how beautiful this story handles topics that most would fail at. It takes every moment and uses it as a lesson, not just for shock value. Seeing Ari grapple with just what his brother did at the same time as he's watching the world ignore the aids pandemic was just heartbreaking. Adding in the unfortunate

passing of his father and having him die in his arms

it was just amazing. It handled everything and never made one thing for less than the other. I truly felt as if these characters were alive and I was apart of them, watching as everything happened. I cried multiple times from it all and it was just perfect.