Really great story, and a beautiful way to tie Ari and Dante into their time in the world.
It’s easy to forget this takes place at heart of the AIDS crisis, but seeing that impact these boys was beyond poignant.

There are not many YA contempories that have sequels, so I was interested to see what would happen in this sequel. Sadly, for me, this was just not a necessary sequel.

This book is problematic in ways because it utilizes trans violence to further the plot, and even more misgenders the transwoman even when trying to defend them. Not only this, but the main character, Ari, seems to have some strongly misogynist statements, not changing when called on the behaviour. These two things are not the only problematic concepts in the book, but I worry that this models behaviour that can be seen by the YA audience as "okay".

This book did have an interesting exploration of the AIDS epidemic in the 80's and showed a lot of the worry gay men and their loved ones had about AIDS and the lack of care by the wider population about a disease that was killing people at an alarming rate.

For me the problems in this book were just to many for me to overcome. There are many other LGBTQIA+ own voices books out there that offer more for YA readers. I received a copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher for an open and honest review. All opinions are 100% mine.

These two boys have my heart! I am so glad that I was able to read an advance copy of this book because it meant that I could continue right on from where the first left off. In the first book, Aristotle and Dante meet one summer and become fast friends, we find out that Dante likes Ari as more than a friend, and ... In this book, soon after Dante confesses how much he likes Ari, they become boyfriends. The duology takes place during the AIDS pandemic and so we get to see how that impacts their relationship and how they, their parents, and their friends react and deal with the realities of life. I have heard some people call this book sad and while I agree, a better description might be "emotional rollercoaster". I was clapping and all excited one moment and the next I had tears streaming down my face so all in all, it was an amazing book!

This book had me laughing and crying, as soon as I finished it I immediately felt like rereading it. These characters are all so well written and well developed, it's definitely an amazing sequel and it was so fun to see all the characters we know and love again.

“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” is one of my favourite books of all-time, so I was absolutely ecstatic to receive an e-ARC copy of the sequel, “Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World” from Simon & Schuster Canada, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Our story picks up after the events of the first novel and sees Ari and Dante attempting to navigate their relationship in a time where being open about their love is a distant dream.

I’m thrilled to see Benjamin Alire Saenz return to this story, and it’s continuation was just as good as the original book. The lyrical, poetic writing style is so beautiful and compulsively readable and Ari’s voice is as distinctive and compelling as I remember. His struggles will resonate with many LGBTQ+ youth as surely as his relationship with Dante will continue to warm hearts. The two of them are completely three-dimensional characters, and so completely opposite of each other but they work so well as a couple and it’s beautiful to read. I truly missed Ari’s stoic pragmatism and Dante’s infectious enthusiasm and optimism. And the book had such a perfect ending. Like, you are not ready for how perfect the ending is, I promise. I cried.

I’m so grateful that this story got a sequel, and if at all possible, I fell more in love with Ari and Dante than I already had in the first book (which I didn’t think was even possible.

This truly was the perfect way to start my reading month, and I’m grateful and absolutely honoured to have been able to read it early. My thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for making it happen!

“Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World” is scheduled for publication on October 12, 2021 from Simon & Schuster and if you were a fan of the first book, you’ll definitely want to add this to your TBR’s ASAP!

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this book.*

I read the first book of the series a few years ago and I found it quite good. However, I had to DNF this one at the 50% mark because I just could not get back into the story and do not enjoy forcing myself to read/like a book. I feel bad because I had high expectations for this and the book did not meet them. I will most likely give this another try later but not at the moment.

(I've heard some things about this author and Transphobia which is why I won't be talking about this on social media till I can learn what exactly is being said and if it's addressed)

(spoilers below)

This book was a mix of moving and flat parts. I was worried when it seemed like there was scenes urging people to come out. It scares me knowing that some people don't come from this safe environments. It's like you HAVE to come out. I feel like that's up to you. Not someone to out you by force. This is probably a me thing because I would never ever ever tell anyone about me. As the eldest in an immigrant family... so yea it could be the way I see this.
Even if the reaction is nice. No one has a right to know. You owe no one that and I've seen people who felt compelled to do so even though they weren't ready (Anyway I could be wrong by how I interpret this so please tell me if I'm wrong.) So that bit with Ari and the closeted kid who just popped in the end kind of felt like out of place with the whole story. IT felt like a moment to showcase Ari's exemplary character. I was already convinced he was a great kid who didn't see that in himself. No need for this extra moment.

Also some moments felt a little awkward like the ways the kids talked. The writing is much like the first one. So hey, I guess I don't mind.


