Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, by: Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Blurb

       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.

       Aristotle and Dante (88%) was a book I have actually been putting off reading for a long time. I bought it a while ago, and just never had much interest in reading it. I had heard a few good things, but nothing that made me feel any urgency to read it.
       With that being said, I absolutely adored this book! I loved the fact that the plot didn't revolve around things happening to the characters, especially Ari, but Ari and Dante figuring out who they are as people. Ari is constantly observing things about himself that he hadn't realized were a part of him, which was a very relate-able thing, coming from a high school girl. Every once in a while, I will find something that I didn't even care to learn about, and will end up loving. I think that is what really makes a coming-of-age story beautiful.
       I also loved that Ari is constantly thinking about his brother, who is a piece of their family that he didn't really get to enjoy and love. This whole plotline in the book is a really deep and emotional one for Ari, and it still ends up bringing the people he loves even closer to him.
       Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It had a perfect combination of love, coming-of-age, and quirk to make it its own novel. It really stands out in my mind as something extraordinary.

Review

       What did you think of Sáenz's novel? Comment your thoughts below!

As she discovers the universe's secrets,
Ashton

I bet you could sometimes find all the mysteries of the universe in someone's hand.” 
― Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe