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A review by justreaditem
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
4.0
This was such a sweet book. I love that Ari and Dante meet randomly because Ari wants to learn how to swim and Dante offers to teach him then ta da, they’re friends for life.
I found it odd, how Ari kept Dante separate from other aspects of his life, not his family but his school ‘friends’.
I loved how Dante liked everyone and was a sweet, kind boy, even if he hated shoes. His family showed that Mexicans and other Latino people are not the racist stereotypes that so many portray in books and films. His parents were in high paying, respectable jobs, as were Ari’s.
Dante’s matter of fact ness around his sexuality made me laugh so much. He liked kissing boys and that is that. I think that’s how a lot of people have felt.
Ari’s struggle to understand how he felt about Dante and around his lack of sexual attraction or desire is how I think a lot of people feel growing up. I think there should be an emphasis on the fact that you might not feel things as black and white as others, and actually, what love feels like to you is completely different for someone else.
I loved it. I just feel like it was a little long, hence I rated it 4 stars and not 5 stars.
I love that Lin-Manuel Miranda narrated it, too. And said ‘Alexander Hamilton’ multiple times throughout the book!
I found it odd, how Ari kept Dante separate from other aspects of his life, not his family but his school ‘friends’.
I loved how Dante liked everyone and was a sweet, kind boy, even if he hated shoes. His family showed that Mexicans and other Latino people are not the racist stereotypes that so many portray in books and films. His parents were in high paying, respectable jobs, as were Ari’s.
Dante’s matter of fact ness around his sexuality made me laugh so much. He liked kissing boys and that is that. I think that’s how a lot of people have felt.
Ari’s struggle to understand how he felt about Dante and around his lack of sexual attraction or desire is how I think a lot of people feel growing up. I think there should be an emphasis on the fact that you might not feel things as black and white as others, and actually, what love feels like to you is completely different for someone else.
I loved it. I just feel like it was a little long, hence I rated it 4 stars and not 5 stars.
I love that Lin-Manuel Miranda narrated it, too. And said ‘Alexander Hamilton’ multiple times throughout the book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, Mental illness, and Hate crime
Minor: War, Death, and Homophobia