Growing up as a teen, it can be difficult to find your true self. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe explores just that. This novel was published in February 2012 by author Benjamin Alire Saenz, who tells a story of two Mexican boys in high school who don’t seem like they would be friends at first glance.
Ari (Aristotle) is a negative person who tends to be sad and angry. It is difficult for him to be around other people. Even though Dante is also Mexican and the same age as Ari, his outlook of the world is the total opposite. He is positive and friendly which people love about him, but he strangely has no close friends. When Ari and Dante met each other one summer, something clicked. They become friends and navigate through the highs and lows of teenage life together. This novel focuses on Ari’s joys, sorrows, confusion, and everything in between.
I thought this was a great read that accurately showcased the complex thoughts and emotions of a teenager. Growing up as a teen is difficult because you are in a weird limbo between a kid and adult. You don’t quite know where to fit in and have so many questions about the world. All of these questions can make you feel caught up in your head and alone. This novel takes readers deeply into Ari’s mind and helps them realize that there are other people going through the same situations or doubts that they are enduring. It includes many surprising twists that build on the plot and characters’ personalities. I quickly finished this book because the storyline was very complex and engaging.
This novel is on the sadder side, but that only displays Ari’s character more vividly. I enjoyed how the characters and story both developed. Readers who have many questions about life will appreciate its relatability and how well these complicated thoughts are conveyed. I am excited to find out what happens in the sequel, Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World.
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