Reviews with content warning for Cursing - Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

The moment I began reading this book all I could think of was how Benjamin Alire Saenz’s writing style reminded me of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Of Love and Other Demons is perhaps one of my favorite magical realism novels I have experienced thus far. And as for Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe… It is magical realism at its finest! Perhaps not quite Gabriel Garcia Marquez but I’m not surprised it has won so many rewards.

Obviously, I find the writing absolutely beautiful. The story, although engaging, had no real plot and tended feel a bit forced with some of its dialog but I was never bored. Overall, it was a simple but beautifully written slice of life.

I will admit, though, it was not what I expected this book to be. The light hearted young adult LGBT romance I expected turned out to be the study and exploration of it is to be human; of the loving and strained relationships between a parent and their child; of the existence of one’s self outside of expectations both imposed and internal; a study of the complexity of emotions; and a simple coming of age story. This book was all of these things and more…. And less.

I think (and this is just my opinion) that Benhamin Alire Saenz didn’t write this book to be simply read… but rather to be experienced. While, that sounds simple on the surface it can be a very arduous task for the author and for the reader. Experiences are not universal and thus will not always appeal to some individuals, so I cannot recommend this book to just anyone.

However…

If you are one that loves poetic verse, the simplicity of a slice of life novel, or simply wish to try to discover the secrets of your own universe…. I cannot recommend this novel enough.

Quotes:

“Words were different when they lived inside of you.”

"We all fight our own private wars."

TW: Violence, homophobia, transphobia, foul language, injury, Mentions of Murder, Underage drinking, drug abuse

Content Warnings

booknerdz28's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? N/A

4.75

Content Warnings

profilernewt07's review against another edition

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adventurous dark sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

To be honest it wasn’t a book I would normally read, it’s an easy read, but I was left unsatisfied with the ending. I know their is a sequel I probably won’t invest my time in, I just believe that I enjoy plot driven books more, so a book that didn’t have plot as a main point left me a feeling bored. Didn’t hate it, but didn’t love it either, the slow pace definitely brought it down a bit as it was hard to get into for a first read- most likely will not reread, not that there’s anything wrong with it but I also detested some of the comments about women that there was in the book: when Dante was talking to his mom about the name of her baby that she will give birth to, and when she asked if she had an opinion on this Dante said no and that the only thing she should do is clean. Overall, the comment felt weird coming from a man and the fact that it wasn’t address and explored more was a missed lesson.

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sleepy_ghost_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

"How could I have ever been ashamed of loving Dante Quintana?"

What the fuck... That's all... Just what the fuck... Its 3 am and I just finished this... And I- it was so bittersweet, and it made me happy, and jealous, because why am I so alone... But like my god...

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vr_alyssa's review

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dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

2017 review:
Those five stars relate to plot. It really got to me. Just a story of two teenagers, best friends, and life in 1987. It's heartbreaking because it's easy to relate to (no matter your gender, race or sexual preference). I really loved this book.

2023 review:
I decided to re-read this book on a whim. I honestly don't know why. I mean, I already had a pile of books I'm currently reading. Simultaneously, I had forgotten how much I love this book. Not because it's eventful, or fast-paced and action packed (like most books I read these days), but because it's so incredibly human. I don't know if I appreciated how beautifully it depicts the teenage condition last time I read this novel, or how it demonstrates how complicated unconditional love can be. But man. I ugly cried a couple times near the end, which caught me off guard. Because I honestly did not remember how much I love this book, just that I loved it.

Content Warnings

daringreader13's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing 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? It's complicated

4.75

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