Customer Reviews

Icebreaker: The Autobiography of Rudy Galindo

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

To relive the moment of victory in San Jose, to agonize with Rudy over the many lows....what a rollercoaster ride! A thoughtful, honest, and raw book. What tribute to those Galindo has lost along the way!

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.

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.

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.

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.