Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is my favorite book in the entire world and I relate to every single sentence that it contains. And yeah the characters might be fifteen and I am almost twenty, but ever since I read it for the first time (when I was 13), the book felt mine because I was scared and angry and hopeful and I was yearning for something I couldn't put a name on. I still can't and I still feel the same way. So when I started this book (which is also a book that I had been waiting for over five years) seeing the characters growing up, change and become better people felt like a shock to me and I felt a little betrayed (how dare they to leave me behind!!!) I know the first book by heart and maybe I put too much of my own heart, I don't even remember when did I stop hearing the author's voice and it just became the voice of my soul. This book felt more about what the author was trying to tell. There's a lot he wanted to tell and it took him quite a while to put it into 528 pages. Racism. Homphobia. AIDS. Friendships. Maturing. Speaking Up. Growing up. Maybe I did wait over five years for this book but I can say for sure I am still not ready for it. Not when Ari isn't scared or angry anymore and I still feel like shitting my pants 💔

That being said I still loved this book. I did feel like the book was going nowhere because each part was too different and it covered different situations and messages, but at the same time it was going somewhere because each sentence was a lesson, and I loved how the author always manages to pour his heart into his works.

If I'm rating it with 4.5 it is because I feel like I couldn't enjoy it completely for my own personal reasons, but the book was beautiful as a whole and even tho I don't feel like it was necessary (the first book was perfect), I am glad Benjamin took his time to give us a little bit more about Ari and Dante (but tbh I feel like this book was a little less about them)

I will definitely reread this and I am pretty sure the rating will also change.

PS: I am CRAZY about Ari's and Dante's parents. I said it once and I am saying it again. And I am really really happy we got to have them for a little while longer :(

Honestly this was perfect. It was really perfect to me and at the same time completely heartbreaking. Aristotle and Dante are definitely characters I know will be staying with me for a long time. After reading book 1 which left quiet a large impression on me I knew book 2 would do the same when it was first announced. It was a pleasure reuniting with ari and Dante. Saenz has a way with words and this heartbreakingly beautiful story is one of the many reasons why I believe he does it so well. I felt every emotion Ari and Dante felt while I was reading and didn’t have any moment where I didn’t feel a gut wrenching emotion for these two boys. From wanting to be together in the open so badly but understanding the consequences it was beautifully haunting to see these two teenagers navigate day to day while wanting to do nothing but love each other.

Like I said, Aristotle and Dante are definitely it for me and will be staying with me for a very long time. I appreciated every emotion conveyed and loved the familial relationships in this book. It was beautifully written and all credits go to the author for being able to influence a huge amount of emotions from me.

TW: death, homophobia

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster UK for allowing me to review this book before it came out.

This book was one that feels like it has been so long to wait for and it would be correct but 5us book was well worth the wait. When I opened this book it was like delving back into a safety net with Dante and Ari as they navigate the world in a time where being two teenage boys in love was not something that was accepted. You feel this throughout the book with the two of them with the worries from both boys especially at the time in the 1980’s when the media painted homosexuality in a very different light.

Both boys are seniors in high school and have to navigate the possibility of not being in each other’s lives after the year is out.

This book has me laughing with the interactions between the boys and their friends and family and this made the relationships in the book really bloom in this book.

One moment in the book that really made me cry. It was so perfectly written and things and motions one of the boys went through [won’t say who because spoilers] really hit home and as someone who has gone through something very similar this moment hit me like a tonne of bricks and I could not control the emotions that I felt. I felt that I was back in the same emotions that I felt and I was unable to stop the tears, so thank you for making it so realistic which sometimes in books people do not.

I do hope that there may be another story if Ari and Dante even if it is 5 years later and what happened to them. I think I have taken these two in my heart and I believe they have to be protected at all costs.

If you loved the first book you will not be disappointed in the follow up one that for many shows what it is like growing up and finding your way. Here is to Ari and Dante mapping out their story into the world I hope that they are still as happy as can be.

