79 pages 2 hours read

Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World follows Latino teens Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana as they navigate their final high school year in 1980s El Paso, Texas, deepening their romantic relationship while grappling with issues including identity, familial bonds, love, loss, and self-acceptance. The story covers Ari's personal growth and his evolving connection with Dante, as well as the supportive but concerned stances of their families.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz is praised for its lyrical prose and deep exploration of teenage emotions and identity. It resonates with readers for its authentic depiction of LGBTQ+ relationships. However, some critics note that its pacing can be slow. Overall, it is a heartfelt sequel that beautifully continues the story of Ari and Dante.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World?

A reader who enjoys Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz would appreciate heartfelt, introspective LGBTQ+ coming-of-age stories. Fans of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli and The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky will find this work compelling.

Recommended

Reading Age

14-18years

Lexile Level

HL580L

Book Details

Genre

Romance

Modern Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction

Topics

LGBTQ

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Self Discovery

Life/Time: Coming of Age