Reviews

Only okay.

Some of the praise I had for [b:Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe|12000020|Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, #1)|Benjamin Alire Sáenz|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328320260s/12000020.jpg|16964419] is similar to the praise I have for this book. You've got a great deal of diversity, I love the fact that this is a YA novel that features family so prominently, and [a:Benjamin Alire Sáenz|4841310|Benjamin Alire Sáenz|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1386527200p2/4841310.jpg] can write some very poetic sentences.

That being said, that's also part of the reason why I didn't like this book. It felt like at times it was trying too hard to be profound, and was instead coming across pretentiously. It was also pretty predictable,

Spoiler

though 3 deaths in one book was a bit much,

and unbelievably repetitive.

Also, this was a thought I had a number of times whilst reading this book. "I wonder how many more pages I'll have to read before someone starts to cry aga- oh, no wait, they're already crying".

Like I said, it was only okay.

melindagallagher's review against another edition

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5.0

Saenz's book gives us a true glimpse into a Mexican- American family and all the love and joy that they have to give. Unlike many LGBT books, the gay theme was not forced or added just to meet some criteria. The writing was real and Sal's adoption by his Mexican gay father was beautiful. I sort of wanted Sam and Sal to become a couple, but they are more brother/sister and it was a better outcome. I will miss Sal and Sam!

emilykeogh23's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

neothe0ne's review against another edition

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3.0

I read this because I liked this author's previous book, but this one was not the same rosy experience for me. The story and dialogue were SO repetitious that I almost couldn't finish it. How many times did I need to read the phrase, "inexplicable logic?" As Peter Griffin would point out: "Ah ah! There it is! He said it!" Beautiful writing: check. A plot with action that goes somewhere: nope.

themagicviolinist's review against another edition

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5.0

This author has a gift for taking my heart, pulverizing it, blending it into a pain-flavored smoothie, and handing it to me in a way that I'll happily slurp the whole thing down. (Like that imagery?) It wasn't quite Aristotle and Dante levels of wow, but WOW. My interest was held throughout an unusually long contemporary with little plot, largely due to how good these characters were written. I love his characters, every single one of them. The friendship, the family dynamics, the love of dogs (dogs who don't die, might I add!), and the food (homemade tortillas . . . *drools*) made this story something I missed reading when I was doing something else. It was such a cozy book to curl up with before bed, even if it made me cry like twelve times. (Probably more. Definitely more.)

wondrouswisteria's review against another edition

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Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.25

estanis's review against another edition

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4.0

Largely, this is a book about grief and friendship. Beautiful writing as to be expected. Actually made me cry a few times. If you like relationship driven books rather than plot heavy ones, this is the book for you.

I definitely think Ari & Dante is a better read but I also think it depends on where you are in life. Sáenz is talented and makes you question the own inexplicable logic in your life.

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