I have loved Sophie Kinsella since first reading the shopaholic series many years ago. Her characters are always fun and quirky and I just love a happy ending and her endings never dissapoint. Her new novella "What Does it Feel Like?" is much different from her past books. In it she shares her real life story of being diagnosed with an uncurable form of brain cancer through a fictional character in the book. Her optimism throughout her diagnosis and treatment is really amazing and I hope only the best for her. This was a short, fast read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes her work.

Sophie Kinsella wakes up to discovering she has had a large tumor, which turned out to be cancer, removed from her brain. She has lost some memory, and has to relearn so much, and she is a writer, so how she processes things is to write about it. This is her journey told by using fictional names, and all that she goes through.
I am thankful and grateful that Sophie Kinsella, told her story, because nowadays, it can be a reality that it could happen to anyone of us, and it feels to me, it is less scary now, because she shared her journey going through it.
I received an ARC from The Dial Press through NetGalley. Will I buy this book? Yes because I know the day will come that someone I know will be diagnosed, and I think it is a book that would help me and help someone else that is diagnosed. When things are bad, we try to find what gives us hope that keeps us going, and moving through it. To me, this book does that.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy!

I've loved Sophie Kinsella for years and this semi-autobiographical story was no exception. I enjoyed the vignette set up of this story and while times were sad, I felt hopeful by the end. This novella tells the story of a writer who wakes up in the hospital after having brain surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. Pretty intense right? Her husband and children provide some sweet moments to the story to balance the heavy diagnosis. I had no idea the author went through this experience and I feel like I need to read many of her books again now. A quick read but I definitely recommend!

I can't say enough wonderful things about this book. As someone who's read all of her romance/comedy books, this was such a heartbreaking and powerful change of pace. I made the mistake of starting this right before bed one night and was up until well after midnight in tears; it was THAT good that I couldn't finish it in any less than one sitting. It's a grave reminder that life is fragile and time is limited, and I appreciate Kinsella's bravery in sharing her story with all of us. Thank you SO much for the ARC!

Heartbreaking short-story/novella autobiographical/fiction book about an author battling brain cancer. Wow...what an amazing, emotional glimpse into what Sophie Kinsella (and her family) has been through over the past 2 years. I'm glad she shared her story - and I only wish the book was longer because I love her writing!!

This is very sad. Much, much sadder than I expected it to be. It's hardly a novel, really just a novelette, but it's extremely affecting while also being extremely readable, which is quite a feat.

5 stars. Sophie Kinsells packs so much raw emotion into a quick 144 pages. This novella was so different than any of Kinsella’s other novels, although it does seem to start out that way.

Eve, a well read author of a bestselling novel turned screenplay walks the red carpet and brushes elbow with celebrities. Next thing she remembers is waking in the hospital with grade four malignant tumor. The format of this novella reads like a private journal. The emotional thought process and stages of grief that come with a cancer diagnosis of an otherwise healthy wife and mom of five will have you counting your blessings.

Make sure not to skip the Author’s Note on this one. It connects the story to Kinsella on a personal level.

This was my first book by Sophie Kinsella. Wow. Just WOW. Don’t miss this one. From the Author’s Note, “What Does It Feel Like? Is fiction, but it is my most autobiographical work to date. Eve’s story is my story.” I highly recommend What Does It Feel Like?

I will definitely read additional Sophie Kinsella books. I already have one downloaded on my phone. It seems that starting with What Does It Feel Like? is the wrong place to start. My heart and love and prayers go out to Sophie Kinsella.

Many thanks to NetGalley, especially for yet once again, introducing me to a “new to me” author. Thank you to NetGalley and The Dial Press/publisher for approving my request to read the advance review copy of What Does It Feel Like? in exchange for an honest review.

144 pages
Publication date is Oct 8, 2024

Sophie Kinsella writes mostly an autobiography using fictional characters. These characters represent her family as they navigate her brain cancer diagnosis, surgery and post surgery.

This novella was devastating because you know it can happen to anyone at any time.

Well written, as all her books are, Kinsella gives us a very personal glimpse into her life.

5/5

Thank you so incredibly much for the opportunity to read What Does It Feel Like prior to publication… because… wow. I saw Sophie Kinsella’s name and knew it would be enjoyable, but this one hits different than her other (also wonderful) work. It’s short but immediately captivating. I read it in one sitting. It’s lyrical, devastating, and had me either tearing up or softly laughing within each chapter. And then to realize how closely based it is on Sophie’s life? No notes. All of the stars. I will post this to Goodreads and will absolutely be recommending this to my community.

This was a short novella and not at all what I was expecting from a Sophie Kinsella book. It was about her cancer diagnosis, but turned into fiction. It was written in snippets rather than a true chronological story. Overall the book was meaningful and I’m sure difficult to write and send out into the world. I just prefer happier books in general. Thanks to Random house and NetGalley for the ARC.

This unflinching, but optimistic novella packs a big emotional much as readers endure the experience of being diagnosed with a brain tumor along with the main character/author. It is such a beautiful and powerful story that anyone can learn from; but most importantly, it is a reflection of humanity at its finest. I loved this brave little book!

This autobiographical fiction breaks your heart and puts it back together with a lot of life lessons. I have been an avid reader of Sophie Kinsella’s books. I pick these happy, positive books in two situations- either when I am feeling low and need an escape or when I am on a vacation and want a light hearted read. She is the queen of happy endings. This autobiographical fiction of her talks about Eva who is going through a life threatening malignancy and her journey through it. It is thought provoking and kind and life affirming. Very different that all the other Kibsellas you have read however, won’t disappoint. Highly recommended!

Lovely story from Sophie Kinsella, short but sweet. A glimpse into life after an intense diagnosis, and how everything changes.

I love Sophie Kinsella. She has been a favourite of mine since my early teen years. Although this book is written much differently than her other books, it is the most raw and heartbreaking one yet. The story revolves around Eve, who is diagnosed with glioblastoma and needs to try and adjust to her new life. Written mostly in first person, it offers a vulnerable look into the mind of a person fighting cancer. I had tears streaming down my face more than once.
Kinsella opened up earlier this year that she was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in 2022, and she said most of Eve’s struggles were her own.

Heartbreaking, raw, and real. I absolutely LOVE Sophie Kinsella and this book has climbed quickly to the top of my favorites. Her personal story inspiring the fiction made it so raw and emotional, I cried more than once. Eve's story about dealing with a brain tumor and everything physically, emotionally, and mentally is a quick read, only because I could not bear to put it down. When authors write what they know, the story sings off the page, and this is no exception.

This is a really tough book to review. This book is fiction but heavily based off the author's life and her experience of being diagnosed and living with brain cancer. Initially, I found the writing style really difficult to read and found it quite difficult to connect with the main character, however, enjoyed it more as the book progressed. It is a very short book with so much happening in such a short number of pages that every page turn felt a bit a jarring and abrupt but very symbolic to the chaos of a terminal cancer diagnosis. A lot of this book is written in a stