Book Review: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sàenz
Title: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Author: Benjamin Alire Sàenz
Publication: Simon & Schuster BFYR
Number of Pages: 359
Book Review:
The book, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, written by author Benjamin Alire Sàenz is one of a kind. No wonder it has won so many book awards! It is simple yet so profound, it is conversational yet with so much depth. As the name suggests, the book is about two young boys Aristotle and Dante. The story is narrated from Aristotle’s perspective. Aristotle or ‘Ari’ as he is fondly called is someone who suffers from self-doubt; he is aggressive yet soft at heart. He is confused about things and often is unable to express himself. Ari hardly has any friends and he often feels lonely. He shares a cordial relationship with his mom but struggles to talk to his father who is an ex-army man. He is often lost in the thoughts of his brother who is in prison. Ari meets Dante. Dante, a young and charming boy who is articulate and self-assured. Dante loves to read and he is much more confident and friendly. They first meet at the pool and bond over their swimming practice sessions.
The story of Aristotle and Dante is of true bonding and friendship. The author rightfully narrates the confusion and chaos going around in these young minds. How they discover their relationship, their friendship and learn so many things together. The book is highly conversational and the dialogues between the two protagonists are the real gems. It is free-flowing and easily comprehensible. The narrative showcases the complexities of human nature and human behavior. Aristotle and Dante, the two Mexican-American boys trying to find their identity in terms of their race, culture, and sexuality, is enhanced skilfully by the author. The plot is not fast-paced but its conversational nature does not make it draggy or stretched.
Buy on Amazon at a discounted cost: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.
Do I recommend it?
Of course, I do! it is a beautiful book that takes you on a different journey altogether. It gives you a whole new perspective. It is a first book that I read on the LGBT subject and I am glad I did! Indeed a beautiful read, with so much emotion and so much heart. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe truly is a thought-provoking book that can open up so many dialogues and discussions. With two different minds to understand and contemplate, the book offers a rich experience to the readers.
The book is divided into six sections. Look at the beautiful epigraphs:
- The Different Rules of Summer
“The problem with my life was that it was someone else’s idea.”
- Sparrows Falling from the Sky
When I was a boy, I used to wake up thinking that the world was ending.
- The End of Summer
“Do you remember the summer of the rain….. You must let everything fall that wants to fall.” — Karen Fiser
- Letters on a Page
“There are some words I’ll never learn to spell.”
- Remember the Rain
“turning the pages patiently in search of meanings” — W.S. Merwin
- All the Secrets of the Universe
“Through all of youth I was looking for you without knowing what I was looking for.” — W.S. Merwin
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