What do you think?
Rate this book
Breakaway
A year ago, 16 year-old Nick Macklin had it all. He was an A student and a talented hockey player, with a beautiful girlfriend and the best dad in the world - a man who was not only there for him when his mom died, but was also a star player for the Vancouver Canucks.
Then the bottom fell out. His father was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison for a crime Nick is convinced he didn’t commit.
Angry and bitter, alienated from school and friends, Nick devotes himself to seeking justice for his father. Who framed him? And why? But freeing his dad is not his biggest challenge. His obsession with proving his father’s innocence threatens to ruin his own life. Can Nick put the pieces of the puzzle together - and save himself and his dad?
Shortlisted for The John Spray Mystery Award
Then the bottom fell out. His father was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison for a crime Nick is convinced he didn’t commit.
Angry and bitter, alienated from school and friends, Nick devotes himself to seeking justice for his father. Who framed him? And why? But freeing his dad is not his biggest challenge. His obsession with proving his father’s innocence threatens to ruin his own life. Can Nick put the pieces of the puzzle together - and save himself and his dad?
Shortlisted for The John Spray Mystery Award
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2012
5 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 2, 2017
This book was great, but super dramatic. Nick, the main character, had a dad that got put into jail for a murder that he did not commit. Throughout the book Nick and his friend kept searching for the actual person that murdered Marty Albertson, and they found out if was their neighbor. The worst part was that Nick was staying with their neighbor, Al, and his wife while his father was in jail (because his mom died). On top of all of this Nick's ex girlfriend hated him, he was doing poorly in school, and he got kicked off of the hockey team. In the end Nick resolves all of these problems and most importantly proves that his dad did not commit the murder. His dad was also released from jail. Overall, I thought this book had a great storyline, but their was a lot of drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2018
I was impressed immensely with this book. When I first picked it out I really didn’t have expectations but really it wowed me. It followed a story plot of every genre and yet it didn’t neglect any of them including sports, romance, crime, mystery and even slight comedy.The book follows a high school boy, nick, who’s life falls a part when his father is sentenced to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Living with a family friend, nick slowly rebuilds his life and relationships with his hockey team and his girlfriend, all well continuing the hunt for the true criminal who committed the crime that sent his dad to jail.
The twist in this book was very suspenseful and kept me thinking the whole way through. The novel was also very relatable because a lot of the characters faced many different life circumstances that people of all sorts face in real life. I found this drew me closer and allowed me to feel and understand many of the characters better.
My one note on this book is the fact that it is an easy read (grade 6-7 level), not that it’s a bad thing but just something to be aware of that it is very simplistic in writing and word choice.
Overall, I highly recommend this to people who maybe don’t like to read as much or to those who are looking for a multi genre book that has suspense through out with a very thoughtful twist to end it.
The twist in this book was very suspenseful and kept me thinking the whole way through. The novel was also very relatable because a lot of the characters faced many different life circumstances that people of all sorts face in real life. I found this drew me closer and allowed me to feel and understand many of the characters better.
My one note on this book is the fact that it is an easy read (grade 6-7 level), not that it’s a bad thing but just something to be aware of that it is very simplistic in writing and word choice.
Overall, I highly recommend this to people who maybe don’t like to read as much or to those who are looking for a multi genre book that has suspense through out with a very thoughtful twist to end it.
Read
October 22, 2013Breakaway
The book Breakaway is about a 16 year old boy named Nick who was a great hockey player and straight A student with lots of friends. His dad, Steven Macklin played for the Vancouver Canucks. His life fell apart into pieces when his dad was charged a life sentence for a murder he says he didn't do. Nick is trying to prove that his dad didn't do the murder.
Something that I don't like about the author's writing style, is that I don't think he explains other characters very well. To understand the story, you need to know the characters pretty well. He mentions a new character without explaining who they are.
Yes, I liked the book. It has a good storyline with some humour. It doesn't start off very good, but it gets better along the way.
