Benjamin Alire Sáenz is an American poet, novelist, and short story writer, born on August 16, 1954, in El Paso, Texas. He is known for his works that often explore themes of identity, love, and the complexities of life along the U.S.-Mexico border. Sáenz's writing reflects his experiences as a gay man and his Mexican-American heritage. Sáenz has received numerous awards for his literary contributions, including the Lambda Literary Award and the PEN/Faulkner Award. His notable works include the poetry collection "The Book of What Remains" and the novel "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe," which has gained significant acclaim.