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A review by barrettbooks
Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
Guess what? I loved this one too. I did not read a book I didn't love in March, which was so lovely after the slow start to my year. Anyway.
Mickey James III is a college freshman, trying to deal with the high expectations for him in the NHL draft, his family legacy, and his undiagnosed depression and anxiety. All while trying not to get outplayed by his teammate/greatest rival Jaysen Caulfield, who hates him, and also happens to have great dimples.
This book was a delight for me, while also cutting close to home. The mental illness storyline felt true. The way Mickey talks and feels about his depression/anxiety was authentic for me, and it was cathartic to see him work through a lot of his shame, denial, and acknowledge some of his unhealthy coping mechanisms. I appreciated that this was a plot of its own, not something that was solved by the romance.
I'm Canadian, so can skate and I have a passing familiarity with hockey, as is my birthright. But don't know that much about it. This didn't matter. The book made its stakes clear and did not require hockey knowledge to enjoy. Also I still loved the hockey bits, including the fight (which is normally something I hate about hockey.) Picking a fight because someone messed with your crush will never not be delightful to me. Also loved its discussion of women's sports!
I loved all of the characters! Mickey and Cauler, yes, obviously, but also all the side characters. There's a reasonably large ensemble but even the less central teammates and sisters felt real with only brief mentions. I love a family group chat. Also lots of casual diversity which I like!
Last thing I have time for, I did love the central romance. I was really rooting for them. I also liked the particular moment of queerness that is represented, where the boys are not out widely but also do know and acknowledge themselves. I also love the "...is he??" moments of trying to figure out if someone is queer! Anyway, I just want them to be happy! Once again, loved the book, only want the best for my adorable hockey sons. And for what it's worth, I liked the ending!
Mickey James III is a college freshman, trying to deal with the high expectations for him in the NHL draft, his family legacy, and his undiagnosed depression and anxiety. All while trying not to get outplayed by his teammate/greatest rival Jaysen Caulfield, who hates him, and also happens to have great dimples.
This book was a delight for me, while also cutting close to home. The mental illness storyline felt true. The way Mickey talks and feels about his depression/anxiety was authentic for me, and it was cathartic to see him work through a lot of his shame, denial, and acknowledge some of his unhealthy coping mechanisms. I appreciated that this was a plot of its own, not something that was solved by the romance.
I'm Canadian, so can skate and I have a passing familiarity with hockey, as is my birthright. But don't know that much about it. This didn't matter. The book made its stakes clear and did not require hockey knowledge to enjoy. Also I still loved the hockey bits, including the fight (which is normally something I hate about hockey.) Picking a fight because someone messed with your crush will never not be delightful to me. Also loved its discussion of women's sports!
I loved all of the characters! Mickey and Cauler, yes, obviously, but also all the side characters. There's a reasonably large ensemble but even the less central teammates and sisters felt real with only brief mentions. I love a family group chat. Also lots of casual diversity which I like!
Last thing I have time for, I did love the central romance. I was really rooting for them. I also liked the particular moment of queerness that is represented, where the boys are not out widely but also do know and acknowledge themselves. I also love the "...is he??" moments of trying to figure out if someone is queer! Anyway, I just want them to be happy! Once again, loved the book, only want the best for my adorable hockey sons. And for what it's worth, I liked the ending!