“One of these days the world is going be very surprised by the things we accomplish. But we won’t be. We won’t be surprised at all. Because we will have learned by then what we have in us.”
This book is literally Taylor Swift’s magnificent song “peace” turned into a story and you can’t convince me otherwise. In the much-anticipated sequel to Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Sáenz returns to beloved characters that stole readers’ hearts and takes a deep dive into the understanding of what it means to live and grow up in a world that doesn’t want you in it.
Usually in young adult literature, we get a happily-ever-after or at least a happy-for-now resolution. But here, we get to see Ari and Dante not only be together, but fighting to stay in love despite social forces threatening to tear them apart and the havoc it wreaks in their own minds. I was already invested in their relationship but dare I say, in this sequel we get this glimpse of what it means to be in love when you’re still trying to figure out how to love yourself that it enrichened even my understanding of the first novel. It’s so interesting to watch Ari and Dante fall deeper in love every day, but also see what they keep from each other in order not to hurt the other. The more the book progresses, the more you realise the true power of love in how it uplifts you and nurtures you. Still, there are things you sometimes can’t say to the person you love for fear of hurting them. Especially Ari struggles with expressing his feelings and thus writes them down in a notebook addressed to Dante—his fears, his thoughts, his hopes for a better world—that made me feel like I had a front-row seat, like Ari was sitting next to me writing these words. It’s a visceral experience reading this story and truly shows just how well Sáenz has created these characters.
Beyond that, Sáenz effortlessly transports readers back in time. It’s as haunting as it is eye-opening to think that in just this short timespan, so much has changed for LGBTQ+ people in society—without everything having changed for the better, of course. Both Ari and Dante want so much to be able to hold each other’s hands or show affection outside of the confines of tents or secret places or their homes but the world is a scary place and the obstacles it places on these boys nearly crushes them. Their only hope is their love for each other and the promise to always be in each other’s corner. Like I said, this read a lot like the Swift lyrics “would it be enough if I could never give you peace?” because Ari and Dante both wonder whether their love is worth all the fears and pain that comes with it—and of course it is. As they grow more enamoured with each other and bank on the support of their family members, they realise that while love may be painful, it is always worth fighting for.
Speaking of bonds, this book employs a big focus on friendships and strengthening relationships in general and, besides Ari and Dante’s love story, this was by far my favourite part. Quite like his father, Ari has always had reasons why he hasn’t interacted with his school peers and instead isolated himself. In Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World, however, we get to see Ari and Dante make true connections with others and building a support system that will carry them through the tough times. Finding your tribe is one of my favourite plots, and here it is done so beautifully that it makes you want to hug your friends and tell them just how much you appreciate their unwavering support.
Now, I can’t say much because of spoilers, but there are some events in this book that left me heartbroken. Sáenz knows how to interweave social commentary with personal grief and loss yet still add a hopeful note to it all. All I can say is, you might want to keep a box of tissues handy and maybe some sunglasses to shield your puffy eyes if you decide to go outside after reading this book.
The one thing I will say is that even though I love the writing and the story, this book felt unnecessarily dragged out at points. Over 500 pages is quite a chunk and sometimes it didn’t really feel warranted since there was quite a lot of repetition. Take this with a grain of salt though since I’m a hypocrite and would have read this book even if it had 1000+ pages.
For sure surpassing readers’ wildest expectations, Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World is a magnificently crafted, heart-shattering, life-affirming sequel to one of the most beloved YA contemporaries of our time. Diving deep into the waters of love, loss and friendship, Sáenz delivers a story that will have you smiling while crying, laughing while sobbing, and ultimately stealing your heart.
Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of October 12th 2021.
Will you be picking up Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an achingly romantic, tender tale sure to captivate fans of Adam Silvera and Mary H.K. Choi.
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.
Ari has spent all of high school burying who he really is, staying silent and invisible. He expected his senior year to be the same. But something in him cracked open when he fell in love with Dante, and he can’t go back. Suddenly he finds himself reaching out to new friends, standing up to bullies of all kinds, and making his voice heard. And, always, there is Dante, dreamy, witty Dante, who can get on Ari’s nerves and fill him with desire all at once.
The boys are determined to forge a path for themselves in a world that doesn’t understand them. But when Ari is faced with a shocking loss, he’ll have to fight like never before to create a life that is truthfully, joyfully his own.
I am ready to go! This comes out on my 58th birthday and my, what a way to celebrate.