Book Review – Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

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.

***

   4/5 Stars.

This is such a lovely book! I knew going in it was gay fiction but that was about it. So the time setting was a surprise! I was unsure about that, but it didn’t weigh on the book and it makes it work even better in places – making them write letters for example. I just loved their friendship from early on. Poor messed up, angry little Ari, not understanding the world around him totally and definitely not understanding himself. I loved him with Dante’s parents the most I think, that was a lovely relationship. Those poor boys go through so much literal trauma, it almost felt a bit much but it was well done. I’m mostly just sad we don’t get to see more of them together or see any glimpses into Dante’s head (though don’t get me wrong, while that would be lovely it wouldn’t work for this book overall) – I want to see Ari and Dante get to be happy :):)

I am eagerly awaiting his follow up!