Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Young Adult (YA)
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Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99 CD-Audio • £18.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 6514
  • Added: 2025-11-18
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9781665955751
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2023-08-29
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Aristotle, an angry teen with a brother in prison, and Dante, a know-it-all with a unique perspective on life, meet at a swimming pool and initially seem to have nothing in common. As they spend more time together, they discover a special bond that changes their lives forever. Through their friendship, Ari and Dante learn important truths about their identities and the kind of people they want to be. This award-winning novel is a tender and honest exploration of identity, family, and friendship. It is a lyrical journey that has been internationally renowned and is now a major motion picture. The book features images from the film and has been recognized as a Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021).

Reviews
Julia's Books · 2021-10-13
profound 4.00

The book captures the essence of youth and the transition into adulthood with sensitivity and depth. The characters' journeys are compelling and emotionally resonant.

This novel beautifully captures the essence of youth and the complexities of growing up. The characters, Dante and Ari, are portrayed with such depth and sensitivity that their journeys feel deeply personal and emotionally resonant. The reviewer is drawn into their worlds, experiencing the highs and lows of their friendship and self-discovery. The writing is poignant, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing for the simplicity of youth. It's a story that stays with you long after the last page, offering a profound exploration of identity and connection.

Quick quotes

    For a few minutes I wished that Dante and I lived in the universe of boys instead of the universe of almost-men.

    The characters' journeys are compelling and emotionally resonant.

    The writing is poignant, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing for the simplicity of youth.

Reading on a Star · 2020-05-28
heartwarming 5.00

The book is a heartwarming and rewarding read with exquisite writing. It deals with themes of sexuality and coming of age in a nuanced and sensitive manner.

This book is a heartwarming and rewarding read, with writing that is both exquisite and evocative. It tackles themes of sexuality and coming of age with nuance and sensitivity, making it a deeply moving experience. The reviewer is captivated by the characters' journeys and the emotional depth of their stories. The book's exploration of identity and self-discovery is both profound and relatable, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of growing up. It's a story that resonates on many levels, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

Quick quotes

    Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a coming of age story that deals with sexuality ...

    The writing is exquisite.

    It's a story that resonates on many levels, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

The Guardian · 2014-11-13
brilliant 4.50

The friendship between Ari and Dante is beautifully crafted and avoids cliches. The writing is brilliant and the characters' dynamics feel authentic.

This book stands out for its authentic portrayal of a friendship that feels real and unscripted. The characters, Ari and Dante, have a relationship that is both complex and heartwarming, filled with moments of conflict and understanding. The writing is brilliant, capturing the essence of their bond and the nuances of their personalities. It's a story that resonates deeply, offering a unique perspective on growing up and self-discovery. The reviewer appreciates the depth and authenticity of the characters, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    It was so brilliantly written, and Ari and Dante's friendship was unexpected but seemed to just work.

    It wasn't cliched; they fought, they got ...

    The writing is brilliant, capturing the essence of their bond and the nuances of their personalities.

Goodreads · 2014-11-13
impactful 4.25

The prose is poetic and impactful, with every word carrying weight. The simplicity of the language enhances the emotional depth of the story.

The Goodreads review emphasizes the poetic prose of Benjamin Alire Saenz, noting that the language is simple yet impactful. The reviewer appreciates how the author uses straightforward language to convey deep emotions and complex themes. The story's emotional depth is highlighted, making it a powerful and moving read. The reviewer finds the book to be a beautiful exploration of friendship, identity, and self-discovery.

Quick quotes

    Benjamin Alire Saenz has poetic prose. There aren't many compound sentences or large SAT words in this book, but every word impacted me.

    Sometimes the shortest sentences can be the most powerful.

    This book is a journey of self-discovery and acceptance that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

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