Reviews

The Year of Ice by Brian Malloy

moonilism's review

4.0

This was by no means a happy book but despite this I still found myself constantly laughing. There is no typical plotline followed - it's more of a slice of the main character's life and the various revelations he experiences. His cynicism, (hilarious) sarcasm and frankness is offset by his earnestness and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire story.

noahrenzreads'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

blynecessity's review

1.0

I really don't like coming-of-age books. But I'm glad that it was short enough I didn't have to start a dnf shelf. It was meh. Had some quotable moments, though.

otterno11's review

4.0

I liked this novel, a poignant depiction of a troubled young man struggling to come to terms with his sexuality in 1970s Minneapolis after the tragic death of his mother in the icy Mississippi. I felt that Kevin's personality and feelings were very well developed and the book spared no details in the course of the very rough year of 1978, though I felt that some plot points were left unfulfilled. I especially enjoyed the setting of the Twin Cities in 1978, recognizing things still in existence as well as those that have disappeared since then, almost feeling transported back three decades. In conclusion, I would highly recommend "The Year of Ice" particularly to Twin Citians.

sophelstien's review

4.0

a hard read. protag is not super likable (but also like, closeted teenager with Other Issues. it's not the writing that makes him unlikable, it's mostly his trauma getting tangled with what is actually a sweet personality) but i did feel for him

tw period-typical homophobia, alcohol, (maybe?) suicide, car accidents, parental death