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A review by timmi_prvt
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don't know what it is about this book that made it so different from other coming of age stories but over the last 4 days it has become one of my absolute favourites iterations of the "gay teenagers have to find themselves" genre.
The fact that the protagonists really do seem to be teenagers is certainly a big contributor as they are also allowed to struggle with other things than their sexuality. This makes them feel authentically "teen" and not like characters that feel and act as if they're in their early 20s.
Sáenz style of writing might be another reason. His language is poetic and descriptive without being too complex or unfitting for the characters.
Reading this book was a delight and even though I felt like the ending came a bit abrupt it absolutely deserves a 5/5 star rating!
The fact that the protagonists really do seem to be teenagers is certainly a big contributor as they are also allowed to struggle with other things than their sexuality. This makes them feel authentically "teen" and not like characters that feel and act as if they're in their early 20s.
Sáenz style of writing might be another reason. His language is poetic and descriptive without being too complex or unfitting for the characters.
Reading this book was a delight and even though I felt like the ending came a bit abrupt it absolutely deserves a 5/5 star rating!
Graphic: Homophobia and Violence
Moderate: Murder and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Drug use, Medical content, and Outing