Review: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; A play

Last week, I went to see 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' at Hull New Theatre, produced by the National Theatre.

The book is written by Mark Haddon and it has one of my favourite books, reading it for the first time about five years ago. To give a brief summary with no spoilers, it is about a boy named Christopher who (although it is never said outright) is on the Autism spectrum who finds his neighbour's dog stabbed with a garden fork. Determined to find out who killed 'Wellington', he begins a journey that reveals secrets from his own past and forces him to overcome his own fears.

I was excited to hear the book had been turned into a play and I was not disappointed upon seeing it. Everything was just fantastic; the acting, particuarly the part of Christopher, was outstanding, the use of lighting and the set really brought the rest of the play to life, the adaption is done so well, transitioning from book to stage is hard but I could find little fault. I really would highly recommend you to go see this while it is still on tour for the next few weeks if you are inclined to do so.

I am a bit of a theatre baby, I've always loved the stage but never have I been to a play like this where every single audience member, of all ages I might add, are all giving it their full attention. It really did capture the whole theatre and that was wonderful to see. At the interval, there was a general chatter about the room of just how good it was.

I realise I sound like I'm raving about it but I just cannot find fault. I give it a solid 10/10!

Anyway that is all for now people, I hope to have some new blogs posted in the next week!
Thanks for reading, Laura x

2014 in review

Seeing as it is the last day of 2014, I thought I might just write a little reflection post on what this year was like for me/it just gives me a chance to post some pictures that I like ;)

All in all, it's been pretty damn good, however there have certainly been low points but I guess that is the same for everybody.

This was the year I've had to grow up considerably I think, what with university decisions, exams (which did not go to plan so I've again had to rethink that I'm doing with my life), health problems caused by stress, having to deal with being forced to quit by my place of work, friendships turning sour but new ones and some old ones being stronger than ever.

I turned 18 in November so I'm offically an adult now.....an adult who wore a Tigger onesie the majority of yesterday and hid in her sister's room for around half an hour in order to make her jump. So while I'm not fully grown up yet (and I'm not sure I ever want to be) I have had to deal with stuff this year that has matured me and hopefully made me a better person for it.

I guess I also want to write a note to my family and friends for this year. I may argue with my family at times but I think 2015 might be rather difficult for us given the health of a grandparent at the moment so I love you all and thank you for always, always having my back. My group of friends are all so wonderful and caring, and I am so grateful I have them in my life. I don't tell them enough because urgh soppiness but I have much love for them too. Thank you to everyone who has made my 2014 excellent or has been there through the awful bits.

To relieve some memories that happened this year, here are some pictures:

Visting Auschwitz, a very harrowing day

Meeting the wonderful and talented Carrie Hope Fletcher

MCBUSTED.

Me, the grandparents, the sister and the cousins on Grandma's 80th

Friends <3

The father dearest

A kitten I wanted to take home with in Devon

Rome

Halloween

Halloween

Birthday hug from the sis

Christmas jumpers with momma and sis

School xmas party

1920's party

1920's party

I am going to apologise for the formatting but I don't have time to make it pretty today I'm afraid :P

Very quickly, my New Year's Resolutions are:

• Eat healthier
• STOP BITING MY NAILS
• Try and be less lazy
• Write down every book read
• Try and read at least 35 books!
• Do more things with my friends
• Blog more
• PASS MY DRIVING TEST!!!
• and you know get the grades to go to Uni and that.

That's it from me for 2014. I shall see you next year! Lots of love Laura x

Book review: Kill Your Boss by Shane Kuhn

The latest book I have read (apart from school ones bleurgh) is this lovely little one - okay lovely is a word we will use loosely- by Shane Kuhn. I've always liked stories of assassins and such like as creepy as that makes me sound but I find them exciting and intriguing.

This story is written partly as an FBI investigation into John Lago, the anti-hero of the book and partly as John's own perspective - an experienced hitman and killer writing to the new recruits for the company he works for HR Inc.
In summary, the story is that this is John's last assignment - he is 25 now so too old to be an intern anymore (how HR Inc get their killers into where they want to be) so he wants to go out with a bang. However, when he finds himself falling for a undercover FBI agent named Alice who just so happens to investigating the man he has been sent to kill; things get interesting. (Of course, there are huge plot twists in this but I'm not going to tell you so go read it for yourself)

I really enjoyed this book; it was funny, it was just the right amount of blood, guts and gore and there was a rather sweet little love story at the centre of it and despite me hating fully romantic novels, I do like a good love story when it's surrounded by an interesting plot line. I liked the character of John's narrative; he was rather self-deprecating at times but I can forgive him that; he hadn't had the best start in life! I also thought Alice was particularly bad ass and would have liked a back story on her!

Criticism of this book is I found myself slightly confused towards the end; everything gets a little blurry and distorted as to who is where, who is dead etc etc.

All in all, I would highly recommend to anyone who is up for a quick, easy read and who enjoys murder mysteries from the murderer's perspective. 8/10 :)

Laura x