I never expected a sequel for Aristotle and Dante. I'm very grateful that this one didn't disappoint. Another must read.

This was a great follow up to Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. In this book, Aristotle and Dante continue their relationship. I loved how Aristotle comes out of his shell and forms relationships with people other than Dante.

The first time I read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was 8 years ago so I was really surprised to find out about the sequel. But I knew I had to read it. To prepare myself, I re-read the first book by listening to the audio, as narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda (he was excellent!), and I can’t emphasize enough that a refresher is absolutely necessary before you read the new novel. It literally picks up right where it left off.

Spoiler alert — in the predecessor, it’s a tumultuous journey for Ari and Dante as they initially become friends and eventually get their happily ever after once they’re both able to recognize how much they love each other. In this sequel, it’s all about the aftermath that they face, both good and bad. What does it mean to be gay Mexican young men in a small town where it won’t be accepted? This is their constant fear, along with that of their parents. Up until now, I actually thought these books took place in present day but it’s sometime in the 80s/90s as the author navigated different topics regarding the AIDS epidemic and LGBTQIA+ issues. But to counteract all the heavier (and absolutely necessary) conversations this story drove, there is also a lot of light in it.

For one, it’s a beautiful thing to watch Ari open up to friends and accept himself. Friendship played a huge role in this book in general, which I loved. And as always, both Ari and Dante’s parents are active participants in their children’s lives. The banter, advice, and unconditional love in every scene filled me with so much joy. If I had one complaint about the book though, it would be Dante. He’s never been endearing to me as Ari (whom I adore!) and of all the characters, he’s had the least amount of growth (in fact, I’d say he didn’t mature at all). But I was willing to overlook that because everything else in this book is just amazing. I laughed, I cried, and I cannot wait to have a copy of this book on my shelves.

Do I recommend? Clearly the answer is yes! If you were a fan of the first book, this won’t disappoint. And if you’ve never read it (but decided to read my review anyway), do yourself a favor and read it now.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book! I truly enjoyed this story. It is lyrically written just as the first book was. There are moments of profound thought and meaning throughout the book. And just like the first book, it is a sweet love story between the boys, but also with their families. It does a wonderful job of talking about a very sad part of our history as a nation and world. It does so sensitively and with hope. This book made me want to cry, laugh, think and be in silence all at once and throughout. It truly brings the big emotions of family and first love.

It pains me to give Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World anything less than the 5 stars I gave Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe but it has to be done.

This book felt different in every way. The writing didn't have the same flow and felt repetitive at times. I could put Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe down but I found myself having a difficult time wanting to pick this one up. Most disappointing of all was how different Aristotle was. He said and did all the right things. Dante seemed to never be in the story and when he was, often annoyed me. There was an underlying saccharine vibe throughout the whole story.

I can't recommend Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe enough but Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World was not the follow-up I hoped for.

Thanks so much to Netgalley for an e-arc of this book in-exchange for an honest review.
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I requested this book to preview it for my fall book order. My students love Ari and Dante, and from flipping through this book I know they will love them in this installment as well. I have already purchased two copies of the book for my library...and both have already been checked out. Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book!

This is a wonderful follow up for Ari and Dante as their relationship continues to grow. For some, the pacing will be slow, but I loved the voices in the story and the hope that propels these two boys forward.

I loved the first book so much that I had been eagerly awaiting this release, looking forward to spending time with Ari and Dante again (and having LMM in my ears again!) Unfortunately, I was disappointed by this story. It seemed to start and stop unexpectedly, with some parts being a character study, and others being suddenly plot-driven. There is a major plot event in the last third of the book, and I started to think this was what this book was "about," but the end returns to more of a character study (following another unexpected moment from a character who was really acting out of character, in my opinion). It seems to me that this book suffered from a lack of editing and direction. I'm still giving it three stars because I do love reading about these two young men.

I sort of wish I'd reintroduced myself to Aristotle and Dante before reading this one. But I did love seeing the novel tackle what it must have been like to be a young gay man in the 80s in a small town, as that's not a story I have seen much. I also really loved seeing supportive families, and watching Ari learn to open up and let people in. I hope this book gives readers hope, seeing how far we've come in terms of acceptance as a society- even though we know there are still struggles to overcome.

Aristotle and Dante are continuing down a road where neither know what future lies ahead - both are in uncharted waters and reference being cartographers to associate their love for one another and their belonging in their culture, their family, their relationships, and the world. I am glad this book has been released for others who may be experiencing similar journeys. But I must be honest - since Lin Manuel Miranda is the audiobook narrator, I have zero negative things to say. Audiobook is a must!

I'm always worried when a sequel is announced for a book that I absolutely loved and felt fully satisfied with. I have such fond memories of reading the first Aristotle and Dante with my teenage cousin who was struggling with sexual identity, and I really think that the book helped my cousin to begin processing their own sexuality. I am more than happy to say that the sequel is just as good as the original. Thank you for writing such a beautiful book with all the aches and pains of adolescence captured so eloquently. I can't wait to share this book with my cousin and, furthermore, my students.

The basis for this book is love, Love for family, friends, other humans, and basically, mankind. It really does tell a love story between the two boys but ends up telling love stories all over the place. I especially loved the parts that Ari shared with his father. They were getting close after all the years of a wedge driven between them when tragedy struck. That absolutely broke my heart! I will not share this book with most of my middle-grade students because of the subject matter but will share with those students that can relate directly to it.

Thank you to netgalley for providing an e-galley for review. I have loved Aristotle and Dante since their first book and have wanted more of their story and Saenz has come through! More heartbreaking Ari and Dante! This was so true to life. The uncertainty of relationships, of love and of life itself weaves itself into a gorgeous tale of growing up.

