Rating: 
Summary: A searingly honest, heartfelt autobiography
Review: Compelling...honest, and at times heartwrenching. In this no-holds-barred autobiography, Rudy Galindo takes us through the highs and lows of his skating career, as well as wrestling with being a Gay Mexican-American athlete in a sport in which homosexuality is still very much in the closet. Mr. Galindo's story is proof of the endurance of the human spirit and determination to succeed in spite of many personal problems and setbacks along the way.
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: 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: It's an eye opener and a new perspective on being gay.
Review: I read this book..and it was..well, difficult to get through without wanting to meet him and get to klnow him more. He's admirably straightforward abo ut things, and doesn't bite his tounge about anything, including himself. I can truly admire a guy who can look at himself and say he was a spoiled, self centered brat. And say it without flinching. I'd reccomend this for young teenagers; the way he described his brothers demise and his drug and drinking problems made me wince. It was chilling, but you'd get a good idea of what AIDS, drugs, and drinking are really like.
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: Truly Breaks the Ice
Review: This book is a wonderfully written heart-wrencher. Rudy tells
the story of his personal life as well as his life on the ice.
He talks about his tragedies, and setbacks. He talks about the
year before that incredible night in San Jose when he was ready to give it all up. His moral is clear: never give up
on your drams. He made it as far as he did with little to no
money, and just about every aspect of his life working against
him in order to get to the top. This is a truly heartwarming story that will make anyone believe that dreams really can
come true.
Rating:
Summary: honest & inspiring
Review: This is one of the few satisfying skating biographies. Rudy writes about his triumphs as well as his struggles both on and off the ice. He doesn't avoid issues or waste time on self-pity. If you enjoy his skating or are intrigued by his seemingly out-of-nowhere successes in 1996, you must read this book.
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