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We Contain Multitudes

By: Sarah Henstra
Narrated by: Matthew Gouveia, Tony Kim
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Summary

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe meets I'll Give You the Sun in an exhilarating and emotional novel about the growing relationship between two teen boys, told through the letters they write to one another.

Jonathan Hopkirk and Adam "Kurl" Kurlansky are partnered in English class, writing letters to one another in a weekly pen-pal assignment. With each letter, the two begin to develop a friendship that eventually grows into love. But with homophobia, bullying, and devastating family secrets, Jonathan and Kurl struggle to overcome their conflicts and hold onto their relationship...and each other.

This rare and special novel celebrates love and life with engaging characters and stunning language, making it perfect for fans of Jandy Nelson, Nina LaCour, and David Levithan.

©2019 Sarah Henstra (P)2019 Hachette Audio
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Critic reviews

"A love story, a therapy session, a reason to read Whitman - the sweetness of unexpected amour is here, as is the saline of sadness.... Your reason to root for love - and the power of the pen." (Kirkus, starred review)

"This is an absolutely extraordinary work of fiction that proves the epistolary novel is an art form. Kurl and Jo are characters to die for, emotionally compelling and empathetic. Their quotidian lives are riveting and their story unforgettable...not to be missed." (Booklist, starred review)

"...as a medium for reporting day-to-day occurrences and conveying intimate feelings and classic themes - love, lust, and betrayal, among others - the letters shine." (Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about We Contain Multitudes

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A sweet love story

I really loved this book and I found it both believable and relatable despite it being a long time since I was the age of the two main characters. I really became invested in their developing relationship and was rooting for them. The voice actors do an excellent job and l'd have no problem reccomending this title.

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An incredible book made even more beautiful and painful

The voice actors deserve all the praise. Their expert narration brought Henstra’s masterful writing to a new height by turning the book into a sort of cinematic experience for the listener.

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Just lovely!

Really interesting way of moving plot and characters by having them write letters to each other. Also, any book that quotes Walt Whitman so often deserves 5 stars!

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Made my heart sing

Beautiful narration which on several occasions turned me into a pool of emotion😭
Great story telling with punchy pace. The backdrop of characters are rich and vivid and draw out additional issues which are peppered in the main structure of the story. My only critique is that the structure is in letter writing between us the two characters. Occasionally they overly justify why they are writing to each other in such great detail. It wasn’t needed, the romance of the whole thing just carries me through without need to clarify the joy of their desire to connect through writing. Anyone bookish or romantic will love this. It’s tender, it sexy and it’s passionate. Loved it

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Couldn’t finish it

I have tried multiple times to get through this book but it is so drawn out and bland that I simply couldn’t enjoy it

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beautiful

This is a truly beautiful story of two young boys that learn to face life in their own way.

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Delightful bittersweet romance, very well performe

The performances are truly excellent, and bring to life a genuine, wrenching story told in a charming epistolary form that works surprisingly well.

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Emotional Journey

I loved the majority off the characters and loved the whole aspect off them falling in love through a simple piece off paper. Thank you Sarah Henstra for creating such an amazing book.

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Beautiful

Hooked from the first chapter! I could not stop listening to this book. The rush of Joy when A.K and Jo are together and the tears when not. Absolutely loved it!!!!!

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I loved this

I absolutely loved this book! So many moments that had me feeling so many things. Such a different way to write a story and I loved how it went.

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