Scan barcode
A review by naolin
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Yeah, this book was not for me. I kept reading because I was waiting for it to get better but unfortunately it didn't.
First of all, why use a Vietnam war story as some sort of allegory for confessing to a crush? Why are four adults so fixated on setting up two teenagers? (Even if they are their parents, it's odd for them to be SO involved) Then there's a ton of build up which leads you to believe that Ari's brother would have a super complicated and interesting back story and then it's just "Oh, he killed a trans woman with his bare hands, unprovoked". Which was not only a really boring choice plot-wise, but felt weird as a trans reader. Also, there was no substance to the story. Nothing meaningful. There's no conflict outside of a couple of teenagers complaining and arguing over nothing.
Also, Ari repeatedly says that he loves Dante, that he's his best friend, etc. There's never any notion that Ari is romantically interested in him. But yet, his parents basically coax him into saying he's in love with Dante on the premise that if he wasn't, he wouldn't look out for him. Which is crazy— can friends not save each other's lives or beat up each other's enemies?
That being said, as a Mexican-American guy, a lot of their conversations about their culture were nice.
I don't know. I heard great things about this book but I figure it's just meant for a High School audience.
First of all, why use a Vietnam war story as some sort of allegory for confessing to a crush? Why are four adults so fixated on setting up two teenagers? (Even if they are their parents, it's odd for them to be SO involved) Then there's a ton of build up which leads you to believe that Ari's brother would have a super complicated and interesting back story and then it's just
Also, Ari repeatedly says that he loves Dante, that he's his best friend, etc. There's never any notion that Ari is romantically interested in him. But yet, his parents basically coax him into saying he's in love with Dante on the premise that if he wasn't, he wouldn't look out for him. Which is crazy— can friends not save each other's lives or beat up each other's enemies?
That being said, as a Mexican-American guy, a lot of their conversations about their culture were nice.
I don't know. I heard great things about this book but I figure it's just meant for a High School audience.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content