In a world lacking representation, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe takes the average mold and form it into a work of art. The novel features two teenage boys named Aristotle (Ari for short) and Dante, both Mexican-American teens curious about the implications of life.

The novel takes place in a small town in Texas during the 1980s. Aristotle and Dante are both struggling through the complications of growing up, and are drawn to one another by a chance encounter.

Their friendship quickly flourishes when the two boys meet one summer at a local swimming pool, setting the course of the novel. The novel follows Aristotle through his teenage years into early young adulthood. The first person perspective allows the reader to experience Aristotle’s emotions, actions, and consequences first hand.

The two are a contrasting pair. Aristotle is stubborn and reserved, obsessed with the notion of masculinity. Dante, on the other hand, is a free-spirit, always pondering life’s questions, and is inclined to the arts. By some chance, the two fit into one another and help guide one another along their journey.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is the pinnacle of teenage youth, showcasing real teenage emotions instead of an overdone stereotype. It shows a teenage boy struggling not only with the challenges of simply growing up, but sexuality as well, a solemn subject in the young adult literary world.

Benjamin Alire Sáenz, the author of the novel, captures Aristotle’s voice through the use of simple, concise sentence structure, illustrating Aristotle’s thoughts as he maneuvers through the complex situations in the novel; it flows like poetry.

His voice, one of longing for something greater, dominates the novel and allows the reader to get lost inside the world of Aristotle’s mind. This is comforting to those struggling with the same issues as Aristotle.

Aristotle and Dante’s heritage is not lost throughout the novel, in fact, it is a heavy notion. Whether it is Spanish diction scattered on the pages or mentions of Mexican traditions, Sáenz incorporates it to its full extent.

The novel itself is heartwarming, and with every page turn the reader feels as if they’re growing up alongside the characters. Their bond is inseparable; the reader laughs with them, cries with them, and quickly falls in love with them. Every fight, every milestone, and every memory is etched into the pages, making it an unforgettable novel.