Icebreaker: The Autobiography of Rudy Galindo

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.


Greg was better.   February 7, 2000
 3 out of 5 found this review helpful

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.


Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!   January 28, 2000
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

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.