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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

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 Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe  BY BENJAMIN ALIRE SÁENZ              A romance between two Mexican boys in America (the boys, of course, being Aristotle and Dante) that follows their paths across a summer and a school year.     The book is oft described as a coming-of-age story, and reads much like a character study. That is to say, whatever plot there is can be considered rather slow moving and flutters around a few pivotal incidents.     However, the characters are enticingly written, and the book portrays the changes of their dynamic- both with each other and others- in a way that feels honest and real. It ought to be said that Aristotle (by who's perspective the story is told) felt distressingly emo at times, but as the angsty 15 year old he is, it can be overlooked.      Overall a lovely read, and undeniably wholesome from start to finish. The book sports one sequel, but it ca...

Ranger's Apprentice

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Ranger's Apprentice By: John Flanagan Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Action Age: 9+ Rating: ★  ★  ★  ★  ★ Summary:     15-year-old Will, one of the five orphans living at the Ward at Castle Redmont, has finally reached the day when he and his friends will be apprenticed to the various craftmasters at Araluen. However, while all his friends seem to fit right along with their future careers, Will finds himself rejected for the Battleschool- where future soldiers and heroes are trained. But contrary to his expectations, this doesn't spell for him the standard lifestyle as a farmer- as Halt, one of the mysterious Rangers feared by the common people, takes him on instead.     As he then finds out, Rangers aren't experts in witchcraft as the country folks believe- rather, they're an elite force that protects Araluen and answers only to the king- and they're highly trained in the skills of battle and surveillance, not to mention uncanny abilities in arche...