A Memory Lane
Before, taking pictures is not my cup of tea. One factor could be the fact that I didn't have a smartphone when I was still studying. All the more when I had my first job, I was still using my Nokia 1100. Yup, an ancient phone. But then, I had this one colleague who has this latest smartphone and doesn't know how to use the camera. He only purchased it because he is part of the Field Team. Since both of us are new to the project and we have mutuals — he's my boyfriend's classmate in high school and a classmate of some electrical engineering major subjects — we stick with each other as if we are best of friends. Haha. Because of his phone, my heart has paved its way to photography.
On my second job, I was still using my ancient Nokia phone. Later on, my supervisor and my boyfriend told me I should purchase a new phone. They had enough reading my text messages — space turns to period — and there's a scotch tape wrapped on the phone. It took them more than a month to convince me that I should really buy a smartphone. I purchased Huawei P10, and until now, I am still using it.
My access to my photos is limited because my external drive is left at home, but I still have some good photos to share with you. Oh well, I've already shared three, and I still have more...
Oldest Photo on Your Phone
I recently transferred most of my photos on my hard drive, so I only have this photo dated April 21, 2020, as the oldest photo on my phone. But this photo of me and my younger sisters was taken on January 1, 2019. Our mom took this photo of us. And since we are all anime addicts, we posed like a ninja, even though it doesn't look like a ninja pose.
**Fun fact**: April 21 is their birthday. Yes, you read it right, they share the same birthday with different years.
Latest Photo on Your Gallery
I took this photo this morning, January 19. Lately, I've been having a hard time sleeping early. It's been days I sleep almost at six in the morning, not to mention I still have work. Thankfully, the BrainAuram app Sleeping presets helped me somehow.
A Photo You Have No Idea What It Is About
This category is a tough one. I know I should attach a photo that I don't have any clue about. But the thing is, I know all about the photos on my gallery. And so, I had to look for a photo that is partially under this category.
In this photo, I had dinner with the Data Processing Team and our admin officer. And, I don't know why we had dinner, what's the occasion, and why we ended up eating in a far and hard restaurant to go to. But all I know is we ate in Camp Lami, and the project is about to end.
An Embarrassing Photo
This is probably one of the most embarrassing moments in my life. The photo doesn't show it, but the story behind does.
I was looking for the other photo where you can see that in front of me were our project leader and my supervisor. They were cheering, or I should say telling me that I must be the last man standing.
At that long table, I was the only one left eating, and on the other one, there were three people from different universities eating, just like me. A normal lunch became an eating competition. Can you see the girl behind me? Taking videos of me? Yep, the majority was looking and taking videos/pictures of me because I was the last man...or woman standing.
I must never forget this: I am not done yet, but I must stop because we might miss the fish feeding in Enchanted River. And yes, we did miss it.
The Worst Photo
I had one photo in mind, but I AM NOT GONNA SHARE IT HERE. That was worst, funny, and embarrassing. All in one.
So I chose this as my worst photo because I gained weight and we had a photoshoot in our dance group. We had this annually, every summer dance workshop. And unfortunately, I took the courage to join the photoshoot knowing I'd been inactive to dancing for months, resulting in a chunky Caryl.
Plus, the corset I was wearing bulged that I look like a pregnant woman. So yeah, not the best photoshoot for me.
A Selfie/Groufie
This sounds cocky or what, but I look so pretty here. Hahahahahaha! My friends would be shocked or laughed if they read this or hear me saying this because I don't see myself as pretty. I usually say I'm pretty in a most sarcastic way, but not in this photo. I'm just a gal with a normal face, so thank you, Snow filter. *chef kiss*
But anyway, this was taken on February 14, 2020, when the girl at the back had her heartbroken experience. We rented a condo and had some fun. Thankfully, she had a good time at that moment and was able to forget somehow the pain.
The Best Photo
I considered this as my best photo because I joined a photography contest in one of the blogging sites I joined and guess what, I won. I didn't see that coming because I only joined for fun.
The bokeh is not the best; the details are not that sharp, but it makes me proud of myself already. I was using my Huawei P10 and did some editing on Snapseed.
