Release Me

by Tim DeMarco

22-year-old Jacob Constantine has everything he needs—an Ivy League education, a wealthy family, and the lucrative offer to take over his father’s real estate empire. The only problem is he doesn’t know what he wants, other than his ex-girlfriend Deirdre back. When she attempts to rekindle their relationship one week before his departure to Germany—where he accepted a one-year job to put off the inevitable career with his father—the presence of the past begins to overshadow his temporary escape from the future.

With the help of a beer-guzzling, flatulent punk rocker named Stinki, and Julia, the beautiful and spirited intern at the American Studies department where he works, Jake tries to navigate the present tense in Germany. But as he speeds toward his unwanted future, no amount of sex, drugs, or punk rock can keep the dark secrets from the past from being stirred up in the wake of Deirdre’s reappearance.

Equally funny and foul, heartwarming and heartbreaking, "Release Me" is a coming-of-age story about a young man who understands that home is where the heart is, but is stuck pondering the question, “Where is my heart?”

340 pages, Paperback

Published May 9, 2023

About the author

Tim DeMarco is a teacher, translator, writer, and wannabe musician. Release Me is his first novel. He currently lives at the Jersey Shore, where—despite having such a big mouth—he constantly bites off more than he can chew.

Reviews

[Tim DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean, it's the best book I've ever written, I'll give you that.

[Jeff Small · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for the Netflix film.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it. I enjoyed it. Interior is great. Exterior is great. Lots of feelings, punk music and a few toot references.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to be transported and simultaneously smacked into the grittiness of reality, this book does just that. A sweeping coming of age novel that spans two continents and focuses on the ever important minutia of words uttered and moments experienced in a 20-something’s life. Amazing imagery and language helps you get engulfed in the maze of choices presented throughout the book. Would highly recommend this debut novel!

[Jackie Sunday · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relationships can be complicated and this is certainly the case with Jake and Deirdre.

Jake was in college and going to Germany to study. He got a job as an administrative assistant for the American Studies department. Long distance relationships are difficult. But Jake loved Deirdre and wanted it to work.

I didn’t care for the characters and felt like the book would be enjoyed more with younger readers. The end was unexpected.

[Christopher Gottshalk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written first novel. When the future was uncertain and weighed heavy, relationships haunted us, navigating our emotions was trying, distancing ourselves from home...sometimes you just need a well timed fart from a friend and a beer to deal with it all. And some good punk rock.
Funny, heartbreaing stuff from Tim Demarco.
Can't wait to read what's next.

[Anthony Digiovanni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relationships, punk rock, drinking and that overall transitioning period for a young 20-something year old trying to find their right place in the world. There are many things in this book that I think most of us could relate to, and therefore would highly recommend this page turner!

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feel like the story really picks up a few chapters in. Really enjoyed it!

[Hannah Marzulli · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read. So good so many feelings I loved it. I would recommend this to anyone around my age. Made me feel so many feelings!

[Mcduffla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book with a relatable protagonist and a window into German culture. A treasure.