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A review by kjanie
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
5.0
5/5 stars
RE-READ: October 2018
I feel as if I’m destined to read this book over and over again. It’s one of those stories that I love just as much every time I read it, if not more. Every time I read this book there’s something new that I connect with or relate to. A new line or page or experience, whatever it is I always feel at home with this book. The characters are phenomenally written and the story itself is just beautiful. This is by far one of my favourite book of all time and I think it always will be.
UPDATE: 2016 re-read
I always knew I was going to re-read this book ever since I first read it last year. This book has to be one most emotionally and mentally impacting books written, especially in the YA genre. Each time I read it, I am amazed and how powerful it is and how much the writing effects me.
This is the only book that I've read from this author but I will still call him a genius. The way he uses his words takes my breath away and never fails to astound me. Emotion is portrayed so honestly through the writing in a way that is both raw and and completely spellbinding.
This story follows two Mexican American boys as they struggle with identity, sexuality and love, both with family and romance. Aristotle (Ari) struggles day to day with feelings of loneliness, helplessness and self doubt. He is cynical, private and spends far too much time in his head. Dante is self assured, sensitive and open. He doesn't struggle to make friends like Ari and he has a very unique perspective on life. Against all odds, these two boys develop a special connection of friendship that will help them discover truth of themselves, the people around them and discover the secrets of the universe.
The best thing about this book is the honest portrayal of the characters. Often teenagers are depicted so wrongly in fiction by either being unbelievably profound or way too child like. It is safe to say that this has created the two may believable teenagers that I have ever read. The things that they struggle with and their relationships are so truthful and painfully honest. I found myself identifying with both Dante and Ari throughout the novel and the events that they went through.
Another element that stood out to me was the familial relationships explored throughout the book. Often, parents and other family bonds are forgotten in literature in order to focus on the main character/s. This was not the case for this book with family bonds established right off the bat. Some of my favourite moments in the book was the boys bantering and connecting with their family. Some things they said made me laugh out loud and remind me of my parents. Plus, the parents in this book were absolutely awesome, so that helps.
This book is ultimately thought-provoking and completely authentic. The characters were perfectly flawed and so realistic that sometimes I believed that they were 100% real. I recommend this book to EVERYONE, not just young adults, and believe that this is a book that anyone would benefit from reading. After finishing this book for a second time, I can say with complete hosts that I totally understand the hype and I can understand why it has won so many literary awards.
RE-READ: October 2018
I feel as if I’m destined to read this book over and over again. It’s one of those stories that I love just as much every time I read it, if not more. Every time I read this book there’s something new that I connect with or relate to. A new line or page or experience, whatever it is I always feel at home with this book. The characters are phenomenally written and the story itself is just beautiful. This is by far one of my favourite book of all time and I think it always will be.
UPDATE: 2016 re-read
I always knew I was going to re-read this book ever since I first read it last year. This book has to be one most emotionally and mentally impacting books written, especially in the YA genre. Each time I read it, I am amazed and how powerful it is and how much the writing effects me.
This is the only book that I've read from this author but I will still call him a genius. The way he uses his words takes my breath away and never fails to astound me. Emotion is portrayed so honestly through the writing in a way that is both raw and and completely spellbinding.
This story follows two Mexican American boys as they struggle with identity, sexuality and love, both with family and romance. Aristotle (Ari) struggles day to day with feelings of loneliness, helplessness and self doubt. He is cynical, private and spends far too much time in his head. Dante is self assured, sensitive and open. He doesn't struggle to make friends like Ari and he has a very unique perspective on life. Against all odds, these two boys develop a special connection of friendship that will help them discover truth of themselves, the people around them and discover the secrets of the universe.
The best thing about this book is the honest portrayal of the characters. Often teenagers are depicted so wrongly in fiction by either being unbelievably profound or way too child like. It is safe to say that this has created the two may believable teenagers that I have ever read. The things that they struggle with and their relationships are so truthful and painfully honest. I found myself identifying with both Dante and Ari throughout the novel and the events that they went through.
Another element that stood out to me was the familial relationships explored throughout the book. Often, parents and other family bonds are forgotten in literature in order to focus on the main character/s. This was not the case for this book with family bonds established right off the bat. Some of my favourite moments in the book was the boys bantering and connecting with their family. Some things they said made me laugh out loud and remind me of my parents. Plus, the parents in this book were absolutely awesome, so that helps.
This book is ultimately thought-provoking and completely authentic. The characters were perfectly flawed and so realistic that sometimes I believed that they were 100% real. I recommend this book to EVERYONE, not just young adults, and believe that this is a book that anyone would benefit from reading. After finishing this book for a second time, I can say with complete hosts that I totally understand the hype and I can understand why it has won so many literary awards.