A review by meeklovestoread
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Honestly, the one reason why this book wasn't five stars is because I've kind of gotten outgrown the whole "ya-coming-of-age" storylines. I've just seen them done many times so I recognize many of the themes the author was trying to portray, however, that doesn't mean the book's message and storyline didn't land. On the contrary, I teared up multiple times, and the last hundred pages completely destroyed me. I was sobbing beyond belief. Like I could feel the pain inside me (it left both a good and bad feeling in me, to be honest).  I really identify with the main character, Ari (Aristotle). His struggles of finding himself, the pain he faces, the questions he has no answers to, the conflicts he faces with loneliness and anger really resonated with me. And I absolutely adored Dante through and through. And I loved their parents and the friendship that sprouted between them too.  I didn't really expect this book to hit as hard as it did, but it definitely delivered on my expectations and I'm so happy to read the second book.
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