I recommend this book to people who like sports because it is about hockey.
The book Breakaway is about a 16 year old boy named Nick who was a great hockey player and straight A student with lots of friends. His dad, Steven Macklin played for the Vancouver Canucks. His life fell apart into pieces when his dad was charged a life sentence for a murder he says he didn't do. Nick is trying to prove that his dad didn't do the murder.
Something that I don't like about the author's writing style, is that I don't think he explains other characters very well. To understand the story, you need to know the characters pretty well. He mentions a new character without explaining who they are.
Yes, I liked the book. It has a good storyline with some humour. It doesn't start off very good, but it gets better along the way.
I recommend this book to people who like sports because it is about hockey.
October 5, 2019
A fast, enjoyable read. I liked that the hockey element of Nick's life was prominent in the story and the 'whodunit' was decent. The writing was okay, just not my taste, and the editing needed improvement - missing words and grammar issue threw me off throughout the story.
January 23, 2026
3.5 rounded up because who knew that would be such an enjoyable book? I'm quite pleasantly surprised. Maddy recommended!
April 19, 2013
During the independent reading assignment, I have read the novel called Breakaway. The main episode of the novel is about a boy named Nick’s life after his father was convicted of murder. The son believes his innocence so that he tried so hard to look for any evidence can get his Dad back to him.
In my perspective, this novel gave me an enjoyable reading time. To my surprise, I am not very interested in the detective part which Nick tried to find the evidences. The part impressed me is that how Nick rejoined the hockey team and eventually become the winner team of the high school league. Within the novel, Nick’s father used to work as a hockey player and his son was potential at hockey as well. So that the hockey became a symbol go through the whole story, just like the bread with butter, it makes the story taste better. The author used hockey to express some values which are also important in our society. For instances, the author called the team was made up by eighteen individuals who all happen to wear the same uniform (page 87). During the practice, they recognize the importance of the cooperation and eventually become the best team in the high school league. On the other aspect, like the author mentioned in the novel after they had won the playoff, the thing he’s remember most about the hockey wouldn’t be the championship, it would be the times they’d all spent together (page 285), the value of the friendship has been sublimated by the hockey.
Although it is a fantastic book, I still have some parts which I do not like. During the time that Nick tried to find evidence to prove his father’s innocence, I think the author gave a lot of useless clues which are just wasting of time and making readers confused. For instances, Nick tried to find a bold and limp guy who can be possibly framed his father. He spent lots of time to go after the guy he met on the bus but found nothing. The clue of the real killer only appeared at the very ending of the story which makes me feel bored.
As a conclusion, this book really taught me some values about cooperation and friendship. That is the reason I like it.
In my perspective, this novel gave me an enjoyable reading time. To my surprise, I am not very interested in the detective part which Nick tried to find the evidences. The part impressed me is that how Nick rejoined the hockey team and eventually become the winner team of the high school league. Within the novel, Nick’s father used to work as a hockey player and his son was potential at hockey as well. So that the hockey became a symbol go through the whole story, just like the bread with butter, it makes the story taste better. The author used hockey to express some values which are also important in our society. For instances, the author called the team was made up by eighteen individuals who all happen to wear the same uniform (page 87). During the practice, they recognize the importance of the cooperation and eventually become the best team in the high school league. On the other aspect, like the author mentioned in the novel after they had won the playoff, the thing he’s remember most about the hockey wouldn’t be the championship, it would be the times they’d all spent together (page 285), the value of the friendship has been sublimated by the hockey.
Although it is a fantastic book, I still have some parts which I do not like. During the time that Nick tried to find evidence to prove his father’s innocence, I think the author gave a lot of useless clues which are just wasting of time and making readers confused. For instances, Nick tried to find a bold and limp guy who can be possibly framed his father. He spent lots of time to go after the guy he met on the bus but found nothing. The clue of the real killer only appeared at the very ending of the story which makes me feel bored.
