The Recorded History of a Girl

by Celine Lopez

Imagine a life unraveled through a series of letters.

That is exactly how one can live vicariously through R’s fabulous but mostly dramatic life. The heroine of the novel The Recorded History of a Girl is both mysterious and open as she shares her thoughts to the many people she meets along the way. Set against the backdrop of some of the world’s most glamorous cities and islands, R finds herself exploring the nuanced meanings of love, friendship, motherhood, bourgeois guilt and everything else that happens in between.

There is a letter for everyone in this book. It is both hilarious, sarcastic, but most of all it is at once touching and genial. Enter R’s world and see how a pen and paper can do to create a lifetime.

Author:

Celine R. Lopez is a columnist for The Philippine Star. A former fashion editor and creative director of the paper’s Ystyle design section, she has now moved on to producing movies for European production houses. Her first film Metro Manila won the Sundance award for World Cinema Audience Award for Dramatic Film. She is currently working on her second film. She is also the head designer for the jewelry line Fah/Lux.

She splits her time between Manila, London and California. She lives with her two dogs, Milo and Caligula. Her first book From Coffee to Cocktails was nominated for the National Book Awards for essays.

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2013

Reviews

[Krista Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admire Celine’s writing style because it is clear, witty, and doesn’t have the clunky feel of transliteration that some Filipino writers have when writing in English (I apologize). But I sincerely wish that there was more to the tale than a fine form.

[Josh Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the writing style of the author. Honestly, I bought this because of the gorgeous book cover and it was my first time reading this kind of genre.

I will miss R. She was like a friend who shared me these letters and allowed me to know her soul. I think she kept on searching the love she once received from Bo. It saddens me that she and Scott did not have the chance to reconcile.

[Joyce Suficiencia · Rating 5 out of 5]

i kinda rooted for this book even before it came out and before having even read it. been an avid follower of the author's column for years, so i feel like i know her, her struggles and fears and joy and basically the things that make her an interesting human being. She's a generous writer like that, sharing these intimate things about herself knowing probably that it makes her an open target to people who judge and love to hate.

but it is what makes her relatable as a writer. she gives a voice to my own fears, insecurities and vulnerabilities, even when we don't share a common backstory and social status.

she was for a long time a sad girl, but she has bounced back big time. i know this of course only from what she writes and tells interviewers. By bounced back i mean less about her new film and book but more about her newfound life perspective and self love. she has embraced happiness, and i feel like this tiny victory is mine as well. i like her more this way.

so even before i read the book i have already decided that i love it.

i got the book the moment it was up on amazon. i wouldn't have minded paying for it, but it came free (told you she's generous)

what can i say? i missed R already right after i clicked 5 stars on my kindle. I enjoyed reading R's letters. Even shed a few bittersweet tears over some of them, particularly those to her kids. I love the adult that she has become, the wisdom and insights she shared.

she had an authentic voice. she sounded natural, and not pretentious at all. there were no cringe parts. really. i savored her every sentence.

R felt so real, and that's the thing that makes this book a clear winner.

[Holly Goes · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Picked up the book for these reasons: Celine Lopez, "R", and the always-evolving woman artwork
- As an avid fan of memoirs (but this is masked as a novel), I enjoyed it thoroughly.
- Favorite parts: pages 75 and 76, The Younger Man
- This book makes me: more inspired to write and publish my poetry; appreciate Celine Lopez like I would for a big sister; embrace my emotional soul.

[Crae Achacoso · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 stars

This book is filled with wisdom and soul. There were times when I highlighted whole CHAPTERS. Choice of words and construction, check check. I rarely reread books but this will be on my to-reread list.

[Tessa]

It was a good read since it gave me a peek on what a jet setting life can give. Loved the letters for David, Scott, Charles, Math Teacher and Andrew.

[Kc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letter to her son made me shed tears. Good job idol.

[Coleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting read! I enjoyed it.