In this sequel to Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, we dive back into the world of Aristotle and Dante right where we left them. (A reader might be confused if they didn’t read the first book.) It’s Ari and Dante’s senior year and they’re dealing with average teen struggles compounded by their sexuality. This book has the same beautiful language and flow as the first book. In this one the world is expanded to more characters while revisiting some themes of the past. Set during the 80s, Ari is concerned about the AIDS epidemic and all the people he’s seen die. He’s still thinking about his brother in prison.

I really loved this book, though not as much as the first. The first book had some kind of magic that I doubt can be replicated. In this book, Ari is brooding and melancholy at times, but he’s growing up and asserting himself. He’s learning who he wants to be. The biggest challenge with this book, unlike most other YA novels, is that there is not a strong conflict driving the plot. This book is more of a wandering stream than a big splash. It’s calm, soothing waters carry the reader on a journey with characters. If you’re looking for a bold, action-based novel, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a gentle, inspiring, cozy book about two boys in 1980s Texas, I encourage you to check this out.

This is a bad book. It made me not want to write it. The writing is bad, the dialogue is bad, it's repetitive. For some reason it picks up the day after the end of the first book. Such a slog.

I first want to thank Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and NetGalley for giving me free access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

To be honest, as much as I was excited to learn that Saenz was writing a sequel to Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, I was equally nervous because I didn't know how he could possibly match how amazing that first book was. But, I'm so glad I read this because it is equal to, if not surpasses the first book. I cried for Ari and Dante. And found myself not wanting to be without them.

This book is full of heaviness, but also hope. Hate, but matched and exceeded by love. It is real and it is true. It is beautiful and something to find wisdom in. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. And the story and possibilities of Aristotle and Dante will now always live in my heart.

A beautifully written sequel that will satisfy fans of the original novel. WATERS OF THE WORLD sees Ari and Dante exploring their new relationship and queer identities as they move into the next phase of their lives (post-high school). All of this adds up to make for some profound themes which is the strongest part of the novel. However, there is a lot of material that feels bloated and preachy and like the author talking rather than the characters.

Read my full review for Culturess here: https://culturess.com/2021/10/16/aristotle-and-dante-dive-waters-world-review/

In their high school senior year and in the middle of the AIDS epidemic Aristotle and Dante continue to explore their sexuality, and their relationships with each other and with their family members and friends. They confront current anxieties and past unresolved relationships. Upon graduating from high school, they realize that going their separate ways may change their relationship forever. The story was engaging and relatable to readers; however, the characters were too sweet and the situations too perfect. I liked the edginess if the previous Aristotle and Dante book.

This review is going to be short and probably useless because I just love these boys so much. I was so excited to read this book, I feel like I have been waiting for it forever. I read it entirely too fast and I am going to have to read it 45 more times and listen to it 10 more. If you loved the first one, just know you will love this. The writing is as beautiful as ever, and I just have a lot of feelings about it.

I was given an advanced reader's copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own

5 Stars!

Damn...I have no words!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The good parts in this book were so damn good. I can’t even….It was beautiful. There were parts in this book that might have been some of the most beautiful writing I’ve ever read.

I highly suggest this book to every young reader out there who feels like the don’t belong. Who feels like they don’t have a voice. Who feels like they have to hide their love from their friends, family, and the world. I suggest this book to every person who thinks they know what others are going through when they really should sit back and LISTEN more. I suggest this book to young readers who worry more about what other people around them are doing (and with who) more than worrying about themselves. I highly recommend this book to people who need to learn about acceptance. I recommend this book to every adult.

Hey people…DO BETTER. BE BETTER. Be like Cassandra. Be like Susie. Be like Gina. Be someone’s hero.

I have no words…

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World follows mostly Aristotle’s story as he tries to figure out how to deal with young love and falling in love with another boy in a time where he feels like he can’t be himself. This book picks up after Aristotle and Dante are together, but they must keep their relationship a secret. We follow Aristotle as he becomes closer to his parents, talks to his brother who is in prison, follows the AIDS epidemic, and shows what it is like for a young person to grow up in a homosexual relationship.

I know a lot of people were wondering if this book was necessary; especially after the success of the first novel and especially years after the first book was released. I was also one of the people who thought the first book wrapped up nicely, but after reading this book, I can 100% assure you this book has purpose. This book is powerful.

I honestly have no words…

The way the author writes is so incredible, it makes me wonder how many other authors read his books and ask themselves, “why am I even trying…” I’m not going to say this book was perfect; In fact, there were moments I thought the book was dragging (especially in the middle) and I was wondering why we were just following Ari around his friends and normal day life, and Dante was absent for most of the book. There were times I could tell the book was over 500 pages. However, after getting to the end of the book with tears in my eyes, I realized the side characters were part of the heroes in this book, and almost every side story had a purpose. All the side characters go through their own personal journey, and we see them grow into young adults as we read the words on the pages. And the GREAT moments in this book were some of the best moments I’ve ever read in YA books, that I can’t give this book anything less than 5 stars. Like I said, there were parts that didn’t quiet connect on the same level as other parts, and it did meander too much for me, but DAMN…the good moments, were PERFECTION. It was 100% obvious that the author had a point to make and a story to tell. I will wait another five years to read what this author has to say.

This book is the definition of a character growth story. The amount of changes Ari went through in this novel were incredible. I think young readers will connect to these characters, and hopefully become a little more empathetic and caring as they read this book. Getting to watch a quiet, closed-off boy start to let people enter his life was heartwarming.

This author has probably CHANGED people’s lives.

READ THIS...Grow, Learn, Love.