I liked Ari's character development this time round.



I don't like how he misgendered the trans woman even as he tried to defend her.



I don't know how I feel about Dante's comment about White people hating black people saying it's because "It's because they feel guilt for bringing them in chains." I don't want emotions associated with forgiveness and niceness and understanding to be ascribed to the slave trade. An inhumane act. I dunno about that one either. Maybe again it was a me problem.




This book could have been a bit shorter. I find the pacing in this one a little slower. If we cut out all the 'wow look at how amazing Ari is', scenes it would be great. How can a quiet guy have so many classmates who look up to him and admire him? Maybe a couple I can understand.



Also that ending...Where did that come from? I guess with this author I don't tend to know where the lesson of the story lies in till I reach the end. I would never have guessed it was fear of the future as a gay man. Dante leaving seemed so random. Maybe it would have been better to see more of him to show this???? I know that contradicts my previous suggestion of making it shorter.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Shuster Canada for this ARC!

Since Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is one of my all time favourite books and one of my comfort reads, I don't completely know what I expected out of this sequel. I was even a bit hesitant in even reading it because I didn't want to ruin the first book for myself. Despite this, Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World completely blew me away and exceeded any expectations that I had for this book.

The writing was beautiful and made me feel nostalgic in a way. Despite the fact that so many years have passed irl between the pub dates of the first and second book, the sequel gave me the exact same feelings that the first one did.

I'm not usually a fan of sequels unless they are completely needed because sometimes they can feel unnecessary and ruin the first book for me. In this case, I didn't even think the first book needed a sequel until I actually read it. I feel like this was the perfect companion to Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. It answered questions that I didn't even know I had. In my opinion, it gave the perfect conclusion that I didn't even know it needed.

I would just like to mention that for the first
part of the book, it felt extremely slow and almost like there wasn't really a plot. However, once you get through that it is an easy read that I would recommend over and over.

I'll be thinking about this book for a long time and I'm infinitely grateful that I got to read it before the pub date!


Review also published on Goodreads.

i love ari and dante but i had higher expectations for this book. i felt like the plot was a little all over the place but i still appreciate how much both the characters grew and developed throughout the story. there was a lot of conflict that felt like it was introduced but wasn’t fully resolved properly. i did like how much you could feel ari and dante grow up as you read. the coming of age aspect was great, which is something i loved about this book.

Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada and Netgalley for an eARC of 'Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World' in exchange for an honest review.

This continuation of the story of Ari and Dante is, quite literally, exactly that: a continuation. This installment could easily be combined into a single (though rather thicker) volume containing both novels as we rejoin our boys in the desert immediately following the events that closed 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe'--and then follow them through the remainder of that summer, their senior year of high school and their last summer before college. 1988 through 1989.

Just as with the first novel, Ari is our sole narrator, and the reader is truly on a journey of self-discovery with him--as he comes to terms with his sexuality, with loving Dante, with hate and small-mindedness in a border town, with loss, with forgiveness, and his own life choices. It particularly explores his relationships and how those are impacted (for better or worse) by his perceptions and ideas of people (particularly those closest to him), versus the truth of those people: the complex, layered realities that make us all real and entirely too human. It also touches on questions of maturity, responsibility, racism, prejudice, rights and freedoms and equalities--and with a voice that leaves a clear impression, but never felt (and I realize this is entirely relative and personal to each reader) preachy or demanding, leaving me room to ponder and assess my own feelings and opinions for myself.

I will readily admit that I struggled with Ari as a character and particularly as the narrator in the first book; but that is also why I found his journey throughout this second book so compelling. Once he begins to truly know himself, and then accept that self, his growth is incredible. I think I also connect with this book as I remember this time--while I was still most definitely younger than Ari and Dante were in the late 1980s, I do remember the incredible and uncertain changes happening throughout the world. And I remember when homosexuality was...not something readily accepted or even discussed, and micro-aggressions were not even recognized as such, they were almost the norm. And I remember how the AIDS pandemic forced us, finally, to face and begin the process of addressing these inequalities--though not nearly early enough nor aggressively enough given the number of lives lost.

I also know that this book will not resonate with everyone--as is true of most books--for various reasons, including recently raised questions regarding the personal attitudes and actions of the author himself. I definitely recommend that anyone considering reading Ari and Dante's story should educate themselves before making a final decision on whether to dive into this world.

