Chris M

I don’t even know where to start with Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World. This book completely pulled me in and refused to let go. Benjamin Alire Sáenz writes with such tenderness and honesty that every page feels alive with emotion.

I connected with Ari on such a deep level. The way he wrestles with his thoughts and feelings felt so familiar to me. There’s a line that really stayed with me: “I don’t want to write for the world—I just want to write what I’m thinking and the things that matter to me.” It made me understand the need to let the words out—to stop keeping everything bottled up inside. Sometimes you just need a place to pour out all the thoughts and emotions swirling in your head, and Ari’s journey captures that perfectly.

This book isn’t just about love (though Ari and Dante’s love is beautiful and sincere). It’s about finding your voice, healing, and learning how to exist in the world as your truest self. It’s quieter and more reflective than the first book, but that’s what makes it so powerful. I laughed, I cried, and I closed it feeling lighter somehow.

If Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was about finding love, Dive into the Waters of the World is about learning how to live it—and how to use your voice to make meaning out of the chaos. 💙

Mickey, a small-town country boy, is on the brink of becoming a country music sensation. However, he harbors a hidden truth—one that could shape how he's perceived as he steps into the spotlight. Where The Cattails Grow is a heartwarming short story that delves into Mickey's journey of finding his inspiration, uncovering true love, and embracing discovery, both within himself and in the world around him. It's a charming and enjoyable read.

“You, Me and Mayberry” beautifully captures the charm of small-town life and the innocence of young love, evoking nostalgic memories of childhood crushes that hopefully led to confessions. The characters are relatable, and the theme of family support adds a comforting warmth. Although the writing could use a little polish, these minor issues do not overshadow the overall engaging and heartwarming narrative. For those who appreciate reflective tales of first loves and family dynamics, “You, Me and Mayberry” remains a delightful read.

Overall, the book has a great base story. I like when authors focus on children in the foster system and the struggles they go through to find a forever family. Especially, kids that are a little older. However, this book seemed to be a little on the rushed side. I feel that the author made compromises by leaving out details in order to keep the story shorter.

This book would benefit from a longer length with more details of what is happening at camp. Expand on the activities that characters participate in and how they interact with each other. Also, the characters could use a little more background to help the reader understand more about them and why they think and act the way they do, especially Keller.

What are we? Loved. That single word encapsulates the heart of this story and the emotions it conveys. Each camper arrives with a unique story—one often laced with pain and hardship. Yet, at camp, that burden seems to dissolve, replaced by the unconditional love they receive and share with one another. This love radiates through their experiences, transforming the two weeks at camp into a profound journey that resonates deeply.

As you follow the campers' stories, you'll feel the emotional pull drawing you into their world. This is a touching and powerful read that sheds light on the daily realities of foster children and the hope that places like Camp L.I.F.E. bring to their lives.