The first book was one of the most memorable gay YA books and one of my all-time favourites, so I really tried not to be unfair judging this sequel, however, expectations were definitely higher than any other book so there we go.
In the first third of this book, I felt like I was reading a very long Ari & Dante fan-fiction epilogue. Not much plot, just scenes from everyday life and no overarching storyline. By the time I got to the 40% mark, I started to worry. Quite a few characters were introduced and exposed a bit late in the game, but the book still felt like a plot-lacking series of teaching lessons for the main character. And don’t get me wrong, it was nice to see a bit more growth from Ari as a person and from both Ari and Dante as a couple but I still was missing ‘the point’ of the book, because by this stage of a 500-page book we should be deep in the main story, not stumbling around the remnants of the magic of the first one.
It feels like B. A. Saenz wanted to go back to this world either for himself or for us to do us a bit of fan service, but he didn’t have a very good idea of where he wanted to go with these two boys. The mixture of problems of first love and the rocky path of a teenage relationships grouped together with school life (literally at times taking you from classroom to classroom), fear of AIDS, homophobia, racism, and constant teaching moments from the parents made me very confused about what kind of book I was reading, and as much as I love these two boys, I quickly got over the lengthy conversations or metaphors about love and changing the world.
I am disappointed and it’s mainly because I know for a fact that this author can do much better - both Ari & Dante as well as The Inexplicable Logic of My Life were some of the best books I’ve ever read, so I fear the unfortunate sequel might be our fault, the fans pressuring B A Saenz to keep going in a world that perhaps didn’t need a sequel after all.
Overall, I think this book is a missed opportunity and only a worthy read if you’re a huge fan of the first one. Even then you might be disappointed, but at least you get the continuation of the story you fell in love with years ago.

Disclaimer – I receives this E- ARC from netgalley in return for an honest review 😊
Firstly I would love to say it was wonderful experiencing the characters of Aristotle and Dante over four years since reading the first book which is titled Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe! It was amazing delving into storylines, which were once untouched such, as the storyline following Aristotles’s Brother Bernardo and what subsequently left him in prison.
But I also have some issues surround this book, I found it to be extremely hard to get into, and I thought it was a touch too long at 528 pages when I found the book lacked in plot until the last third. I did very much enjoy it and it had such a wonderful ending which leaves both characters of Aristotle and Dante in a happy scenario and although the writing was wonderful it just lacked the magic it had when I originally read the first book, but this also could be down to me, when I read the first book I was 17 while now I am 21 and have subsequently matured and relate less to characters in high school.
Overall I would recommend the book I have fond memories attached to the series but it was a touch too long in my opinion.

While being back in the world of Aristotle and Dante, in the world of Aristotle's beautiful thoughts and Dante's magnificent words, was magical to say the least, this book felt rushed and flat for me. I understand that Saenz had a hard time writing this book - and unfortunately, that shows. Not only were there little to no connection between events, but the ending, happy as it may be, felt rushed and out of character. Ari kept talking about how he had changed, and while his action showed that that was the case, I felt like I was being told it too much. It was a beautiful sequel, but we did not need it. For fans of Ari and Dante, I would simply stick to our original masterpiece. I went into this book wanting nothing but more Ari and Dante content, wanted to see them love each other the way they both deserve, and ultimately I left this book feeling disappointed that I got just that.

This book made me tear up on numerous occasions, I loved the more in depth look at secondary characters that revealed them to be just as important as our leads I think this book was beautiful

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is my favourite book in the whole entire world, so I was so excited and grateful to receive an E-ARC of the sequel and ultimately I loved it.
The way that Aristotle grew so much as a person was the highlight of this novel for me. I've never related more to a character than him in book one, so seeing how he developed, his thoughts and feelings and the way that after being so closed off, he slowly started to open up was one of my favourite things to see. I know how it feels to be so at war with yourself for so long and how it feels when that war starts to come to an end. To see his confidence grow - especially when it came to who he is was my favourite thing.