I have so many mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, Benjamin Alire Saenz's writing is always a joy to read and I loved the growth that Dante and Ari underwent throughout the story. On the other hand, though, I really don't think that this book was a necessary addition. I'm a firm believer that sequels should only be written if they are needed or add something very significant to the original text, and while this was certainly interesting to read, I don't feel that it was in any way necessary. So much of the book lacked plot, and while I'm someone who often loves a character-driven story, there just didn't feel like a point throughout much of it. Additionally, I felt as though certain parts were a bit preachy and sounded more like an inspirational self-help book than a YA novel. It's important to tackle difficult issues in fiction, but I just don't think it was incorporated into this story in a way that made much sense. It made the book feel disjointed at times and I found it pretty grating throughout.
One thing that I did really love about this was Ari's growth and emotional vulnerability. It was so lovely to see a male YA protagonist be so open about his feelings, particularly toward the end of the novel, and I think that the author handled it very well.

This felt like such a nostalgic book because these two characters that found each other despite the world at the time and despite the fact that them existing and being gay and loving each other was considered as a crime and a blasphemy. I found it to be a bit slow, even slower than the first book, but this was definitely an interesting and very soft and compelling read about two characters that find themselves and each other in a world where they are not supposed to exist.

Was honestly excited about this novel but after realizing how problematic and hurtful This author was it fell short for me. I

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for this ARC. I received an electronic copy of this book from Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review:

I read the first book many years ago and before reading this book I revised the first one. While reading it I saw how one trans character is used simply to further the plot and how the book helps the dissemination of stereotypes that unfortunately are in our society. When reading the sequel I hoped that the book would allow both the characters and the audience to see that character not just as a plot point, or a helper to the main character, unfortunately, that was not the case.

Aristotle’s start point in the book could give an incredible self-discovery journey, but while there was no time between both books, it seems like just by other characters telling him his sexuality, he accepts it, as if he had known it for a long time, and was just waiting for the right time to tell it to others.

The use of excuses by the main character for misogynist comments, simply because he is not attracted by women makes me think if young readers may see it as acceptable. Other characters expressed in the book how they did not like some of his comments, yet he continues to make them, with small corrections, only in some of the cases.

I liked how the book discusses the AIDS pandemic, it is a different point of view that is not easily seen in media. The life of young queer men, in small towns, seeing the news about the protests and deaths.

In conclusion, while the book is an enjoyable reading like the first one, the display of the members of the LGBTQ+ community, and misogyny displayed in the book make the viewer uncomfortable and lose the connection that was created in the first book between the readers and the main character. I understand that people are going to want to read the book because of the love created by our young selves by the first one, but while I understand the desire to read it, I recommend people to analyze the problems displayed in it so that we as a society can grow and outlive them.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for this ARC. I received an electronic copy of this book from Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review:

*Trigger/ content warnings: transphobia, misogyny, biphobia, violence, death, homophobia
**Review contains slight spoilers

I will start by saying that when I read the first book, I was shocked and uncomfortable with the way transphobia/ violence against a trans woman was used to further the plot in a completely unnecessary way. I had hoped this would be left behind in Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World.

However, the sequel picks up right where the first book left off, and I was extremely unhappy to see that the language used to discuss/describe gender in the book is very binary and disrespectful of trans identities. It was difficult and uncomfortable to read all of the ways the characters equated gender with biological sex, over and over again throughout the book. The way they discussed trans women was also disrespectful, full of harmful stereotypes and misgendering.

I also did not like how the main characters interacted with women. In one chapter, a friend of Aristotle’s tells him that he is making her uncomfortable, and that she was feeling overly sexualized/ objectified by his comments. He justifies his actions/ comments by saying that because he is a gay man he can’t possibly be making her feel that way. This seems to take accountability away from the actions in question by using sexuality as a justification for sexism/ misogyny.

The way that bisexuality was discussed in this book was also problematic. Aristotle develops a friendship with a classmate named Cassandra in this book, and Dante immediately “accuses” him of really being bisexual, not gay, and fears that Aristotle will leave him for Cassandra. Aristotle explains that there is no need for Dante to feel threatened, but he refuses to believe him. Aristotle could very well have been bisexual, but that identity is not fully considered or discussed. The way that Dante views bisexuality - as a threat - was also problematic; it wouldn’t make Aristotle love him any less. Seeing these views (either biphobia or erasure) written out in a popular book series was very disappointing.

Finally, on a more technical note, the dialogue in this book was stilted and so completely unrealistic. No teenager or even adult speaks like the characters in this book. It was also slow paced and I found it difficult to care about the suddenly huge cast of characters. The banter between Aristotle and Dante, which in the first book was done well and at times quite endearing, was also unrealistic - they did not have good rapport in my opinion. At time it was even boring to read their conversations.