A Photo of Food You Want to Eat Again
This looks like shawarma or a burrito, but this one is a pizza. It's a Madcow pizza from Pizzarella, Iligan City. In my two previous jobs, I was working in my alma matter, which is just a few-minute walk to the store. We had this only girl supervisor who likes to initiate things, especially in the food department. I remember she would say, "Sir Dan, we're going to buy food. How much is your contribution?". Mind you, she was talking to our chief. Hahaha
If there's a birthday, this pizza is always present. Sad to say, they officially closed their store. I was hoping to eat this when I went back home last Christmas, December 2021.
A Place You Have Been That You Want to Visit Again
It was hard to choose only one. My traveler-adventurous soul has been deprived for years already because of the pandemic, and I want to go back to all the places I've been to, like Sohoton, Siargao, Bohol, Samal, etc.
But when I saw this photo, as I was scrolling on my gallery, I've made up my mind that the first in line should be Siquijor. Siquijor is such a beauty, and I've been there three times already. I would love to jump to the Salagdoong cliff board, both in 24 ft and 36 ft. And, I want to dare myself not to wear a life vest.
A Photo of Someone You Admire
My classmate, my review mate, my dance coach, and a very good friend. This photo was taken during the review. We shared the same room for more than two weeks so we can lessen our expenses. Ahh, it feels good to know that there are still guys left who know and understand the word respect.
Even when we rarely communicate with each other, if I'm feeling down, I know that I have someone, aside from my boyfriend, whom I can lean on. He inspires me in so many ways, most especially in dancing. He is so passionate about it, and I am so happy and proud of his achievements both in his career and in dancing.
While typing this, I am giggling. In our studies, I always scold him. In dancing, he always scolds me.
Beach/Resort/Getaway Photo
That's me who's about to jump in Magpupungko Rock Pools and Flats, Siargao. This was the time my skin looked like a skin of a roasted pig.
I had a Siargao-Sohoton trip, in June 2019, with my colleagues a month before the project ended. Less than two months after the trip, my classmates in high school envied my trip there, so they decided that we should hold our annual reunion in Siargao and Sohoton, instead of in Cebu City.
Funniest Photo
One of the funniest photos I have - a photo of one of my doggos. Thank goodness, she is a dog because if she is a human, she will surely be a member of akyat bahay gang.
She's my adopted dog, Dapyang. We thought that she is well-behaved but little did we know, she's a very, very hyper dog. We always put her on a leash because if we don't, she will keep on climbing and wounding herself. Even our high front gate, she can still climb and jump from it.
In the photo, I almost had a heart attack when I saw her up there. She didn't bark nor howl; she just stayed there, as if she was chilling. At that time, Papa was out, and the only tall person left was me, and I still couldn't grab her. We had to pile the chairs because it's really high.
The Most Memorable Photo
Because of blogging, I was able to attend One Ok Rock Ambitions Tour in SM MoA. And I even treated my sister to go with me at that time. From Lanao del Norte, my sister and I flew there just to see and attend the concert of our favorite Japanese band.
I missed their first concert in Manila that I told myself, next time I'll attend and buy the cheapest ticket just to see them perform live. I didn't expect I was able to purchase two VIP tickets.
So every time I see this photo, it reminds me of the months of sleepless nights to write two blogs every day, given that I have a full-time job, and I need to travel from home to the university for at least an hour and vice versa. Hard work truly pays off.
When I took this picture, I was in tears. I was beyond happy. It's so nostalgic.
I enjoyed this gallery raid. I somehow think I overshare again. But this challenge had me reminisce about the wonderful moments I experienced and remember the people I've been with. Also, I remember Jean @MomentswithMatti once commented this on one of my photos on **APPICS**: `Photo freezes time`. And I couldn't agree more!
So that's it. https://read.cash/@Momentswithmatti/appics-account-creation-guide-cbd8ab3c
If you guys want to join, check **Prompt: Gallery Raid** by @meitanteikudo . https://read.cash/@meitanteikudo/prompt-gallery-raid-a4b23a0d
Also, I am inviting @Momentswithmatti and @Bloghound to join the fun.
You can find me here: Noise • Hive • Steemit • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
A Few Things to Get to Know Me
I've been seeing many '***10 Things***' stuff/challenge on Instagram and I love to see my friends on IG sharing theirs. But, it never cross to my mind to participate in such. However, I asked myself, *why shouldn't I give it a try? And just join the bandwagon and have fun, right?* Although, I replied affirmative, but still, I can't picture myself sharing it on my Instagram stories. So I decided to write it here. Instead of sharing only one, I'll share three.
