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A review by justabookishreader
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
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
A gay love story between two Mexican American boys in 1980s El Paso. Banned in a number of conservative states (Texas, Florida, Wyoming, Tennessee), this was a "required reading" for my class LLSS 450, short for Language, Linguistics, and Sociocultural Studies - Books and Related Materials for Young Adults.
This has been perhaps our most enjoyable read of the semester, but still hard hitting like any of the books we've read. I feel that this is a rather accessible novel, making it so that many kids of many different ages would be able to read, enjoy, and understand the novel. Though, despite this book being set in the 80s, a little over 40 years ago, much is still the same. While we do have same sex marriage now, there are definitely states that are trying to challenge the Supreme Court's decision.
In certain parts of the country, the attitudes that Aristotle and Dante faced in 1980s El Paso, are very much the same, or at least similar, boys still get beat up, and some kids are subjected to religion and conversion therapy. I mean, look at how the book has been banned in at least 4 states as of right now (2023).
There is nothing graphic, just some kissing, a little underage drinking and drug use. Usually movies consisting of such things would be PG-13. In fact, the people that rate such films, seem to agree. "This may include stronger language, extended violence or sexual situations and drug-use." (Michigan State University, 2017)
So unless Florida, Texas, Wyoming, and Tennessee are going to somehow change the guidelines created by the MPAA for the PG-13 rating (no this is not a suggestion to try to do so, please don't), then there is no reason that this book should be banned at the high school level, much less the middle school level.
It seems quite apparent that the issues that the above listed states have with this book is the discussion of queer identities and race, even more frustrating that the book takes place in Texas (El Paso) and has been banned there.
With there being many more interesting side topics, and things that I connected with a bit too well at times, this book was just so well done and is perfect (in my opinion) for anyone starting middle school, and older.
This has been perhaps our most enjoyable read of the semester, but still hard hitting like any of the books we've read. I feel that this is a rather accessible novel, making it so that many kids of many different ages would be able to read, enjoy, and understand the novel. Though, despite this book being set in the 80s, a little over 40 years ago, much is still the same. While we do have same sex marriage now, there are definitely states that are trying to challenge the Supreme Court's decision.
In certain parts of the country, the attitudes that Aristotle and Dante faced in 1980s El Paso, are very much the same, or at least similar, boys still get beat up, and some kids are subjected to religion and conversion therapy. I mean, look at how the book has been banned in at least 4 states as of right now (2023).
There is nothing graphic, just some kissing, a little underage drinking and drug use. Usually movies consisting of such things would be PG-13. In fact, the people that rate such films, seem to agree. "This may include stronger language, extended violence or sexual situations and drug-use." (Michigan State University, 2017)
So unless Florida, Texas, Wyoming, and Tennessee are going to somehow change the guidelines created by the MPAA for the PG-13 rating (no this is not a suggestion to try to do so, please don't), then there is no reason that this book should be banned at the high school level, much less the middle school level.
It seems quite apparent that the issues that the above listed states have with this book is the discussion of queer identities and race, even more frustrating that the book takes place in Texas (El Paso) and has been banned there.
With there being many more interesting side topics, and things that I connected with a bit too well at times, this book was just so well done and is perfect (in my opinion) for anyone starting middle school, and older.