Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

It’s a tender, honest exploration of identity and sexuality, and a passionate reminder that love-whether romantic or familial-should be open, free, and without shame. It takes Aristotle (Max Pelayo) almost the entirety of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe to express how he really feels. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Kindle Edition by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (Author) Format: Kindle Edition 4.7 13,396 ratings Book 1 of 2: Aristotle and Dante Teachers pick See all formats and editions Kindle 10.99 Read with Our Free App Audiobook 0. The story swells to a dramatic climax as Ari’s loyalties are tested, and he confronts his most deeply buried fears and desires. His father also keeps his experience in Vietnam locked up inside. He doesn't know why his older brother is in prison, since his parents and adult sisters refuse to talk about it. A boring summer stretches ahead of Ari, who at 15 feels hemmed in by a life filled with rules and family secrets. In a poetic coming-of-age story written in concise first-person narrative, Sáenz (Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood) crystallizes significant turning points in the boys’ relationship, especially as Ari comes to understand that Dante’s feelings for him extend beyond friendship. ARISTOTLE AND DANTE DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE. Additionally, the influence of Dante’s warm, open family (they even have a “no secrets” rule) is shaping Ari’s relationship with his parents, particularly in regard to a family secret Ari has an older brother in prison, who no one ever mentions. As trust grows between the boys and they become friends (a first for Ari), Ari’s world opens up while they discuss life, art, literature, and their Mexican-American roots.

Fifteen-year-old Aristotle (Ari) has always felt lonely and distant from people until he meets Dante, a boy from another school who teaches him how to swim.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz