I was so pleased to find out that Benjamin Alire Saenz wrote a follow-up to his excellent queer, young adult novel, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. And in case you were curious, the follow-up has an equally long title, but I promise, Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World, is totally worth it.
I had no sooner finished Saenz’ first book before I was scouring the internet for news of more. And bless me there was! And not all that long ago either! I know I’m late to the party, but as far as the sequel goes, I wasn’t too, too late. I wanted to know more of Aristotle’s story and boy, did Saenz deliver. When I think back to the first novel, I don’t recall many tears, and though I didn’t cry as much as the characters in this novel, I sure ugly cried a few times. Saenz just knows what emotional punches to pull!
Aristotle is with Dante and they are happy. Though finally being with Dante doesn’t quell all the doubts in Ari’s mind. Throughout the course of this novel, Ari finds that he’s still not sure of himself, though he certainly works to find out more about himself every day. And for all of his weaknesses or undesirable traits, he seems to more than make up for it with other interactions. He finds out he’s not as invisible as he thought, and through growth, listening, and understanding, he makes some lifelong friends along the way. Dante doesn’t totally count, as I feel he will be a part of Ari’s life forever, but the friends he does cultivate are genuine ones.
I think my high school life was pretty nice as far as achievements and friendships go, but these characters are something else. I suppose that’s the beauty of fiction, you can make characters so down to earth but perfect in their own way that you’re almost enviable of what they have. Hey, even though I’m no teenager anymore, it’s never too late. Of course, not all relationships and events are rainbows and butterflies in this novel, but Ari always seems to come out just a bit stronger and wiser from it all. People tell him on countless occasions how he’s turning into a fine young man, and they are definitely right about that.
As before, the bright spot in this novel for me is Ari’s continually developing relationship with his dad, though I would argue that his relationship with his mom is a very, very close second place this time around. Really, I found his relationship with Dante to be the weakest one this time around, but that’s like picking the worst painting in a museum. They are all good, really. If you haven’t read either of Saenz’ novels, please do so. I promise you won’t regret it.