I also loved the themes of family and friendship in this book. As was the case with book one, Benjamin explores these themes so well and really explores a variety of relationships when it comes to friendship and family and how there is not one size fits all. He does this in such a beautiful way and I loved it.

There was also a lot of hard hitting themes in this book. Being set in the 1980s, of course there is explorations of homophobia and the AIDs pandemic in America and peoples attitudes to that. Ari and Dante live in Texas (where homosexuality was not legal until 2003) and the way that this is explored is really hard-hitting but done very well and is very important.

I rated the book four stars because ultimately whilst I did love it, the ending made me feel a little bit confused and felt a little out of place in regards to the rest of the book.

As somebody who loves book one I am so disappointed this isn’t a five star. I wanted to love it I really did but I’m disappointed by this one.

I have been anticipating the sequel to aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe, and WOW it did not disappoint!! Must read!!

This book, you all. This book...


I read the first one quite a long time ago, and so re-read it right before starting this one. Though I'd kept a fond memory of it, that re-read allowed me to remember why I liked it so much, but also made me see some things I didn't like quite as much.

And, honestly, it feels as if the author saw the list of things I didn't like and worked on them one by one.

I was awed at every single chapter, every single page, by how much more grown-up the sequel feels.
You know what? I'd actually compare it to Toy Story: though the first one is awesome, the third one really captures the spirit of the story and makes it so much better.

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World (that title is way too long) is exactly like this, and it was a true pleasure to get back to these characters right where I left them, but to find that they'd grown just like I did.
It's a book that's funny at times, but also really sensitive in talking about topics that are pretty heavy – AIDS and homophobia being two of them.
As in the first one, Benjamin Alire Saenz takes you with him on a wonderful trip, and it's hard to turn the last page – because damn, I don't want to leave these two boys behind.

Truly, thank you for writing such wonderful YA books. This one is a gem.

I waited five years for this sequel and I was finally able to read it! Thank you Netgalley and Thank you Simon&Schuster UK!
T.W: Transphobia, AIDS death. Homophobia, loss of a loved one
I absolutely loved this book but I also had many problems with it. I will start with the bad part and leave the best to the end.
My main problem was with the writing., but I have hope that how this was an advanced copy it could be fixed with a good round of editing.
Taking away all the excessive repeating of the same sentences, all the conversations these characters had become a big speech and philosophying. In the first book it was well balanced but in this one was excessive and tiring. Nobody could have normal conversations for once?
Another problem that bothered me was the necessity of discussing every single social problem that exists without having the capacity and knowledge to do so. The discussion about sexism and racism was flat and superficial. Even about sexuality because Ari and Dante loving each other means that they are gay and that's it. but are other identities that they could be and that are not explored.
The way the trans woman that Ari's brother murdered was misgendered was so unnecessary. The reminder that that woman wasn't respected even in death was uncalled for. There were ways for writing that scene without deadname her!
The friendship with Cassandra was so rushed. She hated him without a good reason and because she finds he's gay she changes her mind? Could be better developed.
The good thing here is the relationship between Ari and Dante and the parents. Both were already amazing in the first book and it just gets better.
I loved how Ari was worried about he and Dante didn't get lost in each other. He knew it wasn't healthy and they have a group of friends and other people to confide in was important. I saw a few reviews complaining that Dante wasn't too present in the book but I don't agree at all. Their relationship shines like in the first book and it is still as strong and deep.
And the parents were amazing and supportive as always.
So, yes, I hope these problems I mentioned get fixed and totally recommend them for those who love Ari and Dante.

I don’t have enough words to express how much I’ve loved this book. It was really amazing and I think it’s an excellent sequel. Highly recommended.