As a conclusion, this book really taught me some values about cooperation and friendship. That is the reason I like it.
September 9, 2012
I received a copy of "Breakaway by Michael Betcherman through the Goodreads Giveaway Contest.
"16 year old Nick's life has been divided in two. Before and After. Before his father went to jail and After...."
Before this crisis, Nick Macklin had been the best player for the West Vancouver Thunder, a local hockey team.He had a girlfriend and lived a normal life.He suffered the loss of his mother to cancer, but his dad was always by his side, to provide comfort and support.
His dad, Steven Macklin,a hockey player for the Vancouver Canucks was skating across centre ice when the Leaf's Marty Albertson raced from behind and cross-checked him. His father was in a coma for a week and back on his feet in two months but he would never be able to play hockey again. Five months later Marty was dead, and Nick's father was charged with the murder.Albertson had been found shot in the head and the heart, found in his condo in Vancouver.They had been teammates before Albertson was traded to the Leafs.
On the day of his death, Albertson had called Steven to meet and make amends, but Steven said that Albertson never showed up.The police didn't believe Steven. When tests proved paint on Steven's jacket matched the fresh paint in Albertson's living room, Steven was arrested.When Albertson hadn't shown up, Steven went off to a fundraiser. In the washroom a bald man with a limp approached him from behind, tapped him on the shoulder saying he was a big fan of his.The police didn't buy the explanation.
When Steven went off to jail, Nick went to live with Al, Steven's agent and wife Helen. Nick lost interest in school, dropped out of hockey, lost his girlfriend and become a loner.He was only interested in finding the person who had framed his dad, and caused his own life to fall apart.He had to find the person who had killed Marty Albertson, and set his father free.
This story is one of determination and love between a father and a son. Nick will save his father, and solve this mystery.Very enjoyable read.
"16 year old Nick's life has been divided in two. Before and After. Before his father went to jail and After...."
Before this crisis, Nick Macklin had been the best player for the West Vancouver Thunder, a local hockey team.He had a girlfriend and lived a normal life.He suffered the loss of his mother to cancer, but his dad was always by his side, to provide comfort and support.
His dad, Steven Macklin,a hockey player for the Vancouver Canucks was skating across centre ice when the Leaf's Marty Albertson raced from behind and cross-checked him. His father was in a coma for a week and back on his feet in two months but he would never be able to play hockey again. Five months later Marty was dead, and Nick's father was charged with the murder.Albertson had been found shot in the head and the heart, found in his condo in Vancouver.They had been teammates before Albertson was traded to the Leafs.
On the day of his death, Albertson had called Steven to meet and make amends, but Steven said that Albertson never showed up.The police didn't believe Steven. When tests proved paint on Steven's jacket matched the fresh paint in Albertson's living room, Steven was arrested.When Albertson hadn't shown up, Steven went off to a fundraiser. In the washroom a bald man with a limp approached him from behind, tapped him on the shoulder saying he was a big fan of his.The police didn't buy the explanation.
When Steven went off to jail, Nick went to live with Al, Steven's agent and wife Helen. Nick lost interest in school, dropped out of hockey, lost his girlfriend and become a loner.He was only interested in finding the person who had framed his dad, and caused his own life to fall apart.He had to find the person who had killed Marty Albertson, and set his father free.
This story is one of determination and love between a father and a son. Nick will save his father, and solve this mystery.Very enjoyable read.
February 26, 2015
Enjoyed this book more than I thought I would...mostly because of the hockey element. I have never had much interest in hockey before, but after finishing "Breakaway" I find myself watching clips on ESPN and looking for the teams mentioned in the book.
I think that is an indication that Betcherman did a good job developing characters and story line. "Breakaway" is a contemporary romance about a girl (Dana) who seven years earlier had been brutally attacked and still suffers from the trauma of the event, and Eric, the pro-hockey player whose career is in a bit of a slump. The last thing Eric needs is a distraction, but Dana needs a friend to help her overcome her fears of intimacy.
