Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World

The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved cult classic about family, friendship, and first love, from award-winning author Benjamin Alire Sáenz. This lyrical novel will enrapture readers of Love, Simon, John Green, and Call Me by Your Name.

In Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World, Aristotle "Ari" Mendoza and Dante Quintana continue their journey of self-discovery and love. Set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis and the growing awareness of LGBTQ+ identities in the late 1980s, the novel delves deeply into the struggles and triumphs of maintaining a relationship in a world rife with bigotry and misunderstanding. Both boys are on the cusp of adulthood and face the challenge of defining their love and identity in an ever-evolving society.

Ari has spent most of his high school years hiding who he really is, choosing to remain silent and invisible. He expects his senior year to unfold similarly, marked by solitude. However, everything changes when he falls in love with Dante. Love pushes Ari to step out of his comfort zone; he finds himself making new friends, standing up to bullies, and making his voice heard. Dante, with his charming wit and dreamy nature, becomes both a source of irritation and deep affection for Ari.

The boys are resolute in their determination to shape a future together, even as they wrestle with societal prejudices and personal demons. Their love story is not just about romance but about forging a life that is honest and infused with joy. When Ari is confronted with an unexpected loss, he must muster all his strength and courage to protect his love and carve out a life that truly reflects who he is.

Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World beautifully captures the essence of young love and the complex emotions of growing up. It's a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the extraordinary power of first love.