Sáenz is an award winning American author and poet and was once a priest. This new release is sequel to the teen novel "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" which was published in 2012. It picks up the story almost immediately after the first book ends and is better enjoyed after having read the original release. Aristotle and Dante are seniors in high school in the 1980s and are in love. Since being gay is not accepted in the community, they must keep their relationship a secret from all but their family and closest friends. The book follows their path through senior year as they grow older and more comfortable with themselves. It is a good recommendation for fans of the first book, but I like the first one better.

This was an absolutely beautiful book. I think I even LOVED this one more than Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for providing me with an Earc of this wonderful book.

I enjoyed this novel! Not as much as book one but still very good. True depth of character is shown and story is simplex and engaging!

After reading the first Aristotle and Dante book years ago, when I found out there was a sequel forthcoming, I was hesitant. Only because the first book was so beautiful.

Admittedly, there were parts of the story that I didn't like. Though from the title, one could guess that general trajectory of the story. We begin where we left off in the first novel, following Ari and Dante in the summer and then it spans them starting school. Despite the title, this definitely felt more like Ari's story, than Dante's. And at times, it felt like Dante was more than arm's length away from the reader at all times. We never got to hear from him.

Saenz's creation of character is masterful. We get to remeet old characters and meet new ones. And it's easy to fall in love with them, but because of the new abundance of people, Dante does get pushed to the back at times. But when Dante and Ari were together in the story, their moments together were so well done.

While I wanted to love it, I think the story was best left as a standalone. While this second book did give me some beautiful moments (like the trip Ari and Dante take), ultimately, it felt a little forced.

Saenz's prose is beautiful and chances are, if you enjoyed his first novel, you will take something out of this positively. Even if just to see a snapshot at where Ari and Dante are.

I really enjoyed this sequel. After enjoying the first book, I was excited when I heard the story of Aristotle and Dante would be continued in a sequel. This story takes place in Ari and Dante's last year of high school. We follow them along in their growing relationship and expereince their struggles along with them.

Characters (8/10): I love the characters of Ari and Dante. They both have such vibrant personalities and it was a great journey to see them grow independently and together. The side characters are also quite memerable.

Plot (7/10): This is more of a character driven story. The plot mostly revolves around our two main characters learning how to be in a world that tells them they can't be who they are. I thought the exploration of character was done very well.

Writing (9/10): I loved the writing in this book. The author has a beautiful way of writing that just grips you from the first chapter.

Entertainment (8/10): I found the story quite captivating. I never found myself bored.

8/10 for a final rating or 4 stars. I would recommend this to anyone that loved the first book. If you have not read the first one I think the story of Ari and Dante is one that anyone could enjoy!

As Ari and Dante try to discover the secrets of the world, self-discovery is the core theme throughout this book. Although we saw them learn and grow in the first book, we really see them explore their world and trying to see where they fit in, in this sequel. Both Ari and Dante are trying to navigate life as teenage boys but also with their identity and relationship. They both see the world as being so largely vast, and they want to know where they fit in. They seem to explore the notion that with the world being so large, no one cares about them as they are just another boy in the world. However, they seem to really struggle with the idea that everyone will care about their sexuality. Watching them navigate this issue/these feelings is very unique. Along with trying to fit in, make friends and have a positive school experience, you see the boys navigating and opening about their relationship and feelings for one another. Seeing how the boys interact with their parents is also a special story line we got to dive deeper into, in this book. Ari and Dante’s relationship is full of love, compassion, acceptance and understanding of one another. For such a young couple, their love is a beautiful story of acceptance and support.

“I’m glad you said that. Because it means you’re beginning to understand who you are.” I don’t think I’ll ever understand who I am.” “Well, if you ever want to know more, just as me.” (pg. 115)

This book did a wonderful job navigating all these themes and lived experiences and I really enjoyed seeing Ari and Dante map out their life and watch them live it!

I absolutely loved reading the first book (Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe) I fell in love with the characters and their story navigating this difficult world and was so excited when I heard about this book and it did not disappoint.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read and review.

Words cannot even begin to describe the text of this book. It is so gorgeously written. I simultaneously wanted to race through because I adore Ari and Dante and want all of their story; but also slow down and savour every written word.

Thank you to @netgalley @simonschusterca for the digital copy in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts…
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” Psalm 126:5 😭 I’m not crying, you’re crying! But, it’s all good cry. You know when you read a book, and after reading it you want to know more? You want to know what happens to the characters after the book has concluded? Well, this is that book for me. I listened to the first book “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” and I didn’t want it to end. I wanted to hear more about these boys I fell in love with. This book did that for me and more. I listened to the first book and I was excited that I was approved for this one. As, I started to read it, I could actually hear Lin-Manuel Miranda’s voice in my head (seriously), so I decided to see if the audiobook was also released. It was. So, I got it. I’m so glad I did. The story was beautiful but, having it narrated by Miranda added to the intimacy of the story. A story about sexual identities, cultural identities, the AIDS pandemic, coming-of-age, friendships and families. So much going on, but, in this story everything was portrayed unhurriedly, tenderly and insightfully by all the characters. They all stood out in their own way. And now, I want to know them more and give them all hugs.
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Just a note, before reading this, “in Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, two boys in a border town fell in love. Now, they must discover what it means to stay in love and build a relationship in a world that seems to challenge their very existence.”

