A review by bitsandbobsdivination
Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

5.0

It’s been awhile that a book has taken me months to read - and not because it was bad and sluggish but because it was so beautiful I had to sit with it to really take it all in. 

The way Benjamin writes is so simple and pure. They share a message and instead of diluting it with a bunch of fluffy language they  hit you with the most pure lines you can’t help but take them straight to your heart. The amount of times I teared up with sadness one one page and then would turn to the next smiling with the same tears was often. 

This book hit on topics I expected such as their journey together growing up as gay boys and now men, but this book hit on so so much more. And to see Ari grow from someone who didn’t know who he was, didn’t understand his father, was scared of loving and being loved, to who he is in the final pages was a beautiful journey to see unfold. I love him so much!

I’m so happy and grateful this book (and the first) exists and am sure I’ll revisit it 10 years from now and get hit just as much. Definitely recommend! ❤️✨
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