Novel promotes self-discovery and actualization

A poignant novel, “Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” by Benjamin Alire Saenz follows two teenage boys through their discovery of themselves and the world around them. They struggle with violence and conflict, both external and internal, until they come to terms with their own feelings and become men.

Aristotle, “Ari,” is a boy who is struggling with  becoming a man. He struggles with attempting to understand his father, trying to get answers regarding his brother in prison, and trying to fully comprehend himself, all while unraveling all the universe’s secrets with his new friend, Dante.

Dante is more sure of himself; confident, witty, and caring, he becomes fast friends with Ari and teaches him to go beyond himself and realize his own potential.

When Dante moves after a special and traumatic summer with Ari, he makes his own self-discoveries and this changes him and his relationship with Ari forever.

After Dante’s return, he and Ari struggle to get their friendship back on track and make sense of their evolving relationship until Ari’s final decision and realization of his own feelings makes him feel comfortable with himself and his universe.

A perfect novel for those who are discovering themselves and coming into their own, Ari’s transformation and bravery to accept that he can be different and still have pride in himself and his feelings for Dante are inspiring and moving. It is a story that expresses that the only secrets that truly need to be discovered, are the ones that are inside yourself.