The Resurrectionist - James Bradley

(2007) ISBN 9780571232765

I read this for my book club, it had been recommended to a member and from the blurb I assumed we would enjoy it. The blurb enticed us with a sinister and mysterious tale about the underworld of Georgian London. The book started off promising with the beginning descriptions of an anatomists trade but this fell short after only a few unimpressive sentences. The story continued to disappoint and unfortunately never really delivered it's promises of a sinister and mysterious chiller.
At the end of the book you are left confused and need to re-read the last part to try and understand what just happened. Unfortunately the book is so dull you won't re-read that last part leaving you still confused and unsatisfied. What could have been a great read with exciting adventures and descriptive text disappointed our book group but after a bit of internet research it seems we are alone in our thoughts on this book! What did you think about it?
Author site

The Memory Game - Nicci French

This is French's first novel and by no means does that make it any less of a great read. Although I found it wasn't as fast paced as their other novels, as the story unfolds it keeps you guessing and reading on. The gripping storyline reveals an intriguing web of relationships between two families. With twists emerging throughout the book and likeable characters I would recommend this if you enjoy reading thrillers. It was quite an easy read that showed French's writing style which I do enjoy.
This book served to remind me how much I enjoy French's books and I am now on the lookout for another of hers that I haven't yet read. Although this review is short and sweet it is only because I don't want to give too much away about the plot! I have a habit of doing that and don't want to spoil it for anyone. Have you read this? What did you think?
Author website

Etsy Shop

For those of you who don't know, I do have a shop over at Etsy.com where you can buy handmade jewellery. I have had the shop for some time now but haven't had the time to put as much into it as I wanted. Having some free time now I am planning to build up the shop and make my mark.
You may be wondering why you should check it out? Here are 5 reasons alone:
1. You will find something for everyone at affordable prices
2. You will find great gifts for friends, family, anyone!
3. It is easy to use
4. You will be welcomed and the service is fast and friendly
5. It is a chance to treat yourself!
Here is a taster of what you will find in the shop

I hope to see you there http://www.etsy.com/shop/shootingstar27 

Twilight Eclipse

After seeing two very different trailers for this film, I went to the cinema in two minds.
 From the trailer showing the exciting fight scenes I felt excited about seeing an action packed fantasy film. After seeing the lovey dovey trailer I was reminded why I have only read the first novel (Twilight, Stephenie Meyer).
The film's artistic talents were shown off with interesting camera shots and impressive CGI, but the action expected only disappointed. The action that was there was brilliant but I wanted more! Cheesy comedy ran through the film taking an edge off the intense romance between the main characters. Although I enjoyed this film I can easily identify it's flaws -don't get me started on my dislike for Bella!
With the story set to continue in two more films I can't help wonder what these may bring. With the general consensus that the first film was the best and the following films not quite matching - why are they making more?

It's continued attraction may only be the increasing number of men with no shirts throughout all the films but can this sustain our interest for two more films?
Probably!
I am sure my not so favourable review will spark some controversy about this much loved fantasy phenomena and although i can list many things I dislike about this film, I still enjoyed it and will still see the next films.... but I am not sure I am ready to read the remaining books. However I know I am being slowly worn down by friends who seem intent on persuading me to read them - I may have to give in so I can join in the many conversations about the alarming events of the fourth book, but only for that reason... I won't enjoy them!

Florence

After not posting for so long I have so much to say!! 
I think the first thing to happen was that over the Easter break we got a kitten - Florence! Although she is so cute she is also such a menace. She is adorable and very friendly but like any kitten has her mad half hours when she runs around biting and climbing up everything, including us.
Here are a few pictures to show how cute she is:

So apart from supervising this ball of fluff, I have been very busy at school getting stuck into the teacher role and dealing with naughty children! It is half term at the moment so am busy planning for my last three weeks of my placement. The first week back is book week so I will be in my element and am very excited about the week. We have two authors coming to visit - Kaye Umansky and Ali Sparkes and with a witch/wizard theme for one of the days we will be in fancy dress. As well as library visits and story times, I have been thinking up imaginative activities - it is very exciting! 
Since Easter I have also been to see Hairspray at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton - it was brilliant! If you haven't seen it.... go! It was great how they combined the songs with the dialogue and set the backgrounds for the different scenes. Well worth watching. 
School has been all consuming but am still enjoying it. After the next three weeks are over I should have more time to resume my hobbies and reading. I am very much looking forward to having more time to not doing stupid paperwork and having more time to relax. 
What are your summer plans?