Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

By: Benjamin Alire Saenz

Narrated by: Lin-Manuel Miranda

A lyrical novel about family and friendship from critically acclaimed author Benjamin Alire Sáenz.

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship - the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

©2013 Benjamin Alire Saenz (P)2013 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

“Benjamin Alire Saenz is a writer with a sidewinder punch. Spare sentences connect resonant moments, and then he knocks you down with emotional truth. The story of Ari and Dante’s friendship widens and twists like a river, revealing truths about how hard love is, how family supports us, and how painfully deep you have to go to uncover an authentic self." (Judy Blundell, National Book Award-winning author of What I Saw and How I Lied)

"This book took my breath away. What gorgeous writing, and what a story! I loved both these boys. And their parents! Don't we all wish we had parents like theirs? The ending - and the way it unfolded - was so satisfying. I could go on and on...suffice it to say I will be highly recommending it to one and all. I'm sure I'll reread it myself at some point. I hated having it end." (James Howe, author of Addie on the Inside)

"I’m absolutely blown away. This is Saenz's best work by far.... It’s a beautiful story, so beautifully told and so psychologically acute! Both Ari and Dante are simply great characters who will live on in my memory. Everything about the book is absolutely pitch perfect.... It’s already my favorite book of the year!" (Michael Cart, Booklist)

Wonderful and we'll written

There's something about this book that, though i read it every year, feels like i am reading it for the first time. this is a beautiful story about discovering oneself.

only one small issue

The only issue i had was with the music that played while the woman at the end said all the credits. it didnt fit with the tone of the book. lin manuel reads the final line and you are in a reflective place then BOOM bam da da da da this loud awful music blairs and ruines the ending.

A Simple Story, but a Powerful One

If you could sum up Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe in three words, what would they be?

Simple, moving, beautiful

Which character – as performed by Lin-Manuel Miranda – was your favorite?

Lin-Manuel Miranda did a wonderful job throughout the entire book, but Ari's father was especially good.

Any additional comments?

This isn't a story with a ton of action, but it really appealed to me. Watching the friendship between Ari and Dante evolve was slow, moving, and wonderful. Ari coming to terms with his family's history was also handled wonderfully. I just sat there listening and felt a lot of emotion for what really is a simple story. It was great.

A&D is a new American Classic you must read

Where does Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've heard so many great books on Audible this is a difficult question to answer. Certainly this audiobook ranks in the top tier. My 14-year-old son is having a difficult time in the friendship category. For his upcoming birthday I think I'll buy him a hard copy edition of this book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe?

Even moments you might think are extraneous later turn out to be relevant, so it would be difficult to choose any single one. The whole story is memorably momentous.

What about Lin-Manuel Miranda’s performance did you like?

His whole performance was phenomenal. I like phenomenal performances.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

I was wary of using a credit on "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe". Why? Because of its broad critical acclaim. It has too often been my experience that novels swooned over by professional critics turn out, upon being read by a real person like me, to give off a noxious air of self-interest. I like popular fiction because it is not boring. And NOT BORING is what "Aristotle" is.

As I began listening I began doubting.
Yeah, it was good. But interesting?

And then came Dante.
Boom!
From then on there was no doubt I was reading a great book. What a character! How could anyone not love Dante.
(It took some time for me to warm up to Aristotle).

No spoilers here -- and don't spoil it for yourself by peeking -- I'll conclude this review by telling how, as I got to the end of the book while listening on my phone, the Audible screen prompting a rating/review of the book popped up. Aristotle/Lin-Manuel Miranda was saying the final words and I was thinking, "5 stars on all counts". And then, totally unexpected, the very last sentence of the book caused me to burst out crying. Really. Crying. I don't do that. But I did. And it wasn't because the book had just ended. That final sentence said so much and was just... the perfect ending. The perfect ending to what is a perfect book.

Just ok

Within the first three chapters of the book, you know what’s going to happen. I think another review said it best when it said this book really wants to be deep and powerful but it’s just trying too hard. It’s not a bad story, it’s not badly written or anything. It’s just not as life-changing as I think it’s trying to be. But 100% on narration by Lin-Manuel Miranda. He does as much as he can with the material and made the book very much worth listening to.

Uplifting and melancholy all in one.

Didn't know much about this book before starting it, but I'm glad it was recommended. A very enjoyable listen.

I typically don't read the synopsis again between the time I buy a book and the time I listen. I don't want any potential spoilers or to be influenced on my opinion while listening. With that said, I'm also really good at figuring out plot "twists" in stories and movies, so I knew where this one was leading very early on. Something was mentioned near the beginning, and while I was right, it was still a great story and journey and I didn't feel like it was spoiled for me at all.

Help we can't stop thinking about this book

Where does Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

My partner is an avid consumer of audiobooks and I'm new to the game, but I think it's safe to say that Ari and Dante ranks in the top 3 for both of us.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, very much so. We ended up spreading it out over two days, but we both would have easily and happily sat down for seven and a half hours straight to listen to this book.

Any additional comments?

This is one of the most beautiful stories I've ever experienced and I genuinely have not been able to stop thinking about it.

Amazing

Just incredible. The characters were well-written and relatable, with genuine development. The romance wasn't overplayed or pointless, and I'm so thoroughly refreshed. An inclusive novel that wasn't just thrown together. It's an instant favorite, and the narrator was incredible too. I've heard talk of a sequel, and although I know Lin is an incredibly busy man I hope he finds time to narrate the next one. Looking forward to it!

Beautiful

It was a great read. The book is beautifully written and performed. Aristotle, yep, I am a fan.

Best audiobook I've listened to

The book is so fantastic and it deals with sexuality and identity in such a deep and unique way. I kept hoping that it won't end, I just want to see more and more of Ari and Dante. I wish there was a sequel.

Lin Manuel Miranda reads the book in such a fantastic way. He's so engaging and captivating, I really wish there were more books narrated by him available. Sadly he's the busiest guy in the world and there probably won't be another one in a while. A girl can wish though.

I really recommend both the book and this fantastic audio version.