The sequel to Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe, one of my favourite reads so far this year, did not disappoint. I love all of the characters in this novel and it is superbly written - that kind of lyrical prose is hard to find. The difficult topics such as racism and the themes of family and acceptance in this book were handled so well. I also loved how characters such as Susie were fleshed out more in this book, and the development of Ari’s relationship with his parents. I highly recommend this series.

I read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and found it such a charming, beautiful read. It felt important, it read so lyrically and poetically and yes I cried. There is, however, such a thing as too much of a good thing, and Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World felt like that.

Everything that I loved in Secrets of the Universe just didn’t feel like they carried across to this book, while the first book was thoughtfully written, with quotes Pintrest was made for, in Dive into the Waters it felt overused, overly sentimental and overthought. These are 17 year olds who don’t remotely act like 17 year olds, in fact Dante has his moments, storming off and overreacting, but actually he’s not even in this book much! Instead you have Ari, and his school friends, speaking profound paragraph after paragraph, even in reply to a simple question, I can only imagine how much shorter this book would be without all these monologues. Don’t get me wrong, occasionally in a book it causes me to stop and digest these moments, but it’s just too much in this book.
There is an awful lot of repetition in this book; every character has multiple “tears falling down their/my face” moments, Ari constantly calls himself a terrible person and every other page someone looks at Ari, probably stroking his hair or face, and tells him he is the most perfect person in the entire world who can do no wrong.

There are themes in this book that could have been beyond their importance to Ari, beyond his shadow, and this book would have felt completely different to me. In the first book Dante experiences a homophobic attack and Ari comments that he will change because of it – but it happened and it’s done for Dante, there is no further commentary on this. Cassandra, a new character, not only has a childhood of abuse but also loses her brother – but even in their first encounter in the book, Ari makes it about him and it’s insufferable. Her grief is quickly resolved because everything and everyone in this book simply orbits around Ari.
This book is set in the 80’s where AIDS and homophobia is prevalent, several gay men’s deaths are discussed, either from AIDS or suicide, but the fear and ignorance surrounding this never feels explored enough.
There’s also Ari’s multiple pronoun corrections and how he acts like being gay excludes a guy from misogyny, or even a discussion about it. Everything that should have been explored or deemed important in this book was overshadowed by Ari. Even a very tragic death in this book, it just didn’t feel as emotional as it should and wasn’t referred to later during a very key moment - and my lord the eulogy for it was like it’s own book …

My criticism for this book is because I loved the first book so much, it just didn’t feature enough Dante, a character I would have loved to know and understand more, or cover the important themes enough and I found Ari kinda unrealistic and overvalued, just like the constant life lessons.

Thank you NetGalley for the early review copy - I really wish I had loved this more

This was beautiful. It was an astounding sequel to 'Secrets of the Universe'. There were several scenes that were hard to read because of the subjects and how emotional it was but it was incredibly written and immersive. The writing style in this one is as immersive and whimsical as it was in the first and Ari's voice is still strong and endearing.

There were more characters in this and they were incredible. I actually think I preferred this one to the previous book, it was truly gorgeous.

I adored this sequel and it really lived up to the hike of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.

This book is a beautiful sequel. It is written it such a way that brought me to tears on many occasions, the storytelling is so emotive. I will be recommending this book to everyone, it’s a must read.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children's UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

**4.5**

What an excellent sequel to such a beloved book. Benjamin Alire Sáenz has poured so much love and heart into this novel. and it flows out of the pages and washes over you. I think I prefer this to the first book, honestly; the broadening of Ari's world outside of his relationship with Dante was insightful and fascinating. Sáenz has such a way with words; his chapters are short, but he knows exactly how to use his words to impact the reader. I truly think the best way to read this is to read it immediately after the first one like I did, because then you can truly appreciate the journey Ari and Dante go on over the years, and just how much growth they go through. 0.5 is knocked off because the last 10% or so felt pretty rushed.

