Read Benjamin Alire Saenz’s 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe'
CMC's Common Reader engages students, staff and community members and culminates with author visits
See Art and Creative Writing Contest Winners below
Where to get your copy of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
This year, CMC’s Common Reader Program invites us into the world of “Ari” and “Dante” in a coming- of-age story dotted with funny episodes, tragic accidents and unconditional love. Written by award-winning and critically acclaimed author Benjamin Alire Saenz, this young adult fiction introduces us to the power of family and friendship in El Paso, Texas.
Told from Ari’s point of view, Aristotle and Dante takes us into a different time and place, while connecting to issues about love and identity that are relevant today. We walk with Ari and Dante as they learn to navigate sometimes perilous worlds, form friendships and relationships, and wrestle with societal and familial expectations about gender and sexuality.
More about 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe'
Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.
Author Benjamin Alire Saenz
Fall 2023
Art & Creative Writing Contest Results
Portraits of Discovery: Identity, Rights, and Love
Creative Writing
Writing Contest Winners
"This is What Lovers Do"
Elliot Hales, CMC Steamboat Springs Student
First place
"And If I Die Today"
Alex Cutler, Leadville community member
Second place
"Separation"
Amy Stanley, CMC Salida Staff
Third place
"House Flower"
M. Baumgartner, Leadville community member
Honorable mention
Creative Visual Art
First place / Click image to enlarge...
"Brittle Covenants"
Self portrait, oil on paper
Andrew Pranger
Eagle/Vail, staff
Book Copies
eAudiobooks and eBooks are available from the Virtual Library through the Libby app.
Pick up a hard copy of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe at these locations...
CMC Aspen
Front Desk
CMC Breckenridge - Dillon
Campus Front Entrances
Summit County Libraries
CMC Carbondale
Front Desk
CMC Central Services
Executive Suite, 3rd Floor
Garfield County Libraries
CMC Leadville
New Discovery Reception
Lake County Public Library
CMC Glenwood Springs
Front Desk
Glenwood Springs Branch Library
CMC Rifle
Front Desk
Garfield County Public Libraries
CMC Salida
Front Desk
Salida Regional Library
CMC Spring Valley
Ascent Center Front Desk
CMC Steamboat Springs
CMC Steamboat Springs Campus Library
CMC Vail Valley
Front Desk