The story was well told. And it was interesting to watch secondary characters become involved in Dana's recovery. The hockey team felt like a host of big brothers.
I did get a little tired of Dana commenting about how Eric looked at her like his little sister. No brother I know of would say such tender and romantic things to a kid sister. It became a little hard to believe that she couldn't see that his interest in her was more than familial or platonic.
Betcherman did a nice job involving the reader in Dana's plight. It was easy to feel Dana's desperation and fear. And when the attack was explained, it was done tastefully, hinting at the horror without wallowing in gory details.
This is not what I would call a clean read, however. So reader beware. There was a smattering of language (which I suppose some people would say should be expected in pro-sports...I don't know, some language never bothers me, but there are certain expressions that I always find offensive) And the love scenes do get a bit steamy.
Overall a nice romance with a happy ending and well-defined colorful characters.
I think that is an indication that Betcherman did a good job developing characters and story line. "Breakaway" is a contemporary romance about a girl (Dana) who seven years earlier had been brutally attacked and still suffers from the trauma of the event, and Eric, the pro-hockey player whose career is in a bit of a slump. The last thing Eric needs is a distraction, but Dana needs a friend to help her overcome her fears of intimacy.
The story was well told. And it was interesting to watch secondary characters become involved in Dana's recovery. The hockey team felt like a host of big brothers.
I did get a little tired of Dana commenting about how Eric looked at her like his little sister. No brother I know of would say such tender and romantic things to a kid sister. It became a little hard to believe that she couldn't see that his interest in her was more than familial or platonic.
Betcherman did a nice job involving the reader in Dana's plight. It was easy to feel Dana's desperation and fear. And when the attack was explained, it was done tastefully, hinting at the horror without wallowing in gory details.
This is not what I would call a clean read, however. So reader beware. There was a smattering of language (which I suppose some people would say should be expected in pro-sports...I don't know, some language never bothers me, but there are certain expressions that I always find offensive) And the love scenes do get a bit steamy.
Overall a nice romance with a happy ending and well-defined colorful characters.
October 28, 2012
Wrongly convicted. In prison for life. Can Nick save his dad from the ultimate penalty box?
Firstly, I want to thank Goodreads for sending me a copy of this book as a giveaway. It was fantastic. I would also like to thank Michael Betcherman for writing this novel, I loved it.
Breakaway follows Nick Macklin, a fifteen year old Canadian teen whose father is an NHL all-star. Or at least he was an all-star up until a year ago when he was charged with the murder of Marty Albertson, a former teammate and friend. Nick knows his father is innocent and has separated himself from all the things he loves in the process of proving his father's innocence. Now living with his father's agent, he misses his home, hockey, his girlfriend but most of all he misses his dad and will stop at nothing to free him of conviction. When his dad orders him to stop searching for the only evidence that can get his father out of jail, Nick reluctantly re joins his hockey team and works hard to put the past behind him. It is here that he finds the answers he has been searching for all along.
What I loved about this book was how well I related to it. Being a sixteen year old teenage girl, I didn't think this book would draw me in like it did. I literally could not stop reading. There were new surprises every couple of chapters that kept me guessing until the very end. Breakaway is not a crime scene or a hockey game or a sob story. It has everything wrapped up in one, which is what made it so amazing. It has something for everyone and will literally keep you on the edge of your skates until the very end.
Firstly, I want to thank Goodreads for sending me a copy of this book as a giveaway. It was fantastic. I would also like to thank Michael Betcherman for writing this novel, I loved it.
Breakaway follows Nick Macklin, a fifteen year old Canadian teen whose father is an NHL all-star. Or at least he was an all-star up until a year ago when he was charged with the murder of Marty Albertson, a former teammate and friend. Nick knows his father is innocent and has separated himself from all the things he loves in the process of proving his father's innocence. Now living with his father's agent, he misses his home, hockey, his girlfriend but most of all he misses his dad and will stop at nothing to free him of conviction. When his dad orders him to stop searching for the only evidence that can get his father out of jail, Nick reluctantly re joins his hockey team and works hard to put the past behind him. It is here that he finds the answers he has been searching for all along.