Benjamin Alire Saenz proves that it’s never too late for a sequel.

In the second novel surrounding the endearingly human Aristotle and Dante, we barely miss a beat from where we left them ten years ago. And while they may have discovered one part about themselves, the world is not making it easy on them. With new questions about identity, backdropped with the terrifying AIDS crisis of the 1980s, this book is all about the struggles of figuring out your place in the world when you don’t understand your present and struggle to see a future.

Having recently read Saenz’s first book, I was happy to be able to spot the nods to the first. Aristotle as “unknowable,” to name just one. However, I felt that this story was very different in style. While both books have the charm of a stream-of-consciousness narration, I would have liked a break from Ari’s rather repetitive narrative. His dedicated to the cartographer metaphor seemed overdone, and even characters who didn’t seem privy to this concept spoke about it as if it was the only thing that mattered. And, at times, I found it hard to even find Dante in a book with his name in the title; I would have liked to see more of his point of view.

The book really comes together after a certain major event, one which launches Aristotle into even more uncertainty, but allows the reader to meet a different version of the boy who has spent the majority of the novel crying (some tears happy, some tears sad). One of the main differences that works in the favour of the sequel is the power of friendship. Aristotle’s friends are what allow him to mature, to take control of his anxiety, and start believing that there is hope in a world who believes hates him.

I have very mixed feelings about the introduction of Cassandra’s character. On one hand, I admired that Ari was able to find similarities and a strong bond outside of his relationship, something that many romance-oriented books omit. But her strange obsession with him had me concerned that she was trying to break the titular duo apart. While I believe that all of Ari’s friends, in the end, were essential to the growth in the book, I’m glad they remained as such.

A love letter to romance, friendships, and those we lose along the way, Saenz proves that we are all trying to find our way, and that we must never believe that we are alone in doing so.

I didn't know what I was getting into when I originally requested this ARC but I had been seeing reviews of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe everywhere so I figured that I might as well give both books a try. When I first picked it up I thought that this would a fantasy read based on the cover page but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that is was a very diverse contemporary romance/coming of age series. Some things that I really enjoyed about this book was the representation, as it follows two queer Mexican teenagers navigating their way around being in a queer relationship in a society where it is not accepted. This story also covered a lot of very important topics such as the aids pandemic, incarceration, racism, bullying, homophobia and drug abuse. I was impressed that I found it to be a lighter read despite the heavier topics brought up in the book.
The only thing I did notice was that the characters, who I believe are 17ish, read slightly younger (age 13-14). Other than that, I also really enjoyed the writing style of this series and think that this is a great book if you're looking for a quick and easy read. I will leave this review by saying that if characters in a novel seem like they are happy and living their best lives at the 70% marker prepare for a bit of heartbreak.

First of all I'd like to say thank you to the Publisher and netgalley for allowing me to have a copy of this book and i wish nothing but the best in life for the author. That being said I requested this because I was looking forward to reading the first book and was anticipating it so much thinking I would love it and could move on to the second. But unfortunately I got 100 pages in and it was not my cup of tea and I couldn't go any further. So I will not be reading this book. Also netgalley won't let me post this without a rating so I had to give it 1 * but if I could I wouldn't have rated it anything cuz I didn't read it. Aside from all that I hope everyone has a great day and again thank you netgalley and the publisher

tysm netgalley and simon teen for this arc! i am so excited for my finished copy to arrive in the mail. i'm not done reading it, but i have to say that i love it so far and have missed these boys so much!!!! i loved the first book so much and am enjoying this one so far.

All the words in Dante's dictionary can't begin to describe this book. I never thought of "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" as a plot-driven story. To me, it was always a collection of moments that come together to build a life-- a character driven book of self-actualization. The first book is a coming of age story about discovering who you are, and the sequel is about learning to accept that person. I think these two books have the power to change lives. Touching and beautifully written, "Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World" manages to challenge the stereotype that teenagers are too young to question and understand the world around them. Told through almost poetry-like short chapters, Ari grows and develops his own understanding of the universe, while asking difficult questions about himself, the world, and about the people around him. Yet, despite this, he never feels less than authentic to his age. He still feels like a 17 year old just trying to survive his circumstances. It's a beautiful balance that meshes the wonderment of a child with the realties of the world. Definitely left me teary-eyed at moments.

10/10 would recommend this to anyone who loved the first. I'm a #indigoemployee who can't wait to hand-sell this.

I was lucky enough to receive this ARC ebook, and am so glad it made its way into my hands. The short chapters help make this 500+ page book fly by, and before you know it you’ll find yourself wanting more.

I often go back to my copy of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and review quotes and passages I had highlighted, and can confidently say that this book was the same. Saenz has this way of taking an average thought and turning it into a beautiful bit of poetry. Without even realizing it I had highlighted a quote from almost every page. 

