We Contain Multitudes, Sarah Henstra
We Contain Multitudes, Sarah Henstra
1 Rating(s)
List: $27.99 | Sale: $19.59
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We Contain Multitudes

Author: Sarah Henstra

Narrator: Matthew Gouveia, Tony Kim

Unabridged: 9 hr 15 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 05/14/2019

Synopsis

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.

About Sarah Henstra

Sarah Henstra is a professor of English at Ryerson University. She is the author of the young adult novel Mad Miss Mimic, which was published by Penguin Canada. The Red Word is her first work of adult fiction. She lives in Toronto.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Tucker on May 23, 2020

Many thanks to Little Brown Books for Young Readers for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review I went into this expecting romance... And it didn't come. Sure, there were two boys who were talking back and forth but there was absolutely no chemistry and I really didn't connect with either......more

Goodreads review by Lauren on June 04, 2019

We’ve all come across a book so wonderful, you’re utterly transfixed and absorbed in every possible way. Those few moments you look up from the pages are done so with dreary eyes; reality seems secondary to what you’ve just experienced. We Contain Multitudes is beautiful in its simplicity. We are sho......more

Goodreads review by paige (ptsungirl) on October 30, 2022

"I keep feeling like you and I are a dream. No, it's the opposite. I feel like I walk around all day in a dream, and then, when I see you, I wake up." °•*⁀➷ Sometimes you start a book knowing it's going to be amazing, and then the entire read, you wonder what kind of amazing it's going to be. You won......more

Goodreads review by Emma on May 20, 2019

3.5 Stars I had been anticipating this novel since it is Sarah Henstra’s first YA book and I must say that I was deeply happy with some things and not so happy with others. Let’s start with what I enjoyed. I liked the fact that it was all an epistolary novel, it’s a very original concept for a YA book......more

Quotes

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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