Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz is praised for its lyrical prose and deep exploration of teenage emotions and identity. It resonates with readers for its authentic depiction of LGBTQ+ relationships. However, some critics note that its pacing can be slow. Overall, it is a heartfelt sequel that beautifully continues the story of Ari and Dante.

A reader who enjoys Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz would appreciate heartfelt, introspective LGBTQ+ coming-of-age stories. Fans of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli and The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky will find this work compelling.

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World follows Latino teens Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana as they navigate their final high school year in 1980s El Paso, Texas, deepening their romantic relationship while grappling with issues including identity, familial bonds, love, loss, and self-acceptance. The story covers Ari's personal growth and his evolving connection with Dante, as well as the supportive but concerned stances of their families.

Emotional / Heartwarming / Contemplative / Romantic / Melancholic

- Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World is the sequel to the critically acclaimed novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, offering a continued exploration of the characters' personal growth and relationships.
- The book pays homage to classic literature, with the characters often finding connections to and reflecting on works by authors like Jane Austen and Pablo Neruda, as a way to explore their own identities and emotions.
- Benjamin Alire Sáenz, the author, is also an award-winning poet and artist, which is reflected in the novel's lyrical prose and its deep exploration of themes such as love, identity, and belonging.

**Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza**  
A 17-year-old Latino boy from El Paso, Texas, grappling with feelings of isolation and introspection while navigating adolescence and relationships, notably with his close friend Dante.

**Dante Quintana**  
A bright and ambitious 17-year-old Latino boy, aspiring artist, and athlete, who forms a significant bond with Ari and struggles with aspects of his identity and cultural heritage.

**Lilliana “Lilly” Mendoza**  
Ari’s mother and a dedicated teacher who provides Ari with strong emotional support, demonstrating intelligence, resilience, and confidence in both her professional and personal life.

**Jaime Mendoza**  
Ari’s father, a Vietnam War veteran and mailman, who is quiet and distant due to past trauma but ultimately supportive and affectionate towards his family.

**Soledad and Sam Quintana**  
Dante’s mother and father, respectively, who are both successful professionals and act as a second set of loving and supportive parents towards Ari.

**Cassandra Ortega**  
A strong-willed and intelligent 17-year-old girl from El Paso who becomes a close friend of Ari's, providing companionship and understanding, particularly in terms of personal struggles and identity.

**Bernardo Mendoza**  
Ari’s estranged older brother, incarcerated for a violent crime, whose presence in the family’s past casts a shadow over their present.

**Legs**  
Ari’s loyal and understanding dog, who provides him with companionship and emotional support during challenging times.

**Emma**  
A middle-aged woman who owns an art gallery and forms a meaningful bond with Ari and Dante, revealing her personal struggles with past loss.

**Gerald**  
A middle-aged gay man living in Paris who is an old friend of the Quintana family, offering warmth and acceptance to Ari during his stay abroad.

Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Novel

Aristotle and Dante Series

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World Summary and Study Guide

Background

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-17

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World Part 1, Chapters 1-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 18-35

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World Part 1, Chapters 18-35 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 1-13

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World Part 2, Chapters 1-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 1-19

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World Part 3, Chapters 1-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 1-20

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World Part 4, Chapters 1-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 21-41

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World Part 4, Chapters 21-41 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 1-25

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World Part 5, Chapters 1-25 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, Chapters 26-50

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World Part 5, Chapters 26-50 Summary & Analysis

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World?

Reading Age

Book Details