gracepasquale 's review for:

Release by Patrick Ness

3.0

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pretty incredible that this entire book takes place over the course of a single day -- it felt like so much time was passing. patrick ness writes very beautifully and almost dream-like. the majority of the story takes place in the mind of our MC as he deals with heartbreak and grapples with feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy. we're able to watch these feelings shift as he comes to terms with himself and begins the process of healing. the story is intertwined with one of a wandering soul who is also searching for acceptance, albeit one of a different caliber. i think 'release' aptly describes what both these characters are yearning for and eventually find. however, i didn't completely understand the addition of this ghost's narrative; it felt too separate and didn't really tie into the main story for me. i did like this book but it didn't do much for me, hence the 3 stars. although it was written very well, i feel like the general theme and subject matter was pretty generic.