Scan barcode
A review by ashley_mrose530
Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
emotional
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.25
A really great continuation of Aristotle and Dante's story. Now they aren't falling in love, but are learning how to navigate being in a relationship while also growing as people and coming out to those they are closest to.
I loved going through this journey with Ari. He's so smart and has such a big heart that he had to learn how to let people into throughout this book. And then the grief was so poignant and beautiful. It was handled so well throughout the second half of the novel. I felt myself tearing up after almost every scene as Ari weathered his grief with his happiness.
I also loved the addition of the aids epidemic and how big of a part of queer history that is. I think the author did well in showing the solidarity of the queer community during the epidemic and balancing how it was starting to affect Ari's life or the life of those around him.
The writing style of the author, though lyrical and beautiful, does take a big to get used to. It's kind of a stream of consciousness style that you don't see very often in contemporary novels. But once I did get used to it, I loved it and how it fit Ari's character with how he's always in his head, silently watching and listening.
I loved going through this journey with Ari. He's so smart and has such a big heart that he had to learn how to let people into throughout this book. And then the grief was so poignant and beautiful. It was handled so well throughout the second half of the novel. I felt myself tearing up after almost every scene as Ari weathered his grief with his happiness.
I also loved the addition of the aids epidemic and how big of a part of queer history that is. I think the author did well in showing the solidarity of the queer community during the epidemic and balancing how it was starting to affect Ari's life or the life of those around him.
The writing style of the author, though lyrical and beautiful, does take a big to get used to. It's kind of a stream of consciousness style that you don't see very often in contemporary novels. But once I did get used to it, I loved it and how it fit Ari's character with how he's always in his head, silently watching and listening.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Death of parent, and Bullying