What I loved about this book was how well I related to it. Being a sixteen year old teenage girl, I didn't think this book would draw me in like it did. I literally could not stop reading. There were new surprises every couple of chapters that kept me guessing until the very end. Breakaway is not a crime scene or a hockey game or a sob story. It has everything wrapped up in one, which is what made it so amazing. It has something for everyone and will literally keep you on the edge of your skates until the very end.
April 13, 2013
I was skeptical about this book, and it really was a fun and pleasant surprise!
Nick's dad, a former pro-hockey player, is in jail for murder, and Nick is playing detective - trying to find the bald man that framed his dad while keeping up with high school and his own hockey team, not to mention a girlfriend and a group of supportive guy friends who are up for helping him as much as they can. Of course, he has obstacles of his own to overcome, including a new player on his hockey team who is more about keeping his own stats up than helping his team win games, and a new college-age suitor who has an eye on the girl he adores. Meanwhile, Nick is being put up by his dad's former manager and his wife, who seem a little too good to be true, and perhaps are.
This book is geared toward adolescent boys, and as much as I love YA fiction, I wasn't sure this would be one for me, particularly because I don't know much about hockey and it is such a strong element in the book. However, I absolutely loved it! The characters are well-written, the suspense is intriguing from the start, and the mystery of the murderer kept me interested throughout.
This would be a great book for boys who tend to be reluctant readers, as the characters are relatable and real, and the writing manages to balance between easy to read and fascinating.
*This book was received at no cost through the GoodReads First Reads program.
Nick's dad, a former pro-hockey player, is in jail for murder, and Nick is playing detective - trying to find the bald man that framed his dad while keeping up with high school and his own hockey team, not to mention a girlfriend and a group of supportive guy friends who are up for helping him as much as they can. Of course, he has obstacles of his own to overcome, including a new player on his hockey team who is more about keeping his own stats up than helping his team win games, and a new college-age suitor who has an eye on the girl he adores. Meanwhile, Nick is being put up by his dad's former manager and his wife, who seem a little too good to be true, and perhaps are.
This book is geared toward adolescent boys, and as much as I love YA fiction, I wasn't sure this would be one for me, particularly because I don't know much about hockey and it is such a strong element in the book. However, I absolutely loved it! The characters are well-written, the suspense is intriguing from the start, and the mystery of the murderer kept me interested throughout.
This would be a great book for boys who tend to be reluctant readers, as the characters are relatable and real, and the writing manages to balance between easy to read and fascinating.
*This book was received at no cost through the GoodReads First Reads program.
January 10, 2015
This is a really unique young-adult novel. It starts off with an interesting premise, but somehow it fell a little flat for me. It’s entertaining and a decent mystery, but it was a little too predictable for me. Maybe I’m past the age where the revelation of the killer is new and exciting. Maybe I’m a cynic that just guesses the twist by questioning everyone’s motives. I saw the murderer a mile away, but I think it would be a little harder to guess for younger teens.
I also thought this book was oriented more toward teenage males than females since it was so hockey-oriented, but it could be enjoyable for girls too. What I really liked about Nick was that his passion to release his dad from prison was nice to read about, and it’s really rare in teenage characters. Most teenage characters that are written are more introspective and (let’s be honest) selfish. It’s not a bad thing since all of us were probably a little selfish at that age, but Nick was admirable in his selflessness. I just wish he’d been faced with more of a challenge. Things seemed to fall into his lap a little too easily.
It’s not a bad read, but definitely only recommended for younger readers. It would be great as a starter book to promote literacy in teens.
I received this book through the GoodReads FirstReads program.
