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

5.0

I really, really, really really liked this book. It made me cry from the beginning to the very end, nonstop, but it was worth it (not many books do that to me so that should already tell you how fucking good it is). The best thing is I had not expected it to have that effect on me at all. It's a lovestory, so you have to like lovestories to like this (I am normally not that into those). I think what I loved the most about the book are its protagonists. And I really had not expected it to end the way it did (I was glad about the ending!). I could really identify with both of them. Growing up in a Latinx household, being queer, loving literature - everything about the characters resonated with me obviously, but I was still surprised at how much it did. You can really drown in this book, get lost in its summer. And you're always hoping. Hoping for Ari to finally get it, to let himself be free. Also, I have never been so much into the parents in a novel. Every character is complex, a full-fleshed person, even. It is an honest book. Until the end I did not know how everything would turn out. Moments of doubt and certainty, perfectly transported. Everyone has their story to tell, and everyone tells it without leaving anything out. Pain is felt in this book, seen and honoured. Pain pours out, beauty, and love, and hope. I think this book is a celebration of love, and of those who won't stop loving. One of my new favourites. Everyone should read it.