“Did all boys feel alone?” Ari asked himself (Sáenz, 233). After looking at death in its eyes and finding his true love, Ari asks the question we boys all wonder about. Is there that perfect boy out there? Ari and his friend Dante certainly aren’t. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Sáenz is the first novel in a young adult duology that explores the modern reality of family and friendship. The story follows 15-year-olds Aristotle Mendoza and Dante Quintana after a coincidental meeting at a swimming pool, who soon realize they share similarities in their distinctive names and Mexican backgrounds. Together, Aristotle and Dante explore their friendship, which evolves into something much more through twists and turns.

Aristotle (nicknamed Ari) had a tough childhood, and his thoughts resulted from this background. He grew up in a detached family, his dad suffering from trauma from war experiences, his brother being sent to prison at a young age, and his mom trying to maintain a healthy relationship. Ari’s feelings towards his dad and family are expressed when he asks his mom if she loves his dad. Ari’s mom responds, “‘Your father was beautiful.’ She didn’t hesitate. I wanted to ask her what happened to all that beauty” (Sáenz, 6). As a result of this disconnected family, Ari grows up hating his relationships. This hate grows until he hates everything about his life. His parents, classmates, job, and everything life throws at him. Dante, on the other hand, is part of a stable household. Dante’s troubles draw from the fact that his relationship with Ari wasn’t always the most stable. I can relate to Ari’s hate; it lingers as a reminder of the volatility of teenage life. Any event that may bring discomfort, big or small, can get hatred into the minds of teenagers. Moreover, Ari’s conflicts with his family and friends remind me of my own. Although Ari’s disputes are more significant than mine, I can see myself in a part of Ari, bickering with my friends and the occasional arguments with my parents. 

Ari and Dante’s friendship is intense and complicated, making me think about my own. The two boys start as light-hearted friends who quickly become close enough to consider each other best friends. As the story progresses, it is apparent that Dante holds more than feelings of friendship towards Ari. However, this feeling appears one-sided throughout the story, with Ari not reciprocating Dante's feelings toward him. The relationships I had that were one-sided came back to me as memories that I tried to forget. However, Ari and Dante’s relationship teaches us that there is often an underlying reason for what appears evident. Reflecting on my relationships, I found justifications for their success or demise. From taking time off to swim together, play street games, and write letters to each other, the little things Dante and Ari do for each other develop their relationship and show us that sometimes little things can go a long way.

The most impressive part of this book is the author's mastery of Ari and Dante’s voices. The two teens speak like real people their age, starting immature and becoming more mature as time passes. In addition, the emotions Ari and Dante go through also evolve from the more immature thoughts of a child to discovering the secrets of the universe.

I would recommend this novel to anyone regardless of age if they are curious about the truths of teenage life. A great read and a book that ranks on the top of my list, five stars!