I also thought this book was oriented more toward teenage males than females since it was so hockey-oriented, but it could be enjoyable for girls too. What I really liked about Nick was that his passion to release his dad from prison was nice to read about, and it’s really rare in teenage characters. Most teenage characters that are written are more introspective and (let’s be honest) selfish. It’s not a bad thing since all of us were probably a little selfish at that age, but Nick was admirable in his selflessness. I just wish he’d been faced with more of a challenge. Things seemed to fall into his lap a little too easily.
It’s not a bad read, but definitely only recommended for younger readers. It would be great as a starter book to promote literacy in teens.
I received this book through the GoodReads FirstReads program.
October 4, 2012
This was a very masculine story that had a surprising amount of emotion to it. With both strong hockey and mystery elements, this book will appeal to many guys, and yet it has enough emotional story hidden inside to satisfy most girls.
Nick spends his time trying to deal with the tragedy of his dad being convicted of murder, even though he is certain his dad is innocent. Nick goes through many ups and downs, and seems almost to be grieving at time. It is quite interesting and sad to see everything that he does, or doesn’t do, while trying to figure out how to live in his new reality.
Regarding the mystery-solving plot, it was both intriguing and realistic feeling. Nothing seemed to go smoothly. Nick had realistic setbacks, and surprising achievements, just like in real life. Even when things started to come together, there were still hiccups and surprises. It made for exciting reading.
Nick is a very likable character. It was easy to feel sorry for him, and want him to succeed and prove his dad’s innocence. He is the type of character that you want to have a happy ending, because he truly deserves it.
Overall, this is am amazing book that should appear on the Christmas tree for many teenaged males this year. And will quietly stolen and read by sisters and girlfriends. It has wide appeal and is a great read.
Nick spends his time trying to deal with the tragedy of his dad being convicted of murder, even though he is certain his dad is innocent. Nick goes through many ups and downs, and seems almost to be grieving at time. It is quite interesting and sad to see everything that he does, or doesn’t do, while trying to figure out how to live in his new reality.
Regarding the mystery-solving plot, it was both intriguing and realistic feeling. Nothing seemed to go smoothly. Nick had realistic setbacks, and surprising achievements, just like in real life. Even when things started to come together, there were still hiccups and surprises. It made for exciting reading.
Nick is a very likable character. It was easy to feel sorry for him, and want him to succeed and prove his dad’s innocence. He is the type of character that you want to have a happy ending, because he truly deserves it.
Overall, this is am amazing book that should appear on the Christmas tree for many teenaged males this year. And will quietly stolen and read by sisters and girlfriends. It has wide appeal and is a great read.
April 25, 2013
Breakaway by Michael Betcherman
This book is about a boy named "Nick" who had a dad who was the star player for the Vancouver Canucks and was also doing well at his high school.He was the star player for his hockey team, got straight "A"s on his report card and had a girlfriend.But, when his dad was convicted of murder against another star player of the Toronto Maple Leafs, his life was ruined by that incident.Now, he must find out who really killed that player before his dad had to suffer from it anymore.Nick now face many challenges through his investigation as well as some corrections he must do with his life.
I chose this book because it was an interesting book to read when I first read the hook of this book and it was a mystery book as well as a book that has hockey in it.
I read this book because it was a mystery book as well as a book about hockey which was one of many reason that made this an interesting book for me to finish.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read mystery books about a murder and a people being accused of it as well as reading anything relating to hockey.
This book is about a boy named "Nick" who had a dad who was the star player for the Vancouver Canucks and was also doing well at his high school.He was the star player for his hockey team, got straight "A"s on his report card and had a girlfriend.But, when his dad was convicted of murder against another star player of the Toronto Maple Leafs, his life was ruined by that incident.Now, he must find out who really killed that player before his dad had to suffer from it anymore.Nick now face many challenges through his investigation as well as some corrections he must do with his life.
I chose this book because it was an interesting book to read when I first read the hook of this book and it was a mystery book as well as a book that has hockey in it.
I read this book because it was a mystery book as well as a book about hockey which was one of many reason that made this an interesting book for me to finish.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read mystery books about a murder and a people being accused of it as well as reading anything relating to hockey.
