Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World

Benjamin Alire Saenz

Book 2 in the series:Aristotle and Dante

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"Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World" is a sequel to the beloved "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe." The story follows Aristotle and Dante, two 17-year-old boys navigating their love for each other amidst the AIDS pandemic and societal challenges of 1989. The novel delves into themes of love, grief, family dynamics, and self-acceptance, as the characters face new obstacles and find support from friends and family. The writing style includes emotional depth, exploration of important topics like the AIDS pandemic, and character development that resonates with readers.

explores the growth of Ari and Dante's relationship, as well as their personal journeys towards adulthood and self-discovery. It touches on complex issues such as coming out, gender identity, and the importance of support systems during challenging times. The narrative combines elements of magical realism with grounded emotions, offering a poignant and honest portrayal of the characters' experiences as they navigate love, loss, and the complexities of life.

Characters:

Characters display growth and complexity, but some feel that familiar characters are less developed, particularly Dante.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style blends poetic prose with unrealistic dialogue, creating a mix of beautiful and cheesy moments that convey emotion.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot expands upon political themes and character growth while introducing dramatic events that some readers find contrived.

Setting:

The late 1980s setting is crucial as it frames the characters' struggles with societal acceptance and personal identity.

Pacing:

The pacing is rapid with numerous short chapters and repetitive elements, causing confusion about the story's message.

Notes:

The book is more political than the first one, tackling issues like racism and homophobia.

The narrator, Ari, is a 17-year-old figuring out complex social issues, making his political awareness feel believable.

Some readers felt that the book was too long and had redundant elements.

The writing style is often described as poetic but can come off as clichéd due to overused metaphors.

The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, with characters speaking in a overly profound manner.

Some major plot events felt out of nowhere, serving primarily to create drama without sufficient build-up.

Readers expressed a desire for more of Dante's perspective, noting he felt like an afterthought for much of the story.

The book illustrates the importance of relationships, but some found the pacing too rapid and repetitive, making it hard to follow.

Ari's internal monologues shift from introspective to overly verbose, contrasting with his character in the first book.

The story explores the AIDS crisis, reflecting on the difficulties of being gay in the 1980s.

Some were pleased to see growth in both Ari and Dante, with heartfelt moments that evoked strong emotions.

There are significant themes of family connections and personal growth throughout the narrative.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include mentions of homophobic and transphobic language, emotional distress, and grief due to the loss of a loved one.

Has Romance?

While there is romance, it is less emphasized than in the previous book, focusing instead on character development and broader relationships.

From The Publisher:

A #1 New York Times bestseller

Four starred reviews!

"Messily human and sincerely insightful." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an "emotional roller coaster" ( School Library Journal , starred review) sure to captivate fans of Adam Silvera and Mary H.K. Choi.

In Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe , two boys in a border town fell in love. Now, they must discover what it means to stay in love and build a relationship in a world that seems to challenge their very existence.

Ari has spent all of high school burying who he really is, staying silent and invisible. He expected his senior year to be the same. But something in him cracked open when he fell in love with Dante, and he can't go back. Suddenly he finds himself reaching out to new friends, standing up to bullies of all kinds, and making his voice heard. And, always, there is Dante, dreamy, witty Dante, who can get on Ari's nerves and fill him with desire all at once.

The boys are determined to forge a path for themselves in a world that doesn't understand them. But when Ari is faced with a shocking loss, he'll have to fight like never before to create a life that is truthfully, joyfully his own.

Ratings (17)

Incredible (7)
Loved It (5)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (28):

Read It (18)
Want To Read (9)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

hae991

Incredible

11 months

Comfort book❤️

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Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World?

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