Now, this boils down to:
I don't want my friends (except the besties and the closest friends) to know me;
But it's okay if my crypto friends (aspiring friends, too) to get to know me.
Isn't it weird? Or maybe, I really want to partake in this trend, but my ninja self (likes to view and lurk around only) hinders and deceives me, thinking I don't want it. Then, I remember the irony of the poetry book I read last year, "**The Poet X**" by ***Elizabeth Acevedo***:
*Xiomara doesn't want to be seen but wants to be heard.*
Anyway, I feel like I also need to do this as a way of re-introducing myself to the community. I've been a Snorlax for seven long months, and before I had my beauty sleep on Read, I didn't have the time to roam around as I usually do to the other sites. I didn't have the audience, nor did I become the audience. But this time, I definitely will be more active here: **post and read more blogs**.
Shall we begin? But instead of ten, let's make it to five.
**A Few Things to Get to Know Me**
Books
**Harry Potter Series** by *J.K. Rowling*
**The Poet X** by *Elizabeth Acevedo*
**Everyday** by *David Levithan*
**The Giver** **Series** by *Lois Lowry*
**The Killing Game** by *Iris Johansen*
*I became a poetry lover because of the magazine under the English subject from grade school to high school. Then I became a crime and mystery reader and slowly learn to love fantasy, then lastly, romance. Yup, romance...thanks to Wattpad. (Certified Wattpad Tita here!)*
Anime
**One Piece** - *Law and Luffy*
**Jujutsu Kaisen** - *Gojo, Megumi, and Inumaki*
**Assassination Classroom** - *Koro-sensei and Karma*
**Donten ni Warau** - *Tenka and Kinjo*
**Fushigi Yuugi** - *Tamahome and Nakago*
*As for anime, I love action-packed anime with some badass characters. I always fangirl to the above-mentioned characters because they are:*
*good looking,*
*badass as stated,*
*and lastly, cool and funny.*
Drinks
**Matcha**
**Coffee float of McDo**
**Green apple yogurt drink**
**Water**
**Tequila**
As much as I need water in my life, I can't deny the fact that Matcha is probably the love of my life. I am surrounded by people who love coffee, and the only coffee my system thinks is okay is the coffee float of McDo. So whenever I go to a coffee shop with friends, I always look for Matcha. Also, I rarely drink. But if I have no choice, like a company party, I'd rather drink a bottle of tequila than a grande of Red Horse drink.
So that's it!
How about you? Do we have things in common? I love to read your '*five things*', too.
You can find me here: Noise.cash • Hive • Steemit • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
Book Review: milk and honey by Rupi Kaur
**milk and honey** is a debut poetry book, self-published by Rupi Kaur during her college days. This book is a collection of poetry and prose, split into four chapters: *the* ***hurting***, *the* ***loving***, *the* ***breaking***, and *the* ***healing***. Kaur gathers inspiration from her life experiences to write this book, hence this poetry collection is easy to read and relatable to some if not all.
Now this book talks about a woman who is genuinely in love but experiences abuse and despair immensely. Her life was full of blues and greys until she learned how to love herself first.
**The Hurting**: This part reveals the relationship of Kaur with her mother and father. Also, it talks about the sexual abuse and trauma she experienced.
**The Loving**: It's about falling in love and being happy with her partner. Kaur was floating with happiness in this part.
**The Breaking**: Kaur was madly in love. But when their relationship starts getting dimmer, it then led to a breakup.
**The Healing**: Despite the trauma and the heartache, Kaur is strong enough to let go of all the mishaps in her life.
MY THOUGHTS
I'm a lover of poetry, so I read this book without reading the synopsis. When I started reading it, my nose kept on wrinkling. I thought *milk and honey* is all about sex and abuse. But I was wrong - completely wrong. I was indeed guilty of misjudgment without reaching 30% of the book. As mentioned, *the* ***hurting*** section talks about sexual abuse, and I was in that section. I posted it on my Instagram story about my initial judgment about the book, and a college classmate, a bookworm, replied that it's not about sex. She added that I should keep on reading. Fortunate enough that I listened. I was very wrong to judge it right away.
The poem and prose are easy to read but are still warm, piercing, and heartfelt. Some of them are supplemented with illustrations that heighten the message of those short prose and/or poetry.