October 2, 2012
Nick's dad, a famous hockey player, is convicted of murder and sent to prison for life. Nick's mom is dead so Nick goes to live with his dad's agent, Al. Nick finds it hard to be satisfied with the once a month visits to see his dad in prison. Believing in his dad's innocence, Nick rides the buses around Vancouver looking for Baldy, a bald man with no eye brows and limps who left some paint on Nick's dad's jacket on the night of the murder ... this ultimately convicted his dad.
Nick eventually puts his life in order ... he gets back on the hockey team and puts some effort into improving his grades. Plus he makes peace with his ex-girlfriend, Sherry. Then Nick and his friend, Google, come across a tip they can't ignore and the mystery is eventually solved.
This is a YA book that didn't seem like a YA book. I enjoyed the writing style and didn't find it immature. The language and actions at times is actually mature. The story was good and I'd recommend this book.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2012/10...
Nick eventually puts his life in order ... he gets back on the hockey team and puts some effort into improving his grades. Plus he makes peace with his ex-girlfriend, Sherry. Then Nick and his friend, Google, come across a tip they can't ignore and the mystery is eventually solved.
This is a YA book that didn't seem like a YA book. I enjoyed the writing style and didn't find it immature. The language and actions at times is actually mature. The story was good and I'd recommend this book.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2012/10...
October 19, 2013
I like how this book teaches some valuable life lessons without moralizing. The story line was good (altho I admit I had the murderer figured out near the beginning, but i'm a lot older than 13 so I've had years to hone my book detective skills). It kept me interested to figure out the why of the whole thing,... or was I wrong and this is a story of a young man and his dad making the best of a bad situation? So kudo's to Betcherman for keeping his writing interesting.
This is definitely a guy's book, being about hockey and all, but girls can enjoy it too!
As an adult book it's a 3 star; some of the writing was just obviously for teen readers. I gave it the 4th star because it was well done for the age level it was written for. Had I read this as a tween or teen I would have given it a 4 star rating.
I think this was on my to-read list because it was in the giveaway section and I liked the premise.
This is definitely a guy's book, being about hockey and all, but girls can enjoy it too!
As an adult book it's a 3 star; some of the writing was just obviously for teen readers. I gave it the 4th star because it was well done for the age level it was written for. Had I read this as a tween or teen I would have given it a 4 star rating.
I think this was on my to-read list because it was in the giveaway section and I liked the premise.
September 12, 2012
My thanks to GoodReads and their First Reads program for giving me a free copy of Michael Betcherman’s Breakaway to read and review.
I don’t have much to say. The official summary is pretty accurate so I won’t bother giving my own.
I personally am not a hockey fan so I wasn’t expecting to enjoy myself, but I was pleasantly surprised. My one criticism would be that the central mystery wasn’t especially exciting, and the conclusion was pretty obvious from the book’s halfway point. Anyways, Breakaway is a nice fast read with some good hockey action thrown into the mix.
I don’t have much to say. The official summary is pretty accurate so I won’t bother giving my own.
I personally am not a hockey fan so I wasn’t expecting to enjoy myself, but I was pleasantly surprised. My one criticism would be that the central mystery wasn’t especially exciting, and the conclusion was pretty obvious from the book’s halfway point. Anyways, Breakaway is a nice fast read with some good hockey action thrown into the mix.
May 28, 2013
I won this as a Goodreads giveaway. I think it would be a great read for a teen. In fact my teen daughter read it, and even though she isn't a hockey fan, she enjoyed it. She felt it had a good storyline, and it kept her interested enough to see what was going to happen in the end.
October 14, 2012
A YA novel that isn't quite complex enough to appeal to adults, but I think this is a winner for the 13+ crowd for sure, though possibly a bit heavy on the hockey talk for those with no interest in sport.
September 9, 2012
This book was great! The ending was really surprising but I loved it!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews