Member Reviews

I have no words that can adequately describe my feelings. That she put her story out there in the form of a fictional character was mind-blowing and beautiful. To go from having no idea what Sophie was going through, to reading this completely vulnerable book was such an honor. I can't wait for others to dive in and get lost in this sweet and powerful novella.

Sophie, your strength is so evident and awe-inspiring. I'm so grateful that you are not only thriving, but that you bravely put this out into the world. This sweet glimpse into your life is one that I will remember always.

Thank you also, to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC of this beautiful story.

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I was in grade eight the first time I picked up a @sophiekinsellawriter book. It was The Undomestic Goddess and I remember getting in a tiny bit of trouble for laughing out loud when I was reading it in science class. She has been a favourite of mine ever since. This is the second book of hers I have been able to review. To say it’s both an honour and a privilege is an understatement.
This is a fictionalized autobiographical piece, about a best selling author who’s life is forever altered by incurable brain cancer. This is the story of her recovery from surgery, her connections with her husband and children, and facing her diagnosis. This book is unlike any of her other works and unlike any other book I have read. She has laid her heart and her life out for her readers. October 8 2024 this one will be available for purchase. An immense thank you to @thedialpress and @netgalley for letting me review #whatdoesitfeellike
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. What Does It Feel Like by Sophie Kinsella. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this advanced reader copy. This very short novel brings us on the emotional journey of a super successful young author and mother of five as she grapples with a horrible diagnosis. Eve goes from walking the red carpet at a movie premiere to awakening in the hospital with an unreliable memory and bandages wrapped around her head. Her loving husband stays with her constantly and slowly Eve embraces her new normal. Life has slowed down a lot, and maybe that in itself is a gift. Apparently, Sophie Kinsella (author of the Shopaholic series) herself had a tough health battle and this book is semi-autobiographical. Quick read! Thumbs up! #books #bookstagram #reading #sophiekinsella #whatiread #bookgram #netgalley #shopaholic #bookworm #goodreads #libbyapp #whatsinyourbeachbag

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The reason I initially became interested in the book was because I am a major fan of Sophie Kinsella. I've read a lot of her books, and unlike the others, this one is not your normal romantic comedy.

Through the fictional character of Eve and her journey with cancer, Sophie writes this book in a way that is somewhat autobiographical. I find the idea of writing a fictional autobiography fascinating, and I was moved by the author's own upbeat and uplifting view on life. This provided the author with a comfortable means of telling her narrative to the public.

Due to Kinsella's firsthand experience with glioblastoma surgery, the information in this short story is extremely insightful. There are a lot of depressing and happy moments in this novel. This book has parts that will make you want to laugh out loud and others that will make you want to wipe tears from your eyes.

This was a brief yet strong book that is well worth reading, especially for Sophie fans.

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Welp. I cried the entire time. But it was beautiful and I'm glad I read it. I can't imagine the bravery it took to write this.

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This was a beautiful novella. I've read all of Sophie Kinsella's books - she's the one author who's an auto-buy for me. I was very saddened to hear about her cancer diagnosis. I really appreciated learning Eve/Sophie's story and gaining insight as to what life has been like for her, both before and after the diagnosis, and all of the complex feelings that go along with it. It was an honor to be able to read this story.

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I was not aware prior to reading the author’s note that the story was about Sophie. This was such a touching story on the steps and struggles one goes through when battling cancer.

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An absolute must-read for everyone who has ever read and loved a book by Sophie Kinsella. Apparently it is based on the author's real life experience of having a brain tumor, then going through the long and difficult process of rehabilitation (learning to talk and walk again, for example) and facing what is almost certainly a grim future prognosis. All that makes it sound like a dark and sad book, but it's not -- it is full of humor, uplifting, engaging and inspiring. Sophie Kinsella will please her loyal readers, and with this heartfelt, honest book, she will surely gain many, many more.

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What does it feel like? is a short story, based on Sophie Kinsella's own life, who was recently diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of agressive brain cancer.

