Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

“Maybe we lived between hurting and healing.”

4/5⭐

My enjoyment of this book–and my high rating of it–has a lot to do with the fact that I haven’t read young adult in a long time and I forgot how great the genre can be. They have a simplicity and a sincerity that was refreshing.

There’s a lot to love about this book. Quick chapters that make the story feel like it’s moving along even with the character-based approach. Great main characters that are lovable–if a little stereotypical for the genre (the outgoing, starry-eyed one and the pessimistic, quiet one). And plenty of heart-string-pulling moments to make your eyes well up and your heart happy.

The writing style–which I have seen some people complain about–worked well for me. Those that griped about the dialogue being unrealistic are right, but I go to books like this one for the joy of it, not for reality, and so I loved the dialogue.

Reading this made me wish real life was a little more like the books, where everyone is perfectly poetic and witty and poignant.

Sure, it got a little on-the-nose sometimes, but the story had me hook, line, and sinker, so I didn’t mind one bit. I was just along for the ride.

My favorite relationships were that of Aristotle and the adults in his life–his own parents and Dante’s. The way they talked to each other, and the way they didn’t, rang true to me. I loved watching those relationships develop.

If you are looking for an easy read about growing up, this one will satisfy.

Underline-worthy quotes:

“I don’t always have to understand the people I love.”

“To be careful with people and with words was a rare and beautiful thing.”