We Contain Multitudes

By: Sarah Henstra

Narrated by: Matthew Gouveia, Tony Kim

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's 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

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)

One of my favorite books

I don’t typically enjoy books written in a letter format. However, I loved this book. I recommend reading it as a hard copy, not as an audiobook— it’s better that way, but the audiobook does the job if reading isn’t an option.

Both main characters are sweet and multi dimensional, while also following a pretty classic couple pairing. It has a funny and sweet coming out, and some intense barriers throughout. I felt like the ending was a bit cheesy, but the rest of the book was good enough to make up for it.

Wow!!!

What An Emotional Ride This Book Was. I Laughed, Got Mad, Smiled And Believed In LOVE…

Wow, what else can I say????

This book was a rollercoaster! Definitely a great listen. In the beginning you don't really expect A.k and Joe to have a relationship but then towards the end we really start to see just how crazy both of the teens lives truly are. We get to see just how in love they are with each other.

absolutely stunning

What a gorgeous audiobook. Wonderful narration to match wonderful characters. I couldn't stop listening. it was magical to be inside Jo and Kurl's little universe.

Beautifully Written and Performed

I loved this book. It was a love story of our time. It’s poetic, heartbreaking, and refreshing. The performance by both the actors made me believe the characters even more.

perspective

I really enjoyed this novel. I can't pinpoint exactly why like it though.
I suppose it would be the in depth way of getting to know each character through both their eyes and as the audience. That is something I really love, strong characters.
This did feel very coming of age in the most sincere way.
You can feel deeply the affect Jonathan has on Adam and vice versa. What they mean to each other 1st person, very well described and how it connects to the story being told, one character doesn't grow without the other each step of the way. Each letter is relevant to the characters and the story in the most beautiful way. I can't wait to listen to it again and again.

If I were to change anything, it would be the cover, the ending credits for the audiobook and I think I would want an epilogue just for the sake of it but it's not needed.

[small spoiler]
I DID cry big sobs when, towards the end of the book, Mark put his hand on Adams shoulder. If you got to that point you'd understand. I think it made me self analyze big time that Adam and I have a lot in common. (trying to be discreet with events happened) I mean, my sobs just came out of literally thin air, I wasn't expecting them at all but I believe it's the journey that the reader understands of what the character has gone through that it hits you out of nowhere. Very unexpected.

Masterful

Raw and riveting, their story told through a series of correspondences tears through trauma to find the heart within.

Very pleasantly surprised

I’m glad I didn’t know anything about this book before I read it, I don’t think I would have been interested if I had. I was surprised in the beginning to find the entire book was written as these letters between the two characters, but it was so sweetly done while seeing right into the very soul of each character.

Unexpectedly got swept up in this story

Honestly, I was looking for the book “I Contain Multitudes” and got this one by mistake. Totally different universes. Still. Sometimes not knowing anything about a book or movie makes it more possible to get swept up in it. That was the case here. The performances were absolutely spot on, brilliant. I’m so glad I stumbled into this story. Made wonderful use of the time spent on a long drive. Touched me.

Soooo good

This book is just amazing. The plot and characters are so intriguing and I could not put the book down.