This is unlike any of her Shopaholic series, as it's tightly based on her own experiences, but in this case the main character Eve writes novels called Big Spender, also has five kids and a loving husband, and is fighting for her life in every sense of the word.

A short, but sweet novel about life and living as if literally, everyday is your last. Do wish it was a bit longer, but the point gets across.

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Knowing what the author has gone through in the past few years, makes this book very real and special. I loved the quick views into her life. I was confused at some parts and then realized this is what it is/was like for her. I wish her well and hope she gets everything she dreams of.

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This book is very different from her other novels and I really enjoyed reading because it gave readers a glimpse into what her life has been like since Kinsella’s cancer diagnosis. This autobiographical novella does have names and some events changed to make it more fictionalized. It was clear while reading that it was still a deeply personal story. The chapters were creative snippets of what life looks like dealing with cancer which made the book more beautiful, heartbreaking, humorous and raw. For example, one chapter is all the kind emails Eve receives from friends while another is a one-sided conservation about how she doesn’t need a carer. This was a touching book and there were many moments while reading that I teared up. Kinsella stills manages even with a heavy topic to write with her trademark humor and heart. I hope to read more books from her in the future.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for ARC!

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Thanks to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for a free advanced copy of this ebook to review. All opinions are my own.

What Does it Feel Like is heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. It's a quick read, but impactful.

Hearing part of the story behind the book only added to it.

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Rating and reviewing this book is challenging. This is a beautiful and devastating quick read. A deep dive into the real life of the author, it is told through the lens of fictional author Eve as she navigates the diagnosis and treatment of stage four glioblastoma.

Sophie tells this story in a light-hearted way with as much of a happy ending as possible when the prognosis is terminal. I found myself close to tears several times as this hits close to home with a friend currently battling glioblastoma and the loss of my brother to cancer 9 years ago. Seeing what cancer, and particularly glioblastoma, does to the patient and the family, the positivity in this book is magical and needed. I hope others battling cancer or helping loved ones in their fight can find hope and glean this positivity in their own journeys through this story.

Thank you to Sophie Kinsella for her vulnerability in sharing her real-life, incredibly difficult journey with us, even through the fictional Eve and her family. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Oh my gosh, I was SO excited to get chosen to read a book written by Sophie Kinsella! I have been a huge fan for a long time so this was a dream come true! From the minute I started reading I could immediately tell despite not really knowing what the book was about, that this was based on the author's real life. The story kept me hooked and broke my heart over and over again. I appreciate her sharing her story in fictional form. It was an emotional journey to go on as a reader and I am so so sorry that this happened to her and her family! Great book!

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This was completely different then any Sophie Kinsella novel I’ve read. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC. The main character, Eve, receives a life changing diagnosis and the story of how she and her family rally is heartwarming, touching, and has you rooting for her. It was a touching book and I thank the author for giving us insight into her life.

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What Does It Feel Like - Sophie Kinsella

Novelist Eve wake up on day with no memory of how she got there. She is diagnosed with stage 4 brain tumor and works hard to regain control of her life and body. The story is inspiring and brave. I enjoyed this short story.

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Such an honest and heart wrenching story of what the author has been going through. I liked the format of this novella and as a nurse I really appreciated reading a patient's perspective of the experience. 5 stars!

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This is a very touching book. The author really laid it all out, feelings and fear showing in the wake of a brain tumor. This memoir is quite emotional in its honesty. I admire this author even more after this book and I want to thank her for sharing. Sending prayers for her and her family. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary ARC. This opinion is all my own.

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To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this book. To say that I was moved is an understatement. This book is a very personal story about Sophie Kinsella. I like the style in which is was written. The only spoiler I will mention is that I was crying throughout the book and rooting for the “main character”.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, The Dial Press, and mostly to Sophie Kinsella for inviting us into her life. We are all out here rooting for you!

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I read this in like 2 hours! Sophie does it again! And I guess this was even more honest, raw and beautiful than ever before because it reflected what she’s going through. I’m glad she gave Eve a happy ending. And I pray Sophie gets hers. She’s brought so much joy into our lives over the years and I hope her good luck never runs out. God bless you and your family, Sophie.

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