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A review by readers_pov
Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
4.75
✒️ I read this in a single night. In one sitting. Literally, from cover to cover in roughly 5 hours. Some time was taken for bawling my eyes out every now and then. The writing had such a great flow! I couldn't notice the passage of time at all, and not once did I get bored with the book.
✒️ The dynamic between the main characters was electrifying. You could feel the tension all the time! Both negative and positive. Same with the supporting cast, there was a lovely amount exploration into the other characters as well. It felt like a story out if real life, not just a made-up story between two imaginative characters. I definitely enjoyed the sibling love between Mickey and his quirky sisters. Same with the hockey team players!
✒️ All of my questions were not answered by the end of the book. This is a personal annoyance. But it did leave the story open in a way, in the way that as a reader I could only peek into this one part of their lives, not the whole of it. Which is why some things were never explained to the reader. I can live with that.
✒️ This was a very American YA story. I loved that it was about sports, but it was uniquely an American point of view into sports of young athletes, for good and bad. I wish to read more sports focused stories 💙
✒️ And the queerness? Loved it. Gimme more queer people living their lives! I enjoyed the diversity in this book and that it felt natural in the story, rather than forcefully created.
✒️ Some TW for future readers. This book contains mentions and depictions of clinical depression in extremely realistic and relatable way. Especially in how it can manifest in professional high-achieving young athletes.
✒️ The dynamic between the main characters was electrifying. You could feel the tension all the time! Both negative and positive. Same with the supporting cast, there was a lovely amount exploration into the other characters as well. It felt like a story out if real life, not just a made-up story between two imaginative characters. I definitely enjoyed the sibling love between Mickey and his quirky sisters. Same with the hockey team players!
✒️ All of my questions were not answered by the end of the book. This is a personal annoyance. But it did leave the story open in a way, in the way that as a reader I could only peek into this one part of their lives, not the whole of it. Which is why some things were never explained to the reader. I can live with that.
✒️ This was a very American YA story. I loved that it was about sports, but it was uniquely an American point of view into sports of young athletes, for good and bad. I wish to read more sports focused stories 💙
✒️ And the queerness? Loved it. Gimme more queer people living their lives! I enjoyed the diversity in this book and that it felt natural in the story, rather than forcefully created.
✒️ Some TW for future readers. This book contains mentions and depictions of clinical depression in extremely realistic and relatable way. Especially in how it can manifest in professional high-achieving young athletes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Vomit