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

dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

2017 review:
Those five stars relate to plot. It really got to me. Just a story of two teenagers, best friends, and life in 1987. It's heartbreaking because it's easy to relate to (no matter your gender, race or sexual preference). I really loved this book.

2023 review:
I decided to re-read this book on a whim. I honestly don't know why. I mean, I already had a pile of books I'm currently reading. Simultaneously, I had forgotten how much I love this book. Not because it's eventful, or fast-paced and action packed (like most books I read these days), but because it's so incredibly human. I don't know if I appreciated how beautifully it depicts the teenage condition last time I read this novel, or how it demonstrates how complicated unconditional love can be. But man. I ugly cried a couple times near the end, which caught me off guard. Because I honestly did not remember how much I love this book, just that I loved it.
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