In conclusion, so much of this book was disappointing and uncomfortable and so I do not recommend it.

I was very excited to recieve this ARC but after everything that’s happened recently, I don’t feel comfortable promoting it. Not only was the content of this book a HUGE letdown (enough for me to DNF it) - especially when comparing it to how incredible the first book was, but the author is also massively transphobic. Given this, I don’t feel comfortable promoting or fully reviewing this book. My only advice is this - don’t buy it.

After much thought and consideration, I have decided not to leave a proper review for this. When I read the first Ari and Dante novel a few years ago I fell in love with it but after recently learning and reading up about the authors' transphobia, I don’t feel comfortable leaving a review for this book or supporting this author. (I don't really want to leave a star rating but Netgalley requires it!)

After learning more about the transphobia in both the previous book and this one, as well as some transphobic remarks from the author, I have decided not to continue reading this book.

I didn't realize how much I needed this book until I started reading it! I missed Ari and Dante and their parents!!!! Its been over a year since I read the first book in this series and I remember how magical it was. When I heard Saenz was writing a sequel I was excited but didn't know how the story would continue.

The first book I listened to narrated by Lin Manuel Miranda and parts of this e-book I kept hearing his memorable voice.

The beginning of the book the shear joy and love all the characters have for each other made me emotional and think "there's no way this can last". This is the fourth book I've read by B.A.S. and he has a way of capturing that specific time in a person's life where you are on the cusp of adulthood. Naive yet smart enough to relate to the adults in their life.

We talk about the AIDs crisis/epidemic/pandemic but don't really talk about the impact it had on queer culture and queer people. I was amazed at how a YA book talks about it and how Saenz weaves it into his story.

For the most part of the book I felt like the books focus was too much on conversations. But after a while of this the narrator Ari thinks or says something that is just crazy stupid profound that I had to stop in my tracks and re-read the line a few times. This book is special. Ari's perspective and introspection is valuable. I fucking wish I had Ari when I was younger!!!

Sometimes its frustrating listening to the inner dialogue of Ari's loneliness and doubts and feeling like he doesn't have a place in this world. But this is just part of everyone's journey. Growing up ain't easy!

I've read reviews that the end of the book felt rushed and I disagree. It's believable that the characters felt rushed and pressure.

I really really really hope we get a third book!!!

<3

This book will fill your heart with joy and warmth, but will also break it into tiny little pieces.

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World is a story about everyday life, the transition from boyhood to adulthood, and of course, discovering the secrets of the universe. While there wasn’t a particular plot, there is an abundance of character development. Moreover, character growth can lead to broken and mended relationships. And this novel is a prime example of this.

Let’s talk about the infamous main characters of the book; Aristotle and Dante. Throughout the story, the two go through many changes. (No, not puberty.) They discover what it means to live, grow, and love. In this novel, Ari does all the things he was too scared to do in the previous book. I don’t want to spoil too much, but essentially, Ari uses his senior year to reconnect with old friends and family. His journey to rediscovering the world around him is so incredibly beautiful and heart wrenching. You can definitely see the difference between how he handled situations in Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, versus in this novel. It’s truly refreshing to see how much he’s changed. Of course, some things will always stick -- like Ari’s quiet nature, and his love for running. Furthermore, because of their growth and development, Aristotle and Dante’s relationship begins to shift. Without spoiling too much, many of their falling outs seemed out of place and sudden. It simply didn’t make sense to me. But what I love about this book is that it’s about maturing and becoming a better version of oneself.

In addition, the side characters were a delight. Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World has by far the most well crafted side characters I’ve ever read about. They are incredibly unique, and even go through development themselves. I also love that the side characters don’t interfere much with Aristotle and Dante. They each go through their own personal journeys, which I found to be quite unique and endearing.

The dialogue in Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World is absolutely remarkable. Almost every sentence in the book is quotable. However, some lines in the beginning of the story were a bit too cheesy for my liking. Nevertheless, the author gives you an abundance of writing to ponder on.

Furthermore, the writing was done incredibly well. In comparison to Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, the writing felt more mature, which definitely added to Ari’s development throughout the story. It’s also quite engaging, which I absolutely loved considering the length of the novel.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book! It’s snarky, emotional, and was an unpredictable finale to the Ari and Dante series. While I disliked the ending, I still recommend Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World to all Benjamin Alire Sáenz fans!

Age Rating: 15 and up
TW: Racism, some use of alcohol
Final Rating: 9.5/10 or 4.75 stars