Like the rest of the people who have posted so far I also enjoyed The Empire of Ice Cream. I like how Ford writes in a very realistic fashion, the magical elements just kind of sneak there way in. Oh, so you eat coffee ice cream and envision a girl? But you're also a piano genius so of course you're a little quirky. I must disagree on one thing though: I thought Link was sooo much better. Completely subjective, I know. Maybe I just like her style better. Ford approached his stories like they were traditional novels: rising action action, climax, falling action, conclusion. Link was surprises on every page. Even though I was irritated at the way she left me hanging, I also appreciated her ability to do so. Not to completely rant, I did like Ford. He's very clear and develops his characters quite thoroughly and extensively (helloo Botch Town). He is more subtle which can be tough to do. Kudos Ford! Also, I couldn't help but to notice comparisons between the two authors as I was reading. Both loop their stories back into each other and some of the same names and places recur in different stories- for Ford Higbee Lane was in at least two pieces. My favorite? A Night in the Tropics hands down. Amazing!!