"I Heard You Painted Houses" by Charles Brandt

I gotta say I enjoyed reading this book. Sheeran is a complicated man doing complicated things, many of which the law and most people's moralities disapprove of. Yet, as I read along I couldn't help but understand the fascination that the mob life most hold for some. You feel like these are just good ole boys doing the dirty work that nobody else wants to do, reminded me of some guys that my Uncle used to know when I was a kid in the Bronx. So pull up a chair, get some spaghetti with gravy and just listen knowing that nobody's on their way to give you a message. Good read.

"Heresy" (Giordano Bruno #1) by S.J. Paris

Loved it and am happy to see that I have the next two books in my huge pile of too reads. Seriously though, this was a great mystery and well written.

"These Broken Stars (Starbound, #1)" by Amie Kaufman

This was recommended to me by a friend and I have to admit I wasn't enthused about another teen scifi read but I'm glad I listened to her. Although this takes place in hyper space and terra formed planets with crashing star ships and lone survivors, it's more than that. This is a great love story. Not your mushy teen nonsense but an actual love story wrapped up in a really good story. As a bookseller anything that totes itself as a trilogy makes me wince but in this case I await the next installment with baited anticipation. Read and enjoy.

"Dime Store Magic (Otherworld, #3)" by Kelley Armstrong

Good book. Will read more when I come across them.

"The Last Dragon Slayer" by Jasper Fforde

Not bad at all. I liked the characters and am looking forward to reading the next installment. Particularly liked the Quark Beast.

"Gourmet Rhapsody" by Muriel Barbery, Alison Anderson translation

This book is phenomenal. This is going to be one of the books I return to read again and again because it is such a pleasure to do so. The story is engaging in and of itself but it's the intricacy and elegance of the writing that is so enrapturing. Each sentence felt like diving into a sensory wonderland. I highly recommend this book not only to those interested in the food culture but anyone who's looking to relive the magic of a really good book.

"A Red Sun Also Rises" by Mark Hodder

An interesting idea from an author I liked but not my cup of tea. Having said that it's still worth a read.

"A Birthday for Cow" by Jan Thomas

It's Cows birthday and Pig and Mouse are baking a cake but Duck, for some strange reason is positive a turnip should be involved somewhere in this plan much to their confusion. This book had the kids laughing at the end.

"Red Panda's Candy Apple" by Ruth Paul

This was a great little book about the joys of sharing. The illustrations are sweet and colorful and was a great conversation starter about how to share. Liked this one a lot.

"The Pigeon Needs a Bath" by Mo Willems

Every kid is gonna love this book about how dirty the pigeon gets before it becomes quite clear it's time to take a bath ..... almost ..... in just a little while ..... really.

"Giraffes Can't Dance" by Giles Andreae

So what if Gerard is different? He learns to dance to his own beat and in doing so helps kids understand that being unique and different is a very good thing.

"Cat the Cat, Who is That?" by Mo Willems

Great introduction to Willems for toddlers.

"On My Way to the Bath" by Sara Maizes

Livi's mom has her bath ready but before she gets there what will she see, do, and most importantly, imagine.

"How to Lose Your Ass and Regain Your Life: Reluctant Confessions of a Big-Butted Star" by Kirstie Alley

After reading this I'd like to pull up a chair with Kirstie and spend some time eating and chatting.

"Richard III: England's Black Legend" by Desmond Seward

This was a very dry read indeed. Nothing that stood out as far as information goes, a good book to add to the debate on whether Richard was the monster or the misunderstood.