Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Two loner misfit teen boys, with completely different attitudes to life, find each other and become unlikely friends.

Ari is depressed. He has a brother in prison and a virtually silent dad who has nightmares about the Vietnam war. Ari can't swim, but he meets Dante at the swimming pool, and he offers to teach him. Dante is light and joyful, but alone, like Ari. The two hit it off immediately but their differences makes their friendship a little complicated.

What's really great about this book is how all the angst and darkness of being a teen is captured in Ari's outlook. He is so relatable in his lonesomeness and his unshakeable belief that he has no one in his life to care about or who cares about him. He totures himself by keeping his emotions inside. The contrast between him and Dante is such a treat to read about and although Dante has a much sunnier view of the world, he's equally tormented and unhappy.

For you if you're interested in: #difficultfriendships #sexualidentity #socialissues