Books On Board
author Reading Order

Benjamin Alire Saenz Books in Order

23 Books
5 Series & collections
1988 – 2021 Published
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Where to Start Reading Benjamin Alire Sáenz

For most readers, the ultimate gateway into Sáenz's lyrical world is his award-winning young adult novel, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2012). Set in 1980s El Paso, Texas, this tender coming-of-age story explores identity, sexuality, and friendship, establishing the hallmark themes of his career. Reading this book first provides the perfect introduction to the author's signature emotional depth and poetic style.

If you prefer adult literary fiction, the best starting point is Carry Me Like Water (1995). This sweeping, multi-character novel blends magical realism with the harsh realities of the Mexican-American borderlands, offering a deeper, mature look at family and belonging.

The Aristotle and Dante Duology in Reading Order

Sáenz's most famous works form a direct, chronological two-part series. You must read these in order to follow the emotional arc and development of the central characters, Ari and Dante:

  1. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2012) - The journey begins as two teenage loners meet at an El Paso swimming pool and forge a life-changing bond.
  2. Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World (2021) - The direct sequel follows the boys as they navigate their relationship, senior year, and the challenges of the wider world.

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Sáenz’s standalone novels can be read in any order, but reading them in order of publication reveals how his style transitioned from mature, magic-realism-infused adult literature to deeply personal YA fiction:

  • Carry Me Like Water (1995)
  • The House of Forgetting (1997)
  • In Perfect Light (2005)
  • Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood (2006) - Note: Originally published in 2004; the 2006 edition is a widely distributed paperback release.
  • Names on a Map (2008)
  • He Forgot to Say Goodbye (2008)
  • Last Night I Sang to the Monster (2009)
  • The Inexplicable Logic of My Life (2017) - Often considered a spiritual companion to Aristotle and Dante due to its similar tone, though it features entirely standalone characters.

Poetry Collections and Short Stories

Before finding global fame with YA novels, Sáenz was a celebrated poet. His collections capture the desert atmosphere of the American Southwest and can be enjoyed completely independently:

  • Calendar of Dust (1991)
  • Flowers for the Broken (1992)
  • Dark and Perfect Angels (1995)
  • Elegies in Blue (2002)
  • Dreaming the End of War (2006)
  • The Book of What Remains (2010)
  • Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club (2012) - A historic short story collection that won the PEN/Faulkner Award.
  • The Last Cigarette on Earth (2017)

Children's Picture Books and Non-Fiction

For younger readers or completing a collection, Sáenz has written several bilingual picture books:

  • A Gift from Papá Diego (1988 in database / 1998 first print edition)
  • A Perfect Season for Dreaming / Un tiempo perfecto para soñar (2008)
  • The Dog Who Loved Tortillas (2009)
  • The Story of Me (2019)
  • Finding Your Literary Voice (1999) - Non-fiction resource.

Frequently Asked

QDo I need to read the Aristotle and Dante books in order?

Yes. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe must be read before Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World because the second book is a direct chronological sequel that builds on the relationship and character growth established in the first.

QIs 'The Inexplicable Logic of My Life' connected to Aristotle and Dante?

No. The Inexplicable Logic of My Life is a standalone novel with completely different characters. However, it shares the same rich themes of family, identity, and El Paso setting, making it a perfect follow-up read.

QWhich Benjamin Alire Sáenz book won the PEN/Faulkner Award?

His short story collection, Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club (2012), won the PEN/Faulkner Award, making him the first Latino writer to receive this honor.

QWhat is the best starting point for adult readers?

Adult readers looking for literary fiction should start with Carry Me Like Water (1995), a novel that highlights Sáenz's talent for blending magical realism with gritty borderlands themes.

QAre there any co-authored books by Benjamin Alire Sáenz?

No. Sáenz writes his novels, poetry, and children's picture books as a solo author, though some children's books feature illustrators like Paula Wallace.