This story follows the new couple, Ari and Dante, as they discover what it’s like to love and be loved in a world that doesn’t show them much love at all. Ari goes a little beyond his love for Dante in this book and discovers a deeper love and appreciation for not only his parents, but for his growing group of friends and even a few teachers. 

Where at times I did find the young love trope was pushed a little too far, I couldn’t help myself from smiling at the growth in character that Ari displayed. I’ve never met anyone like him and wish for the opportunity to in my future. 

The AIDS pandemic was a large theme throughout this novel, as was the fight for equal rights for women. Saenz often refers to a line stating that everyone sees the deaths from AIDS as a number, but each of those numbers represents a human being; and I think that is a way of seeing things that will stick with me.

If I look at this story as just a love story between two boys I feel underwhelmed, but once I broaden my perspective and see it as a story about love in general it becomes so much more. 

If you haven’t read anything by Saenz before- I highly recommend reading Aristotle and Dante’s stories and pre-ordering this one !

I have gone back and forth about how I feel about this book. Originally when I finished I was very emotional about how this book ended and thought it was so beautiful. But as I finished this about 2 weeks ago now I have had more time to be critical of it.

What I liked about it was seeing Ari and Dante's relationship flourish and change over the duration of the story. As far as high school/first real relationships go, it really did a good job of conveying how it feels to fall in love for the first time and the impacts that can have. I also really enjoyed getting to see and learn more about Ari's life and his family. His relationship with his father is absolutely beautifully written and so heartwarming. His parents really allow him to make his own mistakes, decisions, and don't delegate how he should live his life as his high school career comes to an end. There is a lot of growth for a lot of characters in this novel. Also thought it was great that the book also touched on the AIDS crisis and how being openly gay at that point in time could be a death sentence from society. I thought it was handled quite well, but even could have been a bit more expanded upon.

Now what I didn't like. The language in regards to transphobia and biphobia made me cringe so hard. I know people will try to say 'well this is set in 1987, that language/thought process was common'. That isn't an excuse, proper language to address trans folks existed then and it exists now, and the book was written recently. The biphobia that exists between Dante and Ari is also super toxic, verging on bi-erasure. Dante thinks Ari is bisexual because he is friends with a girl and he feels the relationship is threatened by this friendship. As a bisexual woman, this really hit me hard and really hurt. I have been in relationships like this and it is extremely invalidating. Even having a conversation in this story, even briefly, about bisexual representation and how being bisexual has nothing to do with someone's ability to be loyal in a relationship would have helped this.

I wouldn't say don't read this book, but definitely be aware of these triggers before reading. I loved the first book and loved Ari and Dante as characters so so much. But it's hard when an author can just completely ruins your attachment to a story or characters by being so blatantly rude, transphobic, and biphobic in their writing in a sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is one of my all-time favorite books. I was terrified for the sequel, because in my opinion, this book did not warrant a sequel. Sequels also tend to disappoint... in my opinion, at least. I should have known that there was no need to worry. Benjamin Alire Sáenz has crafted a story that, while not as touching (to me) as the first installment, is beautiful nonetheless.

This is more than a love story. It's a story about growth. I love the continued focus on Ari's discovery of the world. Just because he is with Dante does not mean that he is without problems.
Also: He has friends! I adore that, as part of his growth, Ari decided to let people in. One of his friends, Cassandra, became a favorite of mine. Seeing Ari with the girls warmed my heart every time.

This book was necessary to complete Ari's development as a person. It was gorgeous and raw and, at times, difficult. But that's what makes it worth it. Perhaps you can say the same thing about life, too.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book! Everyone, please read it on its release date!

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz is the sequel to Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. In this sequel, Ari and Dante are in love. They must learn to navigate their love in a world that would rather they not exist. Things become more difficult for Ari when he suffers a terrible loss.

This sequel is sure to satisfy fans of the first book. It adds even more depth to the already deep characters. This book, like the previous, showcases the power of love and how it can shape people.

Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World Review
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this title in exchange for a fair review.
This story picks up right where Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe concludes. I have to admit that I loved the first book. I thought it was a very sympathetic story of two Aristotle as he grew through family tragedy to come to an understanding of who he was, with a lot of help from Dante.
This second book continues to explore what it means to be two young gay adolescents at a time when the AIDS crisis is just beginning, at a time when being gay is something to hide, not to accept.
At the same time, Ari is dealing with the same family drama that started in the first novel, and learning to navigate relationships both within family and with people at school.
There is a lot of growth over the course of the novel, but at times I couldn’t help but feel that there was something of an agenda being promoted. I’m not saying that this is negative, but it just felt to me like the plot was helped along these lines.
Overall, I was very happy to get back into the story of Aristotle and Dante as they end high school and set off into the world. I gave this book a 3 star rating.

Really great story, and a beautiful way to tie Ari and Dante into their time in the world.
It’s easy to forget this takes place at heart of the AIDS crisis, but seeing that impact these boys was beyond poignant.