I Heard You Paint Houses: Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran & Closing the Case on Jimmy Hoffa

Brandt, Charles. I Heard You Paint Houses: Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran & Closing the Case on Jimmy Hoffa. 2004. 309p. ISBN 9781586420895.

Frank "the Irishman" Sheeran's story begins with the words, "I heard you paint houses," a mob euphemism for killing a man. In a series of interviews with author Charles Brandt, Sheeran confessed to having committed over twenty-five hits for the mob, including for his friend and powerful union leader, Jimmy Hoffa. Sheeran's deadly skills were honed during his time in the U.S. Army, where he served an astonishing 411 days in active combat in Italy during World War II.

After returning from the war, Sheeran began working for crime boss Russell Bufalino, eventually rising to such a prominent position that he was named by then-U.S. Attorney Rudy Giuliani as one of only two non-Italians on a list of 26 top mob figures. His ultimate act of loyalty, and survival, came when Bufalino ordered him to kill Hoffa. Sheeran carried out the murder, understanding that his refusal would have led to his own death. This account not only sheds light on the Hoffa mystery but also offers a rare and important look into a significant chapter of American criminal history.

Fans of crime story will enjoy reading Sheeran's life and learning about the inner workings of the Italian Mafia in the 1960s and 1970s.

Hunger Games

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. 2008. 374p. ISBN 9780439023528. Available at FIC COL on the library shelves.

In the dystopian future, the nation of Panem rises from the ruins of North America, governed by a harsh and cruel Capitol that controls twelve outlying districts. To maintain order and as a brutal annual reminder of its power, the Capitol forces each district to send one boy and one girl, aged twelve to eighteen, to participate in the Hunger Games. This televised event is a fight to the death, where only one tribute can emerge victorious.

For sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives with her mother and younger sister, volunteering to take her sister's place in the Games feels like a death sentence. However, having faced near-death experiences before, survival is second nature to her. Without consciously intending to, Katniss becomes a formidable contender, but her journey forces her to confront agonizing choices that weigh her own survival against her humanity, and the very essence of life against the complexities of love.

The story continues in 

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 27

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 27. 2021. 218p. ISBN 9781974731077. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Amidst the fiery debris of the Illuminati airship that crashed in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 26, Rin battles to rein in his demonic alter ego, fearing it will consume both him and his brother, Yukio. A deep-seated mutual misunderstanding has driven a wedge between the siblings, culminating in an inevitable, all-out fight that has long been brewing. This intense confrontation forces their unresolved issues to the surface, demanding a brutal resolution.

Following the immediate aftermath, all the Exwires, save Shiemi, reunite to process the traumatic events they've endured. However, the conflict with Satan is far from over, as he finally gains control of a human body that closely resembles Father Fujimoto, Rin and Yukio's father. Meanwhile, Shiemi faces a formidable opponent who will rigorously test her newfound resolve, suggesting that her own significant challenges lie ahead, independent of the main group.

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 28.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 19: Hot Mess

Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 19: Hot Mess. 2024. 218p. ISBN 9781419766954. Available at FIC KIN on the library shelves.

Greg Heffley is facing a summer of mounting stress as his family descends upon a small beach house, trying to recreate magical moments from their youth. Spurred on by Greg's grandmother, the experience creates a chaotic blend of personalities and close quarters under the intense heat. The combination of numerous relatives crammed into a limited space is quickly proving to be a recipe for comical yet frustrating situations. Greg finds himself navigating the usual family dynamics of family members fighting with each other, amplified by the confined environment and the sweltering weather.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the vacation is the long-held family secret surrounding the ingredients of Gramma’s renowned meatballs. As Greg endures the various mishaps and interactions of the summer, he also becomes curious about uncovering this culinary mystery. The question remains whether he will successfully unravel the secrets of his family history before their vacation concludes, or if his presence will simply add more turmoil to the already overflowing pot of family dynamics.

