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A review by nicoleonbooks
Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Bisexual main character, alt black love interest, lesbians, polyamorous relationships, accurate depiction of depression and anxiety, angst, flirting, friendship, hockey!
I think the author reached into my teenage years and put them into a book. Mickey struggles with belonging, feelings of abandonment, coming out, guilt, and insane pressure. His teammates were fun. I felt like I was reading about Riley and Jonesy from Letterkenny. There were complex, and real, family dynamics. Really, every character felt like I could actually meet them. Their emotions and actions didn't feel forced or scripted. That first scene in the attic deserves to be broadcasted over loudspeaker systems everywhere. I like that Mickey struggles with drinking to numb his anxiety, but also finds peace at the lake, showing that there are two sides to coping.
My only complaints would be that some things seemed rushed, particularly the ending. Intentional cliffhanger aside, I was left holding my breath for some things to feel finished, or to dive a little deeper into things brought up in the end. There's also the possibility that if this had been told from Jeyson's perspective, the story could have been harmful to its readers. The discussions around Mickey's privelage, while well intentioned, were a little lack luster. Because of his own self image, his initial thoughts on his privilege came off as self depreciating, rather than actually reflective. The author did try to show him learning from it though. I just wish this particular topic had been a little more fleshed out.
Overall, this was an amazing story with incredibly real characters. I read this in a day because I was obsessed and couldn't put it down. I loaned this out from the library but I will definitely be buying a copy for my own shelves.
I think the author reached into my teenage years and put them into a book. Mickey struggles with belonging, feelings of abandonment, coming out, guilt, and insane pressure. His teammates were fun. I felt like I was reading about Riley and Jonesy from Letterkenny. There were complex, and real, family dynamics. Really, every character felt like I could actually meet them. Their emotions and actions didn't feel forced or scripted. That first scene in the attic deserves to be broadcasted over loudspeaker systems everywhere. I like that Mickey struggles with drinking to numb his anxiety, but also finds peace at the lake, showing that there are two sides to coping.
My only complaints would be that some things seemed rushed, particularly the ending. Intentional cliffhanger aside, I was left holding my breath for some things to feel finished, or to dive a little deeper into things brought up in the end. There's also the possibility that if this had been told from Jeyson's perspective, the story could have been harmful to its readers. The discussions around Mickey's privelage, while well intentioned, were a little lack luster. Because of his own self image, his initial thoughts on his privilege came off as self depreciating, rather than actually reflective. The author did try to show him learning from it though. I just wish this particular topic had been a little more fleshed out.
Overall, this was an amazing story with incredibly real characters. I read this in a day because I was obsessed and couldn't put it down. I loaned this out from the library but I will definitely be buying a copy for my own shelves.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Outing and Suicidal thoughts