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

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective tense fast-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

5.0

Devastated. In the best way.

This YA story is a Latine mix of Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stop Pretending: What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy, and Call Me By Your Name (without the age/power dynamics). The author weaves a seemingly typical tale of two Mexican-American teen boys, lonely in their own ways, and their unlikely friendship into a masterful story about love and growing. 

There is a throughline of family secrets. At the same time, these two families support their children and show up in the hard moments. Many of us have to figure ourselves out without parents who care enough to see us, know us, and ask about our hearts. To be told that you are perfectly loved and that there is a place for the unique parts of you is a world I want for all young people.

There are so many kinds of love, and this book truly shows that well.
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