Review: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Title: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Author: Benjamin Alire Saenz
Page Count: 359
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary, BLGT
Rating: A billion stars* *(for purposes of this rating system. 5 is the max, so 5, but I adore this book)
Source: My friend Destery!
Links: Amazon Goodreads Barnes & Noble The Book Depository
Synopsis: This Printz Honor Book is a “tender, honest exploration of identity” (Publishers Weekly) that distills lyrical truths about family and friendship.

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

Review:

“The problem with my life was that it was someone else’s idea.”

My review for this book on goodreads was simply one word... PERFECTION.

To expand upon this thought is actually a very difficult thing to do because how do you describe, and justly talk about a book you love as much as this? It's difficulties are infinite.

I'm going to warn you now that this really isn't much of a review and more of a rambling... But I'm sure you all are used to that from me at this point. ;)

Ari & Dante (I'm shortening the title) follows YOU GUESSED IT Ari(stotle) and Dante! These boys are unlike anybody I have ever met, yet they are the kind of boys I want to meet because not only are they the super relatable in so many freaking ways, they are just stand-up people and characters and their story continually breaks my heart.

Ari is much more self conscious than Dante and we get to see the world from his perspective (and it's a bleak world...) The way the author allows us to see Ari's inner-monologue yet still bring vivid yet simple descriptions to the world is beautiful. I teared up multiple times while reading this book as I think everyone really will.

These characters are unforgettably brilliant. I cannot tell you too much about them without spoiling pretty much everything. But if you have heard about this book, you know what it's about and you are probably assuming certain things. I was pleasantly surprised at how this book surprised me because I expected one thing and got something similar but not exactly the way I thought it would pan out. (sorry if that sentence made absolutely no sense)

Dante is unapologetic and strong. His certainty in himself is admirable and it makes me envious. He is as confident as I want to be. And Ari is as confident as I am most of the time. They are so different, yet so alike. And I get them.

I also love their weird quirks... But especially, and most importantly, Dante's hatred of shoes. It added an element of humor to this story that was so important...

AND OH MY GOD I ALMOST FORGOT TO TALK ABOUT....



THE PARENTS. (I just like this cute picture, okay?)

The Parents of BOTH Aristotle AND Dante are realistic and relatable and very much exactly what I want in a YA novel! They were present in their children's lives! (Well... uh...I mean. You'll understand.) But I adored them to pieces.

I also loved the relationship between Ari and his "friends". I love the instant bond between the boys. I love all of the relationships. I love all of this. I love this book so fucking much.

This book has skyrocketed itself onto my favorites list with ease. It's poetic, and gorgeous, and perfect and I loved it sooooo much.

Please read it, I beg you.