aristotle and dante discover the secrets of the universe

[4.5] wow. that was something. i had my preconceived ideas coming into the book based on the blurb alone, but i didn't expect this to be such an all-encompassing coming-of-age journey.

while Dante is in the title, this story undoubtedly revolves around Ari as he explores and tries to understand the relationships between him and himself, his dad, his mom, his siblings, his place in his family, his friend Dante, his sexuality, the boys in the neighborhood, the girls at school, his name, growing up—heck, merely existing—loss (however temporary or permanent), and the world.

there isn't much of a set plot line, per se. it's more episodic snapshots recounting a boy's journey to come to terms with the universe with philosophical & poetic musings that surely a kid his age wouldn't necessarily think word-for-word, and yet still perfectly captures the ruminations of someone in the midst of these ubiquitous growing pains. (if you liked the writing style of [b:Rock|23153351|Rock|Anyta Sunday|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1409733581l/23153351.SY75.jpg|42700987], i think you'd enjoy this!)

Ari is oh so reminiscent of most young adults as they wander aimlessly to the next stage in their lives (i know i did/am