Aristotle and Dante Discover the secrects of the Universe

Overall, I thought Aristotle and Dante Discover the secrets of the Universe was a very interesting and good book. The title fits the book perfectly because in the end Ari and Dante discover many secrets about themselves. In the end of the story, Ari finally finds out why his older brother is in prison. Part of me just wanted Ari to start visiting his brother on his own and start his own relationship, and for Ari to stop letting his parents decide their relationship. But once the story is told that his brother is in prison for committing a hate crime against someone who is gay it becomes very evident that maybe he's parents knew he was gay before Ari could finally admit it. I can't help but think Ari's parents were protecting him all along. Ari's brother plays a major role throughout the story, even though he is briefly mentioned here and there his role is major. Ari can't help but wonder why his family acts like he doesn't exist, and why he's never mentioned. I can only imagine how Ari felt when he found out his brother committed a hate crime, the author did a wonderful job building that moment up. One thing I did not like about this book was how the author waited till the very last page for Ari to admit he was gay. Maybe the author did this so the reader would literally read till the last page.... I'm not sure. I do wish Ari would have come out sooner in the book so Ari and Dante could be in a relationship longer, and I could have read more about Air's life after coming out. I think Ari coming out was also another one of the secrets he kept from his family and from his self. I thought it was a major plot twist that it takes for Ari parents and a family meeting for Ari to come out. I was glad that Ari parents were in denial about the whole situation and were very supportive of Ari. I was also glad that Ari parents were educated on the topic of coming out and shared that he had a great aunt who had also come out and it was okay. After having a speaker in our class I now realize how much courage it takes to come out. Not everyone has a strong support system like Ari did and in our speaker's case often times family's will disown their child for liking the same sex.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

I'm starting to notice how obsessed Ari is with Donate, the majority of Ari thoughts, feelings, and daily actions evolve around Donate. I get that Ari and Donate are best friends and Donate is Ari only friend, but I'm starting to think Ari has feelings for Donate. Although I don't think Ari is gay I just think he's in love with Donate. I do think Ari might be bi-sexual because he starts to develop feelings for a girl at his school, and is flirting with her. Ari eventually gets's attention from the girl, and a kiss even though the girl has a boyfriend and ends up dropping out because she is pregnant. Everything about Donate Ari seems to love, his hair, how smart he is, and his voice. Ari and Donate seem to have an irresectable bond even with Donate moves to Chicago because his father got another job, their bond it still there. Donate and Ari managed to keep in touch through letters Donate would constantly send letters, waiting for Ari's response. Throughout the book, Ari has always thought highly of Donate and considered him very intelligent compared to himself I think that's why Ari wouldn't respond as quick to Donate's letters. As the story continues, as a reader you notice how Donate and Ari start to discover who they are as people. I think if it wasn't for Donate moving and telling Ari how he has kissed both a boy and girl, how he was drinking and has made new friends, Ari wouldn't have tried them on his own, I didn't like how quick Ari was to follow Donate's path but I do think overall it was to Ari's best benefit doing so. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is not like anything I have ever read before. I think the author does a wonderful keeping the reader at the edge of their seat, and keeping them wanting to read more and more.

Aristotle and Dance Discover the Secrets of the Universe

I am currently reading Aristotle and Dance Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz. Just reading the title of this book I was under the impression that this story was going to be about astronomy. I was definitely fooled by the title, so far this book is about two Mexican-American boys named Aristotle and Dante. Aristotle is fifteen years old and goes by the name of Ari, this story is told from Ari point of view and he is narrating the story. Ari is going through the teenage woes, he only has one friend, no girlfriend, is extremely bored, and is on summer vacation. Air has siblings but there is a huge age gap so he doesn't hang out with them often. Air had twin sisters and a brother who is in prison, and his family acts like his brother doesn't exist, there are not pictures of him, and he is hardly mentioned in his household. Ari hates the fact his family acts like his older brother does not exist and can't figure out why his mother and father resent him so much. As the story unfolds Dante notices that Ari does not know how to swim and offers to teach him. From the point on Ari and Dante become best friends, I think Ari and Dante balance each other out. Ari is more educated about the Hispanic culture and Dante is more street smart. Where one character is lacking the other character can help fill them in. Just like in many of the books on my blog this book deals with stereotypes. Overall I think this is a good book and I would recommend it to a high schooler because I think many students could find topics that are relatable. I think once I get further into the book it's going to discuss homosexuality and figuring out your identity.