Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World

Company type	Young adult novel
Industry	Publishing
Founded	October 12, 2021 (2021-10-12)
Founder	Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Products	Book
Parent	Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World is a young adult novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz that achieved New York Times bestseller status. Released on October 12, 2021, by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, it serves as the sequel to Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.

The audiobook version, narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda, received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording.

Plot

Continuing from the first installment, Aristotle and Dante explore the dynamics of their evolving relationship, including a significant camping trip where they share an intimate moment for the first time. During this trip, they are gifted a painting by a woman they meet, which includes a poem about her late son's experience grappling with his sexual identity.

Ari and his mother, Lilliana, discover from a member of their church community that a friend's son passed away from AIDS, and that the church was hesitant to acknowledge this cause during his funeral. Lilliana insists on attending the service, where Ari encounters Cassandra Ortega, a former high school rival and sister of the deceased. After Ari reveals his sexual orientation to her, they reconcile and develop a friendship.

Ari observes homophobic harassment directed at a boy named Rico and befriends Danny, who stands up for Rico. He also comes out to his friends Gina Navarro and Susie Byrd, as well as to his sisters.

When visiting his brother Bernardo in prison, Ari faces Bernardo’s homophobic remarks and disrespect toward a transgender woman whom Bernardo had murdered. This meeting causes Ari to lose some of his admiration for Bernardo’s memory. To honor the victim, Ari later inscribes her grave with a feminine name.

During Thanksgiving at Dante's family home, Soledad, Dante’s pregnant mother, goes into labor. Jaime, Ari’s father, drives both families to the hospital where Soledad delivers her baby girl named Sophocles.

Shortly after Sophocles' arrival, Jaime suffers a fatal heart attack while in Ari’s arms. Deeply grieving, Ari receives support from friends and Dante. He delivers Jaime’s eulogy and forms a closer bond with his mother, who entrusts him with Jaime’s military journal.

Ari, Susie, and their classmate Chuy confront a teacher accused of racism; although initially suspected of releasing crickets in her classroom, they eventually befriend the actual prankster known as Cricket.

As college decisions arise, Ari plans to attend University of Texas at El Paso, while Dante gains acceptance into an art program in Paris. Despite initial tension over their impending separation, Dante departs for Paris. Ari impulsively purchases a plane ticket to visit him there. They reconcile at the Louvre in front of Dante’s favorite artwork, The Raft of the Medusa by Géricault.

Reception

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World has been recognized as a New York Times and IndieBound bestseller.

It received starred accolades from several publications including Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal.

Booklist lauded it as "a brilliant, character-driven novel that challenges readers to think about life while falling in love with Aristotle and Dante." Kirkus Reviews characterized it as "[m]essily human and sincerely insightful," whereas School Library Journal described it as "a literary romance that will woo hearts and minds alike."

The novel was also praised by Shelf Awareness as "a joyous and heartrending exploration of grief, love, and queer belonging."

The audiobook earned a starred review from Booklist, and Kirkus Reviews included it among the best books published in 2021.

Year	Accolade	Result
2021	Booklist Editors' Choice: Youth Audio	Selection
	Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction	Finalist
2022	Audie Award for Best Male Narrator	Winner
2023	Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording	Nominee