[Review] 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

"I got to thinking that poems were like people. Some people you got right off the bat. Some people you just didn't get - and never would get."

"Another secret of the universe: sometimes pain was like a storm that came out of nowhere. The clearest summer morning could end in a downpour. Could end in lightning and thunder."

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe follows two boys, Ari and Dante, who are trying to find themselves. Trying to find their place in the world. It is a story of self-discovery and friendship, a story of loving and losing, a story of laughter and crying.

To say that I loved this story would be an understatement. I adored it, am in awe of it. I know it will be a very long time before I can think of anything but the story of Ari and Dante. It then comes as no surprise I gave it a solid five stars (I would give it a thousand more).

Both Ari and Dante are flawed boys which is why I feel so close to them because their flaws are what makes them real, what makes their story real. Sáenz has a unique way with words that allow the reader to fully grasp every bit of emotion that these characters are feeling. As a reader, you can feel the love pouring out of each word across each page. As a reader you can feel the hurt traveling alongside that love, can feel that pain reaching into your own heart until you're so completely indulged in this story it feels as if you are right there alongside them, discovering the secrets of the universe with them.

Sáenez's writing style is marvelously beautiful yet very easy and quick to read. It makes you fly through the story in no time. That along with the unique and heartfelt story, and the raw, real, and flawed characters, makes you unable to put the book down.

Reasons why you should read this book:

- A beautiful, heartfelt story about the reality of life.

- Great character development

- Will make you both laugh and cry (sometimes at the same time)

- Representation of LGBTQ+ (which, let's be honest, we need more of)

- An eye opener of a story that will change you as both a person and reader

So do yourself a favor and pick this book up because I guarantee you that you will love it no matter what genre you are into.

Also Mula says hi! :D