Sáenz, Benjamin Alire. Aristotle
and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. New York: Simon &
Schuster BFYR, 2012.
ISBN: 978-4424-0892-0
Plot Summary:
Aristotle and Dante meet at the pool one summer when Dante
offers to teach Ari how to swim. They
soon find that they are total opposites, but they develop a strong bond as
their friendship grows. Ari is drawn to
Dante’s self-assured demeanor as Ari struggles with his identity and with
relationships in his family. Dante is
able to help Ari break down the barriers that he has built as they discover
that the universe is a huge and complicated place.
Critical Analysis:
Benjamin Alire Sáenz writes a beautifully complicated story
of loyalty, love and friendship. Ari and
Dante are both complicated characters who evolve gradually through Sáenz’s
excellent writing. The relationship
between Ari and Dante is handled very carefully as they each discover the power
of their friendship. The secondary
Latino theme is genuine as the characters search for their cultural identity as
well. The relationship between Ari and
Dante is handled delicately as they slowly discover their growing feelings for
each other. The story is told skillfully
and with genuine honesty that will touch readers as they enjoy this emotionally
revealing masterpiece.
Review Excerpts:
"A
tender, honest exploration of identity and sexuality, and a passionate reminder
that love—whether romantic or familial—should be open, free, and without
shame." ~Publishers Weekly,
starred review
"Meticulous
pacing and finely nuanced characters underpin the author's gift for affecting
prose that illuminates the struggles within relationships." ~Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Sáenz
writes toward the end of the novel that “to be careful with people and words
was a rare and beautiful thing.” And that’s exactly what Sáenz does—he treats
his characters carefully, giving them space and time to find their place in the
world, and to find each other...those struggling with their own sexuality may
find it to be a thought-provoking read." ~Booklist
“Ari’s
first-person narrative—poetic, philosophical, honest—skillfully develops the
relationship between the two boys from friendship to romance." ~The Horn Book
Awards:
American Book Award Winner
Stonewall Book Award
Pura Belpre Award
Michael L. Printz Honor
Connections:
**Other books by Benjamin Alire Sáenz:
Names on a Map: A
Novel
Sammy and Juliana in
Hollywood
He Forgot to Say
Goodbye
In Perfect Light