Rating: 
Summary: Compelling debut
Review: I just spent an entire afternoon reading a book I really didn't expect to like. Malloy's characters are well-developed, complex human beings. Even Kevin's disappointing father, a selfish narcissus, has his moments of redemption. Kevin is a refreshing change of hero from the run-of-the-mill coming out stories. He's not an over-achieving star athlete nor is he a willowy artistic loner. He's kind of a smart alek and fortunately Malloy has the chops to pull it off. It is not hard to imagine his words actually coming out of the mouth of a bright but conflicted young man. Even the minor characters -- his best friend's mom for instance--are fleshed out nicely. I highly recommend this very engaging novel and look forward to more from this talented author.
Rating: 
Summary: Took a chance on this one
Review: My little sister yammered on and on and on about how "awesome" this book was, so I ordered a copy. I hereby concede that she was right (but so no one else will ever know I admitted to that, my review is anonymous! Ha! Take that!). I loved the voice of Kevin, which fluctuated between funny and frustrated, but was always heartfelt. Thanks for the rec, you-know-who-you-are. ; )
Rating: 
Summary: Great debut, Strong characters
Review: This one is one I definitely recommend. It is well written and has some wonderful characters. The narrator is beautifully drawn and Malloy's writing really sucks you into his head so you experience all the joy, drama and heartache along with him. Some parts are a little forced and the ending bugged me a bit - too tidy. The ride along the way however, is a wonderful one.
Rating:
Summary: A great book
Review: Once you look over the 70's flashback, this book was really good. This book is both true to its genre and yet is not limited by it. An interesting plot line that ends in a way that most coming-out tales do not end.
Rating:
Summary: An Impressive Debut!
Review: Malloy makes an impressive debut with this high school senior's coming of age in 1978 Minneapolis. While the plot may be familiar (it would make a good movie), it's Malloy's style of writing and attention to the tiniest details that make it different than other books on this subject.
Kevin Doyle has a pretty [messed] up life. His mother died two years ago when her car crashed into the frozen Mississippi River and no one knows what really happened. Was it an accident or maybe even a suicide? Kevin's dad is now being constantly bombarded by the town's widows, and hates his job at the local auto plant. Kevin is very confused, he's lonely, and angry at his father all the time. One thing he has going for him is his good looks, and he could have any girl he wants in the school. That's not what Kevin wants, as he has sets his sights on one of the hottest guys in school, named Jon, and secretly is in lust of him. However, Jon is a beer drinking type of guy, who talks only about girls. Will he get the guy of his dreams? Malloy does a great job in playing with words, giving the reader both what Kevin wants to say and what he actually ends up saying in a lot of situations. Kevin is sort of a wise guy, which leads to some very funny scenes, like when he calls his dad's girlfriend a cow and "moos" at her every time he sees her. Kevin's sarcasm masks his real character, a sensitive, and confused young man, who is longing for love, and at the same time afraid of being gay and expressing his real feelings. "The Year of Ice" is a great debut novel by Brian Malloy, and one with characters, especially Kevin, that are very entertaining and a joy to read about. Highly Recommended! Joe Hanssen
Rating: 
Summary: Beginner
Review: An almost unreadable first attempt by Mr. Malloy. Makes one wonder whether the publishing houses are lowering their standards these days. Unless you are a friend or relative of the author, I cannot imagine you feeling happy about spending the money to buy and read this amateurish work.
Rating:
Summary: Not flawless but a must read!\
Review: Running an LGBT youth center, I read virtually all of the coming of age teen fiction books. Without hestitation I can say that most are poorly written, unrealistic, or just not fun to read. I simply adored this book. Yes, it has flaws. Yes, the ending was a let down. But, its characters, especially Kevin, were so much fun to get to know. (...). In one line ("I think you'd like it [Greenwich]. I guess."), we know that Kevin will be accepted and find his love. I don't need sequel to tell me what I can already see in Kevin's future. Mr. Malloy give us another story - one that will warm our hearts!
Rating:
Summary: perfect voice
Review: It's hard to imagine the emotional turmoil of being a gay teenager in the American heartland. Throw on top of that the fact that you've lost your mother, and that there's some suspicions surrounding your father's involvement with another woman. And on top of that, add the fact that the conversations with your father run about as deep as a thick crust pizza. Brian Malloy has captured the voice of Kevin Doyle's dilemma with a perfect balance of humor and insight. We understand the source of his sarcasm and we feel his longing for someone to talk to about the secrets that follow him through every day of his life as a teenager in Minnesota. A pitch-perfect first novel.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: I loved this book; everyone I've given it to has loved this book. My friends and I are very picky readers, and we like very few books (and even fewer gay books, which really tend to ..., you know?). This is a great book. Enough said.
Rating:
Summary: I grew up in the 70's and this book feels so real!
Review: This book is so true to the era, the music, the expressions, the drugs and the parties. The fact that Kevin is a gay teenager adds even more complicated dimensions to the already complicated task of growing up in a dysfunctional household. This book will touch you without being sentimental or full of cliches. The humor is just right, even in the midst of serious issues. It also gives a voice to gay teenagers all over the world, who struggle with the same issues that straight kids deal with and then more. A great read!
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