About the book
Inspired 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. A Kirkus Best Book of 2017!
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.
This unforgettable story of first love and heartbreak features:
- A Complicated Love Triangle: Adam is torn between his unrequited love for his ex, Enzo, and his new boyfriend, Linus. Can he let go of the past to embrace the future?
- One Day in the Life: Follow Adam through a single, chaotic Saturday as old memories and new heartaches collide, forcing him to decide who he truly is.
- Coming Out Story: Set against the backdrop of family expectations and first love, Adam must find the courage to confront his secrets and live honestly.
- Found Family: With his world falling apart, Adam leans on his fiercely loyal best friend, Angela, proving that sometimes the family you choose is the one that saves you.
Editions of Release
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780062403209
- EBook
- ISBN 9780062403216
Read an Excerpt
Inspired 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. A Kirkus Best Book of 2017!
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.
This unforgettable story of first love and heartbreak features:
- A Complicated Love Triangle: Adam is torn between his unrequited love for his ex, Enzo, and his new boyfriend, Linus. Can he let go of the past to embrace the future?
- One Day in the Life: Follow Adam through a single, chaotic Saturday as old memories and new heartaches collide, forcing him to decide who he truly is.
- Coming Out Story: Set against the backdrop of family expectations and first love, Adam must find the courage to confront his secrets and live honestly.
- Found Family: With his world falling apart, Adam leans on his fiercely loyal best friend, Angela, proving that sometimes the family you choose is the one that saves you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Release about?
Inspired 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. A Kirkus Best Book of 2017!
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.
This unforgettable story of first love and heartbreak features:
- A Complicated Love Triangle: Adam is torn between his unrequited love for his ex, Enzo, and his new boyfriend, Linus. Can he let go of the past to embrace the future?
- One Day in the Life: Follow Adam through a single, chaotic Saturday as old memories and new heartaches collide, forcing him to decide who he truly is.
- Coming Out Story: Set against the backdrop of family expectations and first love, Adam must find the courage to confront his secrets and live honestly.
- Found Family: With his world falling apart, Adam leans on his fiercely loyal best friend, Angela, proving that sometimes the family you choose is the one that saves you.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Release?
Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories > Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories
Where can I read a sample of Release?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780062403209
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Release?
Patrick Ness
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Release is available as paperback(ISBN 9780062403209) and ebook(ISBN 9780062403216)
Where can I buy Release online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Release from below