Lest: Australian War Myths

Dapin, Mark. Lest: Australian War Myths. 2024. 304p. ISBN 9781761108075.

Australia's national identity is deeply intertwined with its war narratives. The Gallipoli campaign is foundational to the ANZAC legend. During that campaign, Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick and his donkey became an iconic symbol of Australian courage and mateship for their tireless efforts in evacuating wounded soldiers under fire, despite some historical embellishments. In the Emu War of 1932, the Australian military unsuccessfully deployed machine guns against a burgeoning emu population destroying crops, a widely ridiculed event that saw agile emus outmaneuver soldiers, becoming a humorous symbol of nature's unexpected triumph.

Lest critically examines several Australia's cherished war narratives, from the treatment of Vietnam veterans to World War II prisoners of war. These tales, often considered sacred and commemorated with significant public funds in memorials, are deeply ingrained in the national consciousness. However, Dapin challenges the authenticity of these widely accepted myths, questioning whether the celebrated events truly unfolded as popularly believed.

Through meticulous research and sharp wit, Dapin reveals that the reality of Australia's military history often diverges significantly from the established myths. He argues that by perpetuating these inaccuracies and celebrating the wrong figures, society inadvertently overlooks the true heroes. "Lest" aims to reclaim the factual truth of Australia's military past, offering a re-evaluation that seeks to honor those genuinely deserving of recognition.

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an Epidemic of Mental Illness

 Haidt, Jonathan. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an Epidemic of Mental Illness. 2024. 400p. ISBN 9780593655030. 

Adolescent mental health always fluctuates, but back in the early 2010s a sudden and dramatic decline appeared in the statistics. Teens, especially girls, were suddenly facing increased rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide, and this phenomenon took place across many countries, not just the United States. The Anxious Generation argues that this mental health crisis is directly linked to the decline of a "play-based childhood," which began in the 1980s and was ultimately replaced by a "phone-based childhood" in the early 2010s. This shift, which arises with the invention of the iPhone and other smartphones, has interfered with the social and neurological development of children through various mechanisms, including sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, loneliness, and addiction.

The Anxious Generation explores the specific impacts of social media on adolescents, explaining why girls tend to be more negatively affected than boys, while boys are increasingly withdrawing into virtual worlds. Beyond diagnosing the problem, the author provides a clear call to action, offering four simple rules to help combat this epidemic, including banning phones in schools and increasing the amount of time children spend in unstructured play. The Anxious Generation outlines practical steps that parents, schools, tech companies, and governments can take to restore a healthier childhood environment and improve the well-being of the next generation.

An eye-opening study of our modern society, The Anxious Generation gives the readers a roadmap to improving mental health for our teens, and restoring some sanity to our polarized society.

Omen of Ice

Accardo, Jus. Omen of Ice. Book 1 of the Omen of Ice series. 2023. 400p. ISBN 9781649374028.

Keltania Tunne has dedicated her entire life to training as a bodyguard for a Winter Fae, viewing it as the highest honor for a druid. However, upon her arrival at the Winter Court, nothing aligns with her expectations. Her assignment is to protect Valen, the heir to the throne, but he vehemently rejects her presence, wishing her gone immediately. Despite his arrogance, Tania remains steadfast in her commitment, sensing that something is deeply amiss within the Winter Court.

As Tania navigates the intricacies of the court, she discovers that everyone harbors secrets, from the Winter Lord to the lowliest kitchen maids, and a rising faction seeks the prince's demise. No one is truly as they appear. Tania is determined to uphold her sacred oath and protect Valen, even as his sharp wit pushes her to the brink of both love and hate. The more she uncovers, the more she realizes that Valen's own secret is the most significant of all, a truth that could ultimately lead to both their deaths.

A fast-paced fantasy, Omen of Ice features actions, intrigue, and plenty of duplicity. Fans of Throne of Ice and other Sarah Maas fantasy will appreciate this scandinavian-inspired tale.