Hi, I’m Kristel. Welcome to my blog.
The Bad Bread chronicles this 30-something’s journey to finding the meaning of life through literature, philosophy, psychology, and music. As a student of human purpose and happiness, I’m a staunch believer in learning through reading, research, and reflection. This blog serves as a curated list of everything I’ve learned and everything I’m still discovering.
Now, I am aware that this type of journey is a lifelong one, and if you want, this can be a journey that we undertake together.
So, dear friend, welcome to my page. Come for the article, stay for the conversation.
A Bit of a Backstory
When I started this blog in 2012, I did so in the confines of a hospital room watching over my father who was battling Multiple Myeloma. His doctor had just informed us that we needed to prepare for the worst. So, I did just that–and I did it the only way I knew how to. I turned to literature for comfort and guidance.
Around this time, I was also struggling with my Quarter-Life Crisis. I had just opted out of the corporate race in hopes of building a career as a freelance writer and novelist. But as I soon learned, life has a way of pulling the rug from under your feet–especially when you think you’ve got it all figured out. So, at 27, I found myself jobless, terrified for my father, and feeling adrift and alone with only literature to help buoy me up and out of my personal hell. But the best thing about life is its inevitable upswing. To quote the songwriter, Buddy Buie:
“Rock bottom is good solid ground, and a dead end street is just a place to turn around.”
Almost eight years later and my dad is okay—still not 100 percent, but getting there. The same goes for me. The Bad Bread may have started out as a lifeline, but it’s become a boon companion, hopefully for life.
The Quarter-Life Experiment 
I have nominated you for The Wonderful Team Membership Award 🙂
Wow! 😀 Thank you so much Clair! That means a lot. 🙂 You know you’re getting this back, right?
Well just by the words she share in describing the books you review, you are more than just a mass of nothing! I really do not read a lot of books anymore but your reviews entice me to all because you show that you really care about what you do. It is a very good heart, that takes the time in detail to share what they love to do, making it interesting and enjoyable. Your words inspire me always. But what I admire about you the most is you are genuine! That makes what you share in your posts a must to read…because it actually is joyful to partake in! I will embrace your review everytime you post. I have read a few, but a while back, but i will look at reading them again. Thanks for being treasure you are… much love always and God bless!
Nice book reviews, Kristel. Very deeply thought through and illuminating–wow!
Thank you. 🙂 I’m glad you like them. 🙂
Hi Kristel 🙂
My name is Shaun and I’m an author, just wondering if you would consider reviewing my book in exchange for a free ebook copy?
Here is a link to my fantasy novel (Ewan Pendle and the White Wraith) on amazon, so you can have a look and decide if it may or may not be something you would be interested in reading – http://amzn.eu/6FjYTA3
Thanks for taking the time to consider my enquiry, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Shaun
Hi Shaun, apologies for the late reply. Went on a mini internet sabbatical. 🙂 I’d love to take a look at your books. It might take a while to finish the reviews but if you’d like, I can email you once I’m done with them. Currently in the middle of Carl Sagan’s Billions and Billions. 🙂
No problem 🙂 Just let me know what format eBook you’d like, and an address to send it to, and it’s yours.
Shaun
Hi Shaun,
pdf works. Anything that can be read using moon+ reader or play books should also be good. 🙂
You can email it to me at: an.obliteration@gmail.com 🙂
Looking forward to reading and reviewing your book.