He tried not to laugh, but he wasn't good at controlling all the laughter that lived inside of him

He tried not to laugh, but he wasn't good at controlling all the laughter that lived inside of him

Benjamin Alire Saenz is a masterful storyteller who has a unique ability to capture the complexities of human emotions in his writing. His characters are often deeply flawed yet incredibly relatable, and his prose is both poetic and raw. In many of his works, humor plays a significant role in breaking the tension and providing moments of levity amidst the darkness.

The quote, "He tried not to laugh, but he wasn't good at controlling all the laughter that lived inside of him," perfectly encapsulates the struggle that many of Saenz's characters face. They are often grappling with deep-seated pain and trauma, yet they find solace in humor as a coping mechanism. Laughter becomes a way to mask their inner turmoil and connect with others on a more superficial level.

In Saenz's novel "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe," the protagonist, Aristotle, is a brooding and introspective teenager who struggles to open up to those around him. He is burdened by the weight of his family's secrets and his own insecurities, but he finds a kindred spirit in Dante, a free-spirited and optimistic boy who helps him see the world in a new light.

Throughout the novel, Aristotle grapples with his own inner demons, but he also finds moments of joy and laughter in his friendship with Dante. Their banter and playful interactions serve as a source of comfort and companionship in the midst of their respective struggles. Despite his best efforts to maintain a stoic facade, Aristotle cannot help but be drawn into Dante's infectious laughter and zest for life.