A review by pagingmrsvarnum
Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

emotional inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

Don’t mind me SOBBING HYSTERICALLY while driving home from school and finishing this beautiful, wonderful, hopeful, devastating, inspiring story about two of the most lovable characters in literature since Frodo and Sam. And then you take Benjamin Alire Saenz’ poetic writing combined with Lin Manuel Miranda’s emotional narration… I loved every aspect about this book and will be thinking about it for a long, long time.

I was nervous that this sequel wouldn’t capture the emotion and magic of the first book, but I can honestly say that I loved it just as much. Ari’s growth that takes place in the first book just continues to deepen and develop, and so does the writing. There are so many beautiful lines in this story that I am very tempted to purchase hard copies so that I can highlight them all and refer back to them as I like. 

I am now of the age where I find myself relating more to the parents than the protagonists in YA books, and this book was filled with inspiration that spoke to me both as a parent and a teacher. I was inspired to be more understanding, vulnerable, and real with my sons and my students, as well as with others in my life.

This book is for anyone who has ever loved, who has ever thought deeply about life, who loves words, or who loves young people. I’m so glad I read this series and allowed it to sink deep into my heart.
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