<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Great autobio of a great champion
Review: Fans of Rudy Galindo and figure skating will enjoy this frank autobiography that leaves out nothing and gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes look into the fast-paced and sometimes heartless world of international skating. Rudy's working class family made major sacrifices to keep him in the sport, and the reader can't help but be moved. USFSA politics is exposed for what it is - they can and will scuttle a skater's career if s/he doesn't fit their "image" - and you'll shake your head yet again over the strange world of judging. Rudy tells it all, and the good news is that his career is far from over. Sequel, anyone?
Rating: 
Summary: Here's one bio that's never on thin ice
Review: I liked Galindo's sweetly naive depiction of himself as the "All-American kid," even if he does flirt with denial at times. After all, he grew up border-poor in a dysfunctional family with a self-destructive gay older brother (who was a terrible role model for gay Rudy), and Latino when that was still a social burden. But "Icebreaker" is very much a story of hard-won triumph, and I really got the sense that Rudy's positive attitude got him over the hurdles and into the stardom he so richly deserves. (That, and loads of native talent: he was quite recently the best amateur male figure skater in the USA, no. 3 in the world.) Rudy is a professional skater now, and he has some pointed opinions in this book about the perils of excessive juvenile skating competition for those who are willing to listen. Skating enthusiasts will enjoy the extensive technical vocabulary in this book; I just held on and enjoyed the ride. A very good read about a very admirable young man who is a role model in several different ways.
Rating:
Summary: Here's one bio that's never on thin ice
Review: I liked Galindo's sweetly naive depiction of himself as the "All-American kid," even if he does flirt with denial at times. After all, he grew up border-poor in a dysfunctional family with a self-destructive gay older brother (who was a terrible role model for gay Rudy), and Latino when that was still a social burden. But "Icebreaker" is very much a story of hard-won triumph, and I really got the sense that Rudy's positive attitude got him over the hurdles and into the stardom he so richly deserves. (That, and loads of native talent: he was quite recently the best amateur male figure skater in the USA, no. 3 in the world.) Rudy is a professional skater now, and he has some pointed opinions in this book about the perils of excessive juvenile skating competition for those who are willing to listen. Skating enthusiasts will enjoy the extensive technical vocabulary in this book; I just held on and enjoyed the ride. A very good read about a very admirable young man who is a role model in several different ways.
Rating:
Summary: Makes You Feel What He Is Feeling
Review: Rudy Galindo's autobiography ICEBREAKER is wonderful. Rudy's honest and vivid descriptions of his feelings make the reader cry and cheer right along with him. This book is an inspiration to anyone who feels that he/she is different. It is such an example of how anyone can reach his/her goal against all odds if they will work hard enough and never, never give up. Rudy Galindo is a true champion in every way -- not just on the ice -- and this book shows that beautifully.
Rating: 
Summary: Greg was better.
Review: Something about this book just isn't very satisfying. When I saw the name Eric Marcus attatched to the book I was excited because I remembered that he helped Greg Louganis produce an excellent book. However, Rudy's book leaves a lot to be desired. The sroty seemes to focus more on his skating. True, skating was a vital part of his life, but it seemes that's all there is. This book would have been better if more time was spent on the events that happened between competitions.
Rating:
Summary: Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!
Review: This warts-and-all autobiography traces figure-skater Galindo's life from early childhood to his turning pro. Not too long ago Rudy was the no. 1 male figure skater in the USA and no. 3 worldwide; the story of how he triumphed over a dysfunctional, near-povery-level background is inspiring and uplifting. Although gay, Rudy perpetually casts himself as the "All-American" kid. Time and again the conservative skating authorities told him his costumes were a bit too flamboyant, his wrists too slack to win the big-time points; to his credit Rudy ignored them and won anyway. Though some may find it a bit too emotional, "Icebreaker" is a winner, and anyone who still thinks gays lack grit would do well to check it out.
<< 1 >>
| 
