Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Benjamin Alire Sáenz's acclaimed novel, "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe," is a deeply moving coming-of-age story set in 1987 El Paso, Texas. It follows fifteen-year-old Ari Mendoza, an introspective and often angry loner, whose life changes profoundly when he meets the articulate and open Dante Quintana. Their intense friendship becomes a catalyst for Ari to explore his Mexican-American identity, question his family's hidden past, and ultimately, understand his own sexuality and capacity for love. The book sensitively handles themes of self-discovery, family relationships, prejudice, and the power of connection, making it a significant read for young adults navigating their own identities. It has received numerous awards, including the Stonewall Book Award and a Lambda Literary Award, and is praised for its poetic prose and nuanced character development.

Fifteen-year-old Ari Mendoza is an angry loner with a brother in prison, but when he meets Dante and they become friends, Ari starts to ask questions about himself, his parents, and his family that he has never asked before.