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A review by hardkaapi
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This was a very difficult book for me to review, mainly because I still have conflicting emotions about the story. At its core, this is the story of 2 Mexican-American boys, Aristotle and Dante, who become best friends at the age of 15. They bond over their names as well as the culture shift they face in their homes. Ari, the primary character, is shown to be in terrible teenage turmoil, which we can all sympathize with, but I wish it was written better. For a book that is a 4.4 on GoodReads, I was so confused as to why my only thought for the first half of the book was "enough with the whining". The book refused to move on, both plot wise and dialogue wise. However, as a friend
pointed out, what I perceived as repetition, was actually realistic? 15 year olds do not have rational thinking, expecting that will obviously result in disappointment. If I read this a few years ago, I think I'd feel differently for sure.
In the second half, though messy, things finally switch gears a bit, and you understand the characters better. It tackles a lot of teenage emotions at once, which puts the reader in a whirlpool of question marks for the most part, which is sad because the themes covered are so relatable, I almost cried a few times. Being set in 1978, the cultural and LGBTQ+ representations are shown with the appropriate care and honesty. This book does have 4.4 potential, I just wish I was younger😔 Good book, wrong time
pointed out, what I perceived as repetition, was actually realistic? 15 year olds do not have rational thinking, expecting that will obviously result in disappointment. If I read this a few years ago, I think I'd feel differently for sure.
In the second half, though messy, things finally switch gears a bit, and you understand the characters better. It tackles a lot of teenage emotions at once, which puts the reader in a whirlpool of question marks for the most part, which is sad because the themes covered are so relatable, I almost cried a few times. Being set in 1978, the cultural and LGBTQ+ representations are shown with the appropriate care and honesty. This book does have 4.4 potential, I just wish I was younger😔 Good book, wrong time