We Contain Multitudes cover art

We Contain Multitudes

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About this listen

 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 teens 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. Bullying Bullying & Abuse Dating & Sex Difficult Situations Family & Relationships LGBTQ+ Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Romance Dating Heartfelt

Critic reviews

Praise for We Contain Multitudes:
 *"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
"...her [Hentra's] skill lies in painstakingly depicting each boy's slow move toward vulnerability until a smoldering, secret romance begins. This exploration of self and sexuality is sure to be quickly embraced by fans of Love, Simon, They Both Die in the End and The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue"
—Shelf Awareness
"We Contain Multitudes is an emotional journey, both heartbreaking and healing. A true love letter to the way family, friendships, and first loves slowly peel away our carefully constructed walls to the layers beneath. Henstra's words are a universe I never want to escape."

—Julian Winters, author of Running with Lions
"The title of this book is incredibly fitting. Jonathan and Kurl are two complex and fascinating characters, and they instantly drew me into the world created by their letters and their love. It's an astonishing romance and character study that also happens to be full of gorgeous writing."—Robin Talley, author of Lies We Tell Ourselves and Pulp
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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!

Just lovely!

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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

Made my heart sing

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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.

A sweet love story

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what an utterly gorgeous book. I loved it so so much. thank you so much.

Beautiful

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One of the best stories I have read. Carefully and imaginably crafted. The story line has many twists but the finale is exceptionally moving

Multitude

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