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

I can’t stop thinking about this book. I love it. It was such a powerful and poetic story.

The writing style is fantastic. Benjamin Alire Sáenz can say so much, with so little. It’s a very fast read: you’re sucked into the story from the very first page, and you can’t stop.

The story is told from Aristotle’s POV. I love how insightful he wrote Aristotle. Every reflection of him was precious.

“That afternoon, I learned two new words. “Inscrutable.” And “friend.”

“I hated being volunteered. The problem with my life was that it was someone else’s idea.”

Though we have Aristotle’s narrative, we get to know each character really well: the beautiful and cheerful Dante, and the loyal and profound parents. Every description, every detail impacted me, and brought more to life these amazing characters. 

The relationship between Dante and Ari was perfect. THEY completed each other perfectly. I couldn’t ask for more with them: their conversations, their feelings, and their companionship were something wonderful to read. Dante and Ari together, their connection, was extraordinary.  

"“That’s a very Dante question,” I said.

“That’s a very Ari answer,” he said.

And then we started laughing and couldn’t stop. And I missed him so much."

This book was about two main journeys. One: A journey of self- discovery for Ari and Dante, where they hit a lot of bumps of their road, and have to decide on moving forward or backwards. Two: a journey of understanding those around them, and how their influence can affect their own life. I was magnificently displayed throughout the book. 

I feel so happy after reading this. It touches some deep, honest topics such as love, acceptance, loyalty, friendship and bravery, in an exquisite, unforgettable way. I don’t think I’ll ever feel about the rain the same way after reading this.

If you’re ready to want to jump up and down from happiness, and cry, and have your head spin from all the thinking, I completely recommend this book.

Prepare yourself to discover the secrets of their universe.