Zoe’s Book Reviews

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe:

By: Benjamin Alire Sáenz

A beautiful story about two boys and what it means to love. Set in El Paso, Texas in the late ‘80s, Saénz eloquently dives into the mind of Aristotle, a teenage Mexican-American boy struggling to put words to his feelings in a family that is loving but also private. We watch as he meets Dante, a unique boy, and they forge a special bond. This book is wonderful. It’s written in an interesting style that takes some getting used to, but once you get going it’s easy to get lost in the pages. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is akin to a movie. You can either sit back and enjoy the show or you can spend hours rereading and analyzing every word to gain more insight into characters’ thoughts and motivations. Whatever path you choose, you are guaranteed to enjoy it from the moment you open it. It’ll make you think, it’ll make you cry, and it’ll make you believe in love again. Read this if you want a beautiful and captivating coming of age story.

Rating: 9.5/10

P.S. You will cry your eyes out reading this book

Six of Crows

By: Leigh Bardugo

The Ocean’s Eleven of books, Six of Crows is the heist book to end all heist books. Bardugo perfectly weaves together an ensemble cast of six three-dimensional characters, an exciting heist plot, and a rich fantasy world to get immersed in. Like any new fantasy world, there are about 100 pages of confusion while you get through the worldbuilding, but trust me it’s worth it (note: Bardugo wrote a trilogy set in this universe before writing this book. It is not necessary to understand everything but there are some fun easter eggs). The universe and magic system are interesting and well-thought out. Along with exploring themes of trauma and found family, it’s one of the first high fantasy books I’ve read that has dealt with discrimination and racism in a plausible and thorough way. I love love love the characters in this book, it feels as though Bardugo thought of the characters first and then built the story and plot around them. It’s a solid page-turner with twists that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat. If you love fun, well-written YA books then this one’s for you. 

Rating: 9/10

P.S. This isn’t a standalone; it’s a duology 

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

By: Maya Angelou

Powerful, moving, and poignant. Maya Angelou’s memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, is a must-read for anyone who wants to tackle the best modern classics. Writing in prose that reads like poetry, Angelou narrates her experience growing up in the Deep South in the ‘30s with her brother and grandmother and her subsequent move to San Francisco as a teenager. Written from the perspective of her child self, the images she evokes are disturbing, raw, and unfiltered. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Steel yourself before embarking on the incredible journey through Angelou’s first sixteen years of life, as you experience the ups and downs of an intelligent Black girl learning, living, and growing. I loved this book. It is pure magic on paper. Read this now.

Rating: 10/10