Release

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Author(s)

Patrick Ness

Publisher

Harper Teen

Genre(s)

Age Range

16+

Release Date

July 19, 2017

ISBN

0062403192

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nspired by Judy Blume’s Forever and Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway, this novel that Andrew Smith calls “beautiful, enchanting, [and] exquisitely written” is a new classic about teenage relationships, self-acceptance—and what happens when the walls we build start coming down. Adam Thorn doesn’t know it yet, but today will change his life. Between his religious family, a deeply unpleasant ultimatum from his boss, and his own unrequited love for his sort-of ex, Enzo, it seems as though Adam’s life is falling apart. At least he has two people to keep him sane: his new boyfriend (he does love Linus, doesn’t he?) and his best friend, Angela. But all day long, old memories and new heartaches come crashing together, throwing Adam’s life into chaos. The bindings of his world are coming untied one by one; yet in spite of everything he has to let go, he may also find freedom in the release. From the New York Times bestselling author of A Monster Calls comes a raw, darkly funny, and deeply affecting story about the courage it takes to live your truth.

Editor reviews

2 reviews

Release by Patrick Ness

November 13, 2017

Overall rating

4.0

Plot

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Wildly original--and completely realistic--Release is a whirlwind of a tale, one that will leave you both completely confused, yet satiated.

Release is a sort-of coming-of-age story.

Our MC, is out of the closet, sort of. He has one foot in, and one foot out--One entangled in the religious and personal expectations from his parents--and what they expect him to be.

Everyone knows what he is, who is he--except maybe himself. Adam is on the throes of a short lived, passionate, first time, same-sex relationship. It ended quicker than it started--and Adam is still holding on, at least emotionally.

He's now dating Linus--who's not as oblivious to Adam's not so mended heart--as he may believe. But, Linus wants to love him enough to heal and have him--completely.

While this may not be wholly suitable for a younger audience, due to it's tame but quietly present sexual content--it's perfectly perfect for teens, struggling to find themselves, and even those that are not.

The most intriguing part of this novel aside from the realistically told life stories--is the odd, and whimsical story mixed in between the pages. The story of the girl murdered, telling her story from the grave.

It was both weird and completely enthralling. The author managed to capture two totally different--but intertwined stories--in a masterful way.

The author also took care to tell a story (the main story) dealing with both religion, and homosexuality--which normally conflict--with respect to both sides--without being brutal and careless to either perspective.

The story itself deals with friendships, families, religion, relationships, and sexuality both delicately and realistically.

The novel gives off a true sense of hope and forgiveness--all the while allowing the reader to see everything for what it is--but not negating the true beauty of real life.

The scenes (both the main story, and the accompanying story) are well written and interesting--and totally captivating.

Patrick Ness is a storyteller not comparable to another. While he won't be everyone's cup of tea--he will definitely entertain you.

Overall solid read with an ending that will twist you up. (See: Confused and mesmerized.)

Good Points

Realism with respect to dealing with homosexuality and the church.
Quiet humor.
Realistic situations.
Solid and touching friendships.