*i am water*
*soft enough*
*to offer life*
*tough enough*
*to drown it away*
I am not particular with the rhythm, meter, or rhyme but rather about the message the poem wants to convey. Although I can't deny the fact that those aforementioned are the spices that can heighten my interest in the poem. But, 'milk and honey' is something else. I've said it already and will still say that it is easy to read and relatable, but Kaur was able to write it that can still get hold of its reader with its rawness and emotions.
*if you were born with*
*the weakness to fall*
*you were born with*
*the strength to rise*
***The hurting*** may not be relatable to some, but as the chapter goes, it became more relatable and emotional. The metaphors are a stunner. From being trapped to a cocoon to a flying beautiful butterfly, it tells the readers how we should rise again despite all the struggles life has thrown. This book may be under the wing of feminism but, this applies to all gender. Everyone experiences misfortune and struggles before happiness and joy happen. As I've said, it's raw and relatable.
*and here you are living*
*despite it all*
OVERALL
At first, I mentioned that I did not enjoy it without even realizing that the first section plays an important role in the totality of the book. I highly recommend this if you want to read something that is a mixture of heavy and light.
Now, if you want to read this one, don't be too stiff. Allow yourself to be vulnerable as you delve into the feelings and emotions of Rupi Kaur. But to someone who is not into modern contemporary poetry and is particular with stress, rhyme, and rhythm of traditional poetry, then this book might not be for you.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
Goodreads Synopsis https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23513349-milk-and-honey
Review on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2638987654?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
You can find me here: Noise.cash • Hive • Steemit • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
Modern Calligraphy Workshop Using Dip-Pen
In my elementary days, I remember that I got furious when my answer was marked as wrong because my teacher misread my letter C to letter E. I was still learning cursive at that time, and I wrote it in a fancy way. Of course, I defended that it was letter C and was reprimanded to write in a normal way.
I didn't know at that time that what I was doing is already Hand Lettering and Faux Calligraphy. I just know I wanted to write beautifully. It was in the year 2017, that I saw @Momentswithmatti calligraphy and lettering in one of the blogging platforms that I joined. I was mesmerized by how it was written and arranged beautifully. Also at that time, I bumped into a Lettering Challenge held by @crimsonowlkk on the same platform. I joined and enjoyed the said challenge.
I got curious, so I researched on the internet and tried to copy the words. I never learn how to do it the right way, and with that, I decided to enroll in a Calligraphy workshop. Fortunately, I found one in Iligan City. Unfortunately, it was already done two days ago. I left a comment saying I missed the workshop. It was a good decision that I commented on the post since the calligrapher replied that she will be conducting a year-end calligraphy workshop in December.
Calligraphy
Calligraphy is derived from a combination of the Greek word: 'Calli' or 'Kallos' meaning 'beauty' and 'graph' or 'graphien' meaning to write. When combined, it means beautiful writing. It is the art of beautiful handwriting. [*Source*] https://www.britannica.com/art/calligraphy
Traditional and Modern Calligraphy
Calligraphy is not about how good your penmanship is. Calligraphy follows strokes in forming different letters. Traditional calligraphy scripts have their own specific and structured strokes. Examples of these are Copperplate and Spencerian Script. While on the other hand, Moden Calligraphy does not follow any structural strokes or rules. You can have your own style and techniques in modern calligraphy. Hence, you have the freedom to do it in your own way, but somehow follow some basic strokes or rules in calligraphy.
Brush Pen and Dip-Pen Calligraphy
Pressure is one of the factors you need to keep in mind when doing calligraphy. Brush Pen Calligraphy uses a brush wherein it acts as the flexible nib that allows you to create thick and thin strokes. The pressure that you apply will vary on what strokes will be written. People mostly in China, Korea, and Japan use a brush to write, as what we mostly see in Chinese and Korean drama and Anime.
While Dip-Pen Calligraphy, sometimes called Pointed Pen, uses a nib that is attached to a nib holder. Then dip the nib to ink that would hold and control the flow of the ink as you write the letters. As mentioned, the stroke will depend on the pressure you exert on your hand.
Now, compared to brush pen, dip-pen calligraphy gives you elegant and beautiful words. And I like dip-pen more, even though it's harder than brush pen.
The Workshop
I remember I messaged Jean @Momentswithmatti and asked her what should I enroll in? Brush Pen or Dip-Pen? She replied it was best to enroll dip-pen, and as obedient as I am, I followed what the expert told me.
