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apairofducks's review against another edition
3.75
Torn between a 3.5 and a 3.75. I can see what this book was trying to do, but I don’t think it succeeded.
thepetitepunk's review against another edition
3.0
The Year of Ice follows Kevin Doyle through the year of 1978. As the months go by, he must cope with his mother's death, deal with his father's lies, and figure out his own feelings.
This was an interesting story. To start, I loved Kevin's voice—he was sarcastic, he was conflicted, he was real. His actions reflected his personality and I felt that I had a good understanding of his character. I also appreciated that each person in the story had a purpose that connected with the plot. Everyone felt important and none of the characters bored me.
Even though I loved the characters and the writing was fantastic, the plot just didn't seem to interest me that much. I would have liked to see more change in the characters. Also, I know this isn't supposed to be the happiest of stories, but I would have liked to have a few more scenes where Kevin was at peace with himself. Kevin had so many things going wrong in his life that I think he deserved at least a small break.
This was an interesting story. To start, I loved Kevin's voice—he was sarcastic, he was conflicted, he was real. His actions reflected his personality and I felt that I had a good understanding of his character. I also appreciated that each person in the story had a purpose that connected with the plot. Everyone felt important and none of the characters bored me.
Spoiler
I also liked that Kevin didn't have some profound coming out moment like many other LGBT YA characters. Although an important theme in Brian Malloy's book is sexuality, Kevin does not need to tell everyone he knows I AM GAY. ACCEPT ME.Spoiler
He also never repairs his relationship with his father, which I found intriguing. The last part where his father goes missing really highlights the family's instability, but Kevin comes to accept that his father is not the man he wants him to be.Even though I loved the characters and the writing was fantastic, the plot just didn't seem to interest me that much. I would have liked to see more change in the characters. Also, I know this isn't supposed to be the happiest of stories, but I would have liked to have a few more scenes where Kevin was at peace with himself. Kevin had so many things going wrong in his life that I think he deserved at least a small break.
megatsunami's review against another edition
4.0
Very well written in a distinctive (if not always 100% likeable) narrative voice, but a little too "slice of life"/ episodic for me - I wanted a more defined ending. Also,
Spoiler
let the poor kid get laid finally! Jeez!brett_hath_regrett's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
whatsnoahreading's review
3.0
Relatable moments of teenage shenanigans/gay longing. Good storyline but didn’t love the resolution. An easy read 3.5/5
thejaredpowers's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I always enjoy a book about people just being people. It's raw, and ends well. That's about all I can ask for.
laura_liisa's review
1.0
CW: homophobia, sexual assault, misogyny, ableism, racism, fatphobia, physical assault...etc?
I have quite some thoughts about this book, but currently, I'm just stuck wondering if a 1,5 rating is more 1 star or 2 stars. I've gone with 2 stars for now, because I enjoyed the book at times and thought there were some good bits to it, but at the same time the characters mostly sucked and there was so much bs + at least 2 instances of sexual assault by the main character, so, you know, some mixed feelings there. :)
Edit: Gone back and changed it to 1 star. Again, enjoyed it at times and it was easy to get through, but overall I disliked the MC and the way the author glossed over some serious bullshit.
I have quite some thoughts about this book, but currently, I'm just stuck wondering if a 1,5 rating is more 1 star or 2 stars. I've gone with 2 stars for now, because I enjoyed the book at times and thought there were some good bits to it, but at the same time the characters mostly sucked and there was so much bs + at least 2 instances of sexual assault by the main character, so, you know, some mixed feelings there. :)
Edit: Gone back and changed it to 1 star. Again, enjoyed it at times and it was easy to get through, but overall I disliked the MC and the way the author glossed over some serious bullshit.
noahrenzreads's review against another edition
3.0
Relatable moments of teenage shenanigans/gay longing. Good storyline but didn’t love the resolution. An easy read 3.5/5