Young adult · Romance
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
In 1980s El Paso, two Mexican-American teenagers become friends over a summer, and then through everything that follows. The book follows their families, their questions and the slow process of understanding themselves.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2012
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 368
- Format
- Book 1 of 2 in Aristotle and Dante
Read this if you like a lyrical, quiet, character-led coming-of-age story with tender, thoughtful dialogue.
Skip this if you want fast plotting or lots of action.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
- What is Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe about?
- In 1980s El Paso, two Mexican-American teenagers become friends over a summer, and then through everything that follows. The book follows their families, their questions and the slow process of understanding themselves.
- Who should read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe?
- Read it if you like a lyrical, quiet, character-led coming-of-age story with tender, thoughtful dialogue. Skip it if you want fast plotting or lots of action.
- How long and how fast is Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe?
- It is a slow-paced, medium read of about 368 pages, first published in 2012.
- Does Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Homophobia, Violence.
- Can I borrow Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, Eleanor & Park, The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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If you loved Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
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Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda A more comic, easy-going teen story of a boy coming to terms with who he loves.
-
Eleanor & Park Another gentle, 1980s-flavoured YA love story told with honesty.
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower A sensitive, introspective teen narrator who finds friends and some healing.
Young adult
