Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (Aristotle and Dante, #1) in Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge

Dec 04, 2017 Rincey rated it liked it

3.5 stars

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Nov 03, 2016 Ashley Holstrom rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, audiobook, author-of-color, fiction, queer, reviewed, young-adult, romance

I'm not sure a book has made me fall in love with characters as deeply as I fell in love with Ari and Dante. This book is something very special, tackling a whole bunch of hard topics, and remains realistic and beautiful the whole way.

From The Best Books We Read in November 2016 at Book Riot. ...more

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Feb 15, 2017 Rebecca rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2017-read-harder

Read Harder 2017: YA Novel by an Author Who Identifies as LGBTQ+

Wow. This book grabs your attention from the beginning and does not let go. As the mom of a boy, I want to buy this book and reread it when my son is a teenager. Because this book made me realize so powerfully how fast we forget as parents, how easily we dismiss teenagers' concerns, and how often it really is terrible to be that age because you feel so lost.

"Sometimes parents loved their sons so much that they made a romance out of ...more

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Jan 28, 2013 Chelsea rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ya, printz

1. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
2. New York : Simon & Schuster BFYR, 2012. 359 pages.
3. Aristotle, “Ari”, as he likes to be called, does not have it all figured out. Coming of age in the late 1980’s with a Mexican American family who have a few secrets is only part of Ari’s confusion. First of all, he misses his older brother in prison with a strong need to talk about his absence, which his parents are unwilling to face. Added to this Ari describes the feeling of “s 1. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
2. New York : Simon & Schuster BFYR, 2012. 359 pages.
3. Aristotle, “Ari”, as he likes to be called, does not have it all figured out. Coming of age in the late 1980’s with a Mexican American family who have a few secrets is only part of Ari’s confusion. First of all, he misses his older brother in prison with a strong need to talk about his absence, which his parents are unwilling to face. Added to this Ari describes the feeling of “something swimming around inside me that always made me feel bad” (p. 299), which may be one of the reasons he has no friends. Until the summer day he meets Dante Quintana. Laughing from the first moment they meet (at their names) the two quickly become inseparable as they bond over the summer when Dante teaches Ari how to swim. The bond grows when Ari throws himself in front of a car to know Dante out of the way, which breaks both of Ari’ legs, crushes his ribs, and becomes homebound for a majority of the summer. Dante’s sensitivity caused the initial accident and causes him to be guilt ridden at Ari’s condition. It becomes obvious that Dante’s feelings for Ari are beyond boyhood friendship, leaving Ari to contemplate his own feelings. Dante and his family temporarily relocate to Chicago, giving Ari space from his friend and time to socialize with others. He also has a chance to reflect and grow during their time apart, while receiving many letters from Dante, in which he confesses he would rather be kissing boys than the girl he has been. Ari gets his driver’s license, a prized truck, and a dog, while trying to kiss a girl himself. Upon returning, Dante and Ari slip into their same routine. Dante’s desire to be with Ari is unrealized and as a result, he begins seeing another guy. The two are spotted in an alley kissing by four others which results in Dante badly beaten. Ari becomes enraged, finds out who was responsible and breaks his nose. This event terrifies both families. Ari’s family worries he will become like his brother and finally tell him the truth. Dante’s family discover his sexuality and support him. Both boys’ parents are involved and supportive of their sons and become friends themselves, often meeting to bowl. Finally, after much doubt, Ari’s parents sit him down at a family meeting to allow him to discover he is in love with Dante and they fully support and love him. Ari discovers the secret of the universe in Dante’s kiss.
4. The author’s poetic delivery of a boy’s self-discovery is one that will resonate with readers. Aristotle and Dante are two tangible characters readers have the pleasure of getting to know. Some teens will identify with the characters’ struggles, and others may be rooting for them along their journey. Through subtle hints, readers learn Aristotle is most likely gay, though the author does not confirm this until the very end. Teens struggling with their own homosexuality and coming out will find common ground with Aristotle.
5. Review Code: P - 4 Q - 5
6. Teens from twelve and up will enjoy this title. Kissing is as far as the sexual content of the book goes. There are some scenes where teens fight one another which are mildly violent. Few inappropriate language issues as well.
7. The cover is a delight to take in. The artistic font style, along with the intricate doodle-type drawings on the side in a Mexican inspired theme are fresh and appealing to teens.
8. Michael L. Printz Honor (2013)
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Jun 29, 2015 Kate rated it really liked it

I read this for book club at Eastside, and it was a really interesting experience to discuss it with high school kids. Some really excellent perspectives as well as some concerning (ehem-won't-spoiler-ehem)phobias came out.

I think I saw the crux/outcome of the central story coming from a mile away, but I didn't expect to react so much to the relationship between each set of parents and sons. On the surface, it's about Ari and Dante, but the most moving part for me was portrayal of the work it ta ...more

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Sep 13, 2015 Shrop rated it really liked it

It felt a little too perfect, too wrapped up, too teenage-angsty . . . and yet, I gave it four stars. So I think it's goodness must have snuck up on me. ...more

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Nov 06, 2013 Ama rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, award-winner-honor, teen, audiobooks, book-group, printz, stonewall, belpre

Audiobook was pretty good. Really liked the story, but felt the last bit was a lacking compared to the rest.

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Aug 13, 2013 Nic rated it really liked it

Shelves: lgbtqia-mlm, lgbtqia, reviewed, romance, ya, favorites, read-2014

Actual rating: 4.5

I'm not usually a half-star rater but this book was A+ until the overly rushed ending. And the ending wasn't necessarily BAD. It was just...super rushed when the rest of the book was anything but.

I might say more about this later, but since I finished it at 5am (I swear I only meant to read for 30 minutes) and it is now like 9:30 and I am awake again...yeah. ...more

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