Aristotle and Dante

Benjamin Alire Sáenz

In the summer of 1987, two Mexican-American teenagers, the brooding and angry Aristotle and the eloquent and observant Dante, meet by chance and forge an unlikely friendship. As they navigate the complexities of adolescence, family expectations, and their own burgeoning identities, their bond deepens, revealing profound truths about love, loss, and the courage it takes to be oneself. Through their shared experiences and heartfelt conversations, Ari and Dante discover the secrets of the universe within their own hearts, learning that true connection can illuminate even the darkest corners of life. This lyrical and poignant novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the transformative power of friendship with exquisite tenderness and wisdom.