“The problem with my life is that it was someone else’s idea”
Bibliographic Data: Sáenz, Benjamin A. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. New York: Simon & Schuster BFYR, 2012. Print. ISBN 9781442408920
Plot Summary: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, is a story by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, that is rich, deep, and beautiful in its simplicity. It examines the story and relationship of the two titular characters, their struggles with family, fitting in, and finding their identity within their Hispanic culture.
Critical Analysis:
This book just works in so many ways. It reads as powerfully as the popular Perks of Being a Wallflower, but is not in journal style. It is honest, concise, and relatable. The two characters meet in a believable fashion, at a pool on a summer’s day. Their friendship continues to blossom, and Saenz carefully crafts the characters, their pasts, their worries, their futures into a beautiful relationship. We witness Ari change from a scared, lonely boy with a brother in prison and a broken family, and Dante from a pedantic snob, to two friends and boyfriends and help one another find who and what they really are. The references to their hispanic culture are rich, and there are just the right amount of stereotypical laments to get the reader to understand that the boys know how they are depicted, but want to be so much more than a statistic. It is a fair telling, and truly rich look into this culture. More over, the way in which the boys make reference to their feelings for one another is done delicately and not all at once, which is so nice to see a slow and steady fall. (I personally feel like there is not as much care given to romance blossoming between characters if they are of the same gender, so I am happy this story is different!) This is not just a story about two Hispanic boys. Nor two boys. Nor two teens. Nor two boys that have feelings for one another. It is everything and all of it mixed into a fine novel with beautiful voice(s). I am so impressed and so happy to share this book!
Reviews:
* "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)
* "Authentic teen and Latino dialogue should make it a popular choice." (School Library Journal, 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)
Connections:
This is a great book to add to any library collection. The cover is innocuous enough that teens will be drawn to it, but critical, closed-minded adults won’t immediately challenge it. It demonstrates how everyone carries a burden, but friends can help balance the weight of it. This would be an excellent book club book.
Awards:
American Book Award Winner
Stonewall Book Award
Pura Belpre Award
Michael L. Printz Honor
Plot Summary: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, is a story by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, that is rich, deep, and beautiful in its simplicity. It examines the story and relationship of the two titular characters, their struggles with family, fitting in, and finding their identity within their Hispanic culture.
Critical Analysis:
This book just works in so many ways. It reads as powerfully as the popular Perks of Being a Wallflower, but is not in journal style. It is honest, concise, and relatable. The two characters meet in a believable fashion, at a pool on a summer’s day. Their friendship continues to blossom, and Saenz carefully crafts the characters, their pasts, their worries, their futures into a beautiful relationship. We witness Ari change from a scared, lonely boy with a brother in prison and a broken family, and Dante from a pedantic snob, to two friends and boyfriends and help one another find who and what they really are. The references to their hispanic culture are rich, and there are just the right amount of stereotypical laments to get the reader to understand that the boys know how they are depicted, but want to be so much more than a statistic. It is a fair telling, and truly rich look into this culture. More over, the way in which the boys make reference to their feelings for one another is done delicately and not all at once, which is so nice to see a slow and steady fall. (I personally feel like there is not as much care given to romance blossoming between characters if they are of the same gender, so I am happy this story is different!) This is not just a story about two Hispanic boys. Nor two boys. Nor two teens. Nor two boys that have feelings for one another. It is everything and all of it mixed into a fine novel with beautiful voice(s). I am so impressed and so happy to share this book!
Reviews:
* "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)
* "Authentic teen and Latino dialogue should make it a popular choice." (School Library Journal, 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)
Connections:
This is a great book to add to any library collection. The cover is innocuous enough that teens will be drawn to it, but critical, closed-minded adults won’t immediately challenge it. It demonstrates how everyone carries a burden, but friends can help balance the weight of it. This would be an excellent book club book.
Awards:
American Book Award Winner
Stonewall Book Award
Pura Belpre Award
Michael L. Printz Honor