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

“Dante can swim. Ari can’t. Dante is articulate and self-assured. Ari has a hard time with words and suffers from self-doubt. Dante gets lost in poetry and art. Ari gets lost in thoughts of his older brother who is in prison. Dante is fair skinned. Ari’s features are much darker. It seems that a boy like Dante, with his open and unique perspective on life, would be the last person to break down the walls that Ari built around himself. But against all odds, when Ari and Dante meet, they develop a special bond that will teach them the most important truths of their lives, and help define the people they want to be. But there are big hurdles in their way, and only by believing in each other – and the power of their friendship – can Ari and Dante emerge stronger on the other side.”

(There will probably be some spoilers below. I’m sorry. It’s hard not to)

O-M-G! 😱 Why did it take me this long to read this. This is now my absolute, favorite book of all times!!! I will hold it close and cherish it. It made me happy, sad, heartbroken and happy again. This has to be the most beautiful, thoughtful and sweet story of friendship, identity, and love I have ever read. When I started this book I did a little background research on the author. I found out that the author himself is gay and writing these stories helped me come to terms with who he was. I think knowing that bit of info made this story even more amazing and sweet. It almost makes me think that he put a little of his own life into these characters (I don’t know if any of that is the truth. It’s just what I believe). 

I am VERY passionate about anything with the LGBTQ(and whatever letters have been added) community. I myself am bisexual. I think that is another reason why this story was so meaningful to me. I wish more families could be this amazing when their kids come out to them. It just breaks my heart and tears me to pieces when I hear about kids being kicked out, beat up, murdered or committing suicide (which in my eyes is murder) because of who they are….

Sorry I am getting sidetracked. I just have so much to say and so many ways I want to help. If you want to hear my thoughts, dreams, ideas and my own personal feelings I could start blogs/discussions. I love connecting with others who may be having a hard time with things. Let me know down below 👇🏼. I have some amazing dreams I would love to share and make come true one day. 

Anyway back to the book! If you have not read this then GO read it now!!! It’s amazing!!!

5/5 🌟