With thorough research, I found Write with Passion Facebook account. It was a one-on-one workshop. Even though I only enrolled in dip-pen calligraphy, Charlette (the calligrapher) was kind enough to teach me also how to use a brush pen. https://www.instagram.com/writewithpassion_/
Learning the Basic
The workshop started with the introduction of calligraphy, samples, and tools. I was asked if I am right-handed or left-handed, how do I hold a pen, and then, she asked me to write anything in a normal cursive way.
Since I am a beginner, I started using the pencil for the drills. This will help me to practice writing lightly and to familiarize the basic movements of the arm and wrist in writing the basic strokes. It was quite difficult for me since I don't write lightly most of the time. Yes, I can write lightly, but not all the time.
Materials Needed
**Nib** - For beginners, it is highly recommended to use the G nibs like Nikko G, Zebra G, and Tachikawa G. Charlette brought Nikko G for me to use.
**Penholder** - There are two kinds of penholders: Straight and Oblique. For me, the Oblique is way more convenient than the straight penholder.
**Ink** - The ink is where you dip your nib. It's hard to control the ink, especially the thickness of the letter. But as I go on, I can now familiarize how dip-pen works.
**Paper** - Paper is important in Calligraphy. It should be thick enough that the ink will not blot and smudge and smooth enough for the nib not to acquire fibers from the paper.
It's a Wrap
Even though the workshop didn't even last up to four hours, but still I learned a lot. I was able to write my name on the paper provided by Charlette.
Now, let me show you some of my artworks in the calligraphy department.
I haven't mastered it yet, but I'm proud enough to say I evolve like a Pokemon. I'm planning to write the quotes or verses in a compressed and flourished manner since it looks aesthetic. Unfortunately, I have failed to do so in my shared artwork. But I will surely get there. Also, it would be great if I could write my poems and paint something on them. Not now, but soon.
And I guess that would be all. See you in my next post! :)
✍️ K E E N E E K
Book Review: Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
***Trigger Warning****: Murder, Violence, Child Abuse, Trauma, Drugs*
Overview
The straight-A student teenage heroine from Connecticut High School, Pippa Fitz-Amobi, is back with her detective skills. Since the maze is solved, Pippa decided to have her own podcast, named Good Girl's Guide to Murder Podcast to share her journey on how she solved the case and also the ongoing court trials.
After what she'd been through with the investigation of Andie Bell's murder case, she promised to her family not to take part in any investigation and play as a detective in their small town again. Her podcast should be enough for the updates. However, a test of limits is bound to happen when a family friend sought her help to find Jamie, her friend Connor's brother. The family reported it already to the police, but the police considered it as a runaway case, common for the teenager.
Pippa valued her promise to her parents, so she declined. She is an obsessive and an avid marcher to danger, hence partaking in another detective stunt will surely bring danger to herself and her loved ones. Instead, even though Connor's mother already told Pippa that the police turned a blind eye, she still went to the police. Pippa persuaded the police she knew but ended up neglecting the plea. And it was the triggered point.
Thoughts
The previous book is all about investigating a murder case that happened five years ago, but this time, it's about a missing person. Life is at stake — a more dangerous game. Pippa decided to break her promise and with the help of her podcast, she gained some suggestions and theories. She even had volunteers in searching for any evidence or a body.
In my previous review of Book 1, I mentioned that Pip's character development is not that great. I was extremely annoyed by her decision-making; however, in this book, it's the opposite. She had a real character development which I loved the most. She's a major risk-taker, and every action has been carefully analyzed. https://read.cash/@keeneek/book-review-a-good-girls-guide-to-murder-by-holly-jackson-95986c83
Next to it was another not highlighted nor rushed romantic relationship with Ravi. Regardless, it bloomed. Despite the minimal appearance of Ravi because he's busy attending to the trial, Ravi was very supportive and understanding to Pip. Every appearance had an impact on Pippa. But again, there was no major cheesy-ness, and that's a two thumbs up for me. (**Disclaimer**: *I love Romance Novel, too. Just saying.*)
Further, this book has some thought-provoking conversations. There's a part where it mentioned that justice exists, but it is always unguaranteed in police stations or courtrooms. In that manner, you have to make a move to acquire the justice you think you deserve. That's two cents for the reader. And there are more provocative conversations in the story. Food for your thoughts.