“A part of me wanted to run away from all the complications of being in love with Dante. Maybe Ari plus Dante equated love, but it also equated complicated. It also equated playing hide-and-seek with the world. But there was a difference between the art of running and the art of running away.”

This one gave me all the feels 😭

“Dante really was my only friend. It was complicated to be in love with your only friend.”


It was wonderful to be reunited with Ari, Dante, and the other characters from Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Seeing (or reading about) these characters again truly warmed my heart.
Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World picks up right after Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and we read of the early days in Ari and Dante’s relationship. This section was probably my favourite in the whole novel, even if their summer isn’t entirely idyllic.

“I was depressing myself. I was good at that. I had always been good at that.”


Ari’s ongoing inner conflict about his identity and sexuality often results in him turning inward. While he is still prone to bouts of self-loathing and sadness, he has ‘grown’ since Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and he has learnt not to shut himself entirely away from the ones he loves. His relationship with his father is much more open now, and it was really heartrending to see them bond, confide, and support each other. Ari also finds friendship in three fellow schoolmates, and their presence in his life is certainly a good one.
We see how the way in which the media and public (mis)perceive and talk about the AIDS pandemic affects Ari. As he already struggles with his self-worth, his masculinity, and his sexuality, well, the deaths within his community leave their mark on him. While most of the people close to him love him and support him, at school and through the news, he witnesses and overhears plenty of homophobic remarks. As he comes to learn that responding to other people’s hatred with rage and violence, well, it doesn’t really solve matters, he tries his best to quench his anger.
Ari is also still haunted by his older brother who is still in prison and, as the end of high school approaches, uncertain about his and Dante’s future.

“And I didn’t give a shit that I was young, and I had just turned seventeen and I didn’t give a shit if anyone thought I was too young to feel the things that I felt. Too young? Tell that to my fucking heart.”


Sáenz’s narratives brim with empathy. He is considerate, tender even, towards his characters, never dismissing their feelings or making light of their struggles. The characters at the core of this novel are truly beautiful, and support each other through each other’s ups and downs. He also conveys Ari’s fears and anxieties in such a believable way, making us understand why sometimes he reacts in a certain way or why his first instinct is usually to remain silent about his worries.

Sáenz’s prose manages to be both simple and lyrical. His conversational style is truly immersive and captures with authenticity Ari’s teenage voice. The chapters are often short and very dialogue-focused, in a way that reminded me of Richard Wagamese. Their stories are heavy on dialogues, which may very well annoy some readers, but I liked the rhythm created by the characters’ conversations and, in some ways, it made me feel as if I were listening in to ‘real’ people talk about ‘real’ things.

My one quip, the reason why I didn’t give this 5 stars, is the Ari/Dante dynamic. I not only wanted to see more of them together, but I just wanted more of Dante. Ari’s new friends (although likeable enough) seem to sideline Dante’s presence in the narrative...which made some of his later actions seem quite random. Speaking of which, that last 10% was a wee bit rushed (or maybe this was just me not wanting to let go of ari/dante).

Still, it was lovely to read about these characters again and I’m sure that fans of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe will fall in love with Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World. Sáenz writes about loneliness, acceptance, grief, and belonging as few do. Moving and poetic, Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World was definitely worth the wait.

I loved this sequel so much! The story begins exactly when the first book ended and it was a pleasure meeting again Aristotle and Dante, reading about them falling more and more in love with one other, growing up and finding themselves. Unlike the first book, this one broadens Aristotle's world. He's grow up, he's more confident and let more people in, making friends, being onest and true to himself, realizing his worth, passion and love. With Dante and their new friends, they face the world, where the AIDS pandemic is a danger to everyone and where being fully themselves and in love is more and more difficult.
It's a book about loss and grief, about injustice and unfairness, depicting the world in its true colours. But it's also a book about love and friendships, connections and bonds, new and old, about family and so much love and hope it warmed my heart and filled it to the brink.