Exploring the Universe of Emotions: A Review of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
There are those rare books that reach out and tug at the strings of your heart, resonating with the very essence of your youthful struggles. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is one such gem, penned by the immensely talented Benjamin Alire Sáenz. From the moment I began reading, I was transported back to my own confused teenage years, grappling with questions that felt monumental. “Why do we smile? Why do we cry? Why do we feel alone?”—these are the kinds of introspective inquiries that drenched my thoughts back then, and they form the beautiful thematic tapestry of this novel.
The story follows two adolescent boys, Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana, who embark on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and first love against the backdrop of 1980s El Paso. Both boys are searching for their identities in a world that often feels indifferent. Ari, with his intense introspection and deep-seated fears, is a reflective soul, much like the serious teenager I was. He’s grappling with feelings of shame, confusion, and a profound desire for connection, often feeling as if there are invisible scars on his heart—scars that many around him fail to understand.
Dante, in contrast, is open and expressive, wearing his heart on his sleeve. Their dynamic is nothing short of captivating. I found myself rooting for them, marveling at how their friendship evolves through profound conversations and shared experiences, including one of my favorite exchanges: “How many burgers did you flip to buy the book?” This lighthearted moment is a testament to their chemistry, reminding me that friendship often blossoms in the mundane.
Sáenz’s writing style is like poetry, poignant and lyrical, weaving moments of humor and heartbreak seamlessly. The pacing felt just right, allowing me to absorb the depth of the characters’ emotions and the weight of their realities. Questions about love, identity, and family hover over every page, challenging readers to reflect on their own experiences. Ari’s relationship with his parents, especially with his mother, struck a chord with me. Through their interactions, I saw the delicate, complex bond of unconditional love entwined with the struggle to communicate.
Memorable quotes, like Ari contemplating the scars his father bears, show the author’s adeptness at tackling difficult subjects. “Sometimes I think my father has all these scars. On his heart. In his head. All over,” encapsulates the notion that emotional and psychological wounds often go unseen. Those scars echo in Ari’s journey, as he begins to confront his own internal battles.
As I reached the last pages, a rush of emotions flooded through me. The resolution was not just a conclusion to a story but an invitation to embrace understanding within the chaos of growing up. “All this time I had been trying to figure out the secrets of the universe…My father was right. And it was true what my mother said. We all fight our own private wars.” Yes, indeed. I wish I had this book as a teenager; it would have felt like a lifeline thrown to a young heart navigating the tumultuous seas of adolescence.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is not just a coming-of-age story; it’s a celebration of friendship, a discourse on love, and a gentle reminder that it’s okay to feel lost. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any young person—whether they’re grappling with identity or simply seeking connection. It’s a narrative that beautifully captures the bittersweet journey of growing up, and I believe it has the potential to leave an indelible mark on anyone who dares to dive in. Sometimes, the universe reveals its secrets in the most unexpected ways, and this book? It’s definitely one of those ways.
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