'*Who needs CCTV when you have Snapchat stories.*'
At first, I laughed. The power of Social Media, eh? Later on, it felt like Holly Jackson had an indirect commentary on the use of social media with its good and bad impacts depending on the purpose. Very relatable.
Overall
Another highly recommended book for you. This can be a standalone book, but I would really suggest reading book 1 first: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. https://read.cash/@keeneek/book-review-a-good-girls-guide-to-murder-by-holly-jackson-95986c83
This book is steady in the beginning and starts to become a page-turner. I guessed the suspect correctly, but there are more shocking revelations that still heightened my hype on this book. Holly Jackson carefully planned the storyline from the very beginning. Reading book two had me the 'Now it makes sense' thing.
Also, I was positive I wouldn't shed any tears, but I just did. The ending was sad and unbelievably unfair. After the horrifying event, Pippa will never be the same. Just like my previous review, it's like a sine wave of character development. I'm excited about how she will move forward and overcome herself. And I can't wait for the release of Book 3: As Good As Dead. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52814139-as-good-as-dead
As I've mentioned beforehand, read A Good Girl's Guide to Murder first before you hop into Good Girl, Bad Blood.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Goodreads Synopsis https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51335759-good-girl-bad-blood
Review on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3402020747?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
**K E E N E E K**
Book Review: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
***Trigger Warning****: Murder, Rape, Drugs, Animal Abuse*
Overview
**A Good Girl's Guide To Murder** is about the 17-year-old straight-A student from Connecticut High School, Pippa Fitz-Amobi, who decided to investigate a murder that happened five years ago for her senior capstone project. The murder case is about a pretty and popular girl from the same school named Andie Bell who was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh. Sal killed himself leaving a suicide note that he killed Andie and with the overwhelming guilt, he deserved to die, too.
Pip had known Sal since she was a kid and been consistently kind to her. That alone heightened Pip's curiosity in investigating this closed case. But the people living in their small town believed what had been investigated. Everyone believed Sal killed Andie. However, she was in doubt with the original investigation that there has been more than what the authority and media had investigated and published. Andie's body was never recovered, and the only evidence that the police had was Sal's confession sent before he committed suicide.
*Is it really Sal who killed Andie?*
*Could the kind Sal she knew when she was a little do that horrendous act?*
*Did Sal really kill himself? Or was he framed?*
Too many questions have been bombarding Pip's mind. She had been warned that it is a very sensitive topic and could lead to widening more of a not-yet-healed wound. Pip and her teacher had an agreement, and from that moment, Pip knew she only gave her the answer that she wanted to hear.
From a simple investigation with the intent to pass her capstone project and prove Sal's innocence, it became an obsession. She started with Sal's younger brother and eventually, teamed up with him to solve the murder case. She immersed herself in Andie Bell's life and gradually discovered a trail of dark secrets.
Thoughts
I had mixed emotions because of this book — anger, shock, second-hand embarrassment, sadness, and I even shed tears. I like how the romantic relationship was unhighlighted nor rushed. *Yes, a bit of a spoiler, right?* But I do have one issue in this book, not going to disclose it thoroughly, although if you have checked the trigger warning, you would probably guess it right.
Anyway, later on in the story, I was deeply annoyed by Pip on how impulsive she becomes. Her obsession was slowly devouring her that her brave detective stunt, later on, had a touch of stupidity. My heart was racing in every decision she makes. In this book, Pip's character development was not that great in my opinion. She's like a cosine wave that has a positive and negative peak. But one thing that I admire is that Pip is an overachiever and strong-willed teenager. Once she sets sight on something, she makes sure she will achieve it no matter what happens.
Moreover, every after a chapter, the book has the production log and transcript of the interview conducted by Pip. Sorting the three makes the flow of the book a pleasant one. It becomes more distinguishable and easy to understand, and reading it feels like I'm reading through the logbook of Pippa. The lengthy list of a person of interest had me predicting numerous times. It is well-constructed with plot twists.
On a Final Note
**A Good Girl's Guide to Murder** is a debut novel by **Holly Jackson**, and I highly recommend this if you love crime and mystery. I'm a lover of such genres, and this book is my 2020 boredom savior. Pippa's detective stunt stimulates my Detective Conan heart.
Rating: **⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐**
Goodreads Synopsis https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40916679-a-good-girl-s-guide-to-murder
Review on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3402019851?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
**K N E E L Y R A C**
A Reader on Read: Keeneek
Hello, Readers!
After several attempts, I'm finally here posting my introductory post on Read! Well, I've registered on Read.Cash for quite a while but didn't have the urge to write. I've been trying to tell myself I should start, but I kept on delaying it until the will to write flew away.
Hi, I'm Keeneek!
This is a bit odd for me since I go by the screenname '**KNEELYRAC**' in all the platforms that I joined. Even at Noise, my username is **Kneelyrac**. If you search here in Read.Cash, you will still find my username. However, I decided to drop it off since I want to use the affiliate link of Jean @momentswithmatti.
I had read one of Noiser's posts about Read.Cash (forgot his/her name). I researched it and then I just signed up. No affiliate link was used. A month later, Jean and I had a conversation on Messenger, and she told me that I should join Read and mentioned about the affiliate link. That's when I decided I should use my other email to sign up under Jean.
Kneelyrac is just my '*anagrammed*' name: Caryl Keen. Also, Keeneek is my *mirrored* nickname: Keen-Keen. But please, don't call me Keen-Keen, unless we are neighbors. Haha. Just call me Caryl. https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://read.cash/@Momentswithmatti
I'm **Caryl**, a twenty-something fur momma Filipina of doggos and a catto. As of the moment, I have six at home and three adopted in our eatery. I'm from Lanao del Norte, Philippines, but currently residing in Cebu City. I'm the eldest in the family with three siblings who share the same birthday but with different birth years. I'm the only Pisces (February 26) and they are all Taurus (April 21).
My work is not that fully loaded, but it has a sinusoidal of tasks. With that, I was able to get back to writing, reading, and painting during my vacant time. But most of the time, I just slack off and do nothing for the remaining hours of the day. I admit, my will has vanished since the day of the licensure exam postponement.
I decided to work first because of the review class expenses. I worked for more than three years on one of the projects in my Alma Matter, MSU-IIT, under the Department of Science and Technology. When the two projects ended, I decided it's time to grab the license. And just when I stopped working, the exam didn't push through. Until now, the exam date has still been tentative. I've been trying to pull myself and get back on track even if it is just in writing, painting/sketching, or reading.
Plans and Contents
I already set my mind that my content here in Read.Cash is about arts and books. Yes, I'm a Bibliophile and an Art Enthusiast. However, I'm an unpredictable couch potato by nature, so I decided to include some random content instead.
As an overview, aside from books and art, I love **Anime**, **Photography**, **Food**, and **Travel**. I also love **dogs**. Brain dumping could be a possible content. Anything under the sun that I feel like it's worth sharing. I could be random, but I still keep in mind the ***Quality Over Quantity*** I set for myself.
Art
I do love Art. To those people who know me personally, they know that. Until now, I'm torn between Art and Books: *Which is my True Love and Great Love*? Hence, I'm trying to use my right brain more often for the past few months. The last time that I was super active in this department was in high school, and that was ages ago.
Coloring is not my thing, but because of the pandemic, I garnered ample time to practice watercolor painting. Although it's unfortunate to say I haven't fully mastered this department, I'm proud that I evolve like a Pokemon.
Also, I am into Calligraphy. I dream of writing all my poems in dip-pen calligraphy, paint or draw something on it, and then bind it. I am targeting a vintage vibe for this. This has been one of my dreams since 2017, and hopefully, I will be able to write more poems, again.
Books
I have created a chamber on Noise (BookReview) so I can post my reviews there on the books that I've read. I also have a Goodreads account, and most of the time, I only give the book a rating. No major reviews were added, except for some generic words with the typical adjectives to spice it up. https://noise.cash/n/bookreview https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl-keen
Mystery, crime fiction, and poetry are my favorite genres. I also love fantasy and WWII-related books. But any genre will do as long as it picks my interest. Aside from this, I also love audiobooks. One example is **The Poet X** by **Elizabeth Acevedo** where the author herself reads her book.
I have a lazy ass so listening to audiobooks when doing chores is a savior and a great companion in those tiring times. My apartment and my dirty clothes should give thanks to the audiobooks.
On a Final Thought
I don't know if I could stick to my initial plan for my Read profile, especially when the review class will start. But I do know I'm excited to share some of my artworks and book reviews with you.
*I guess that would be all for my introduction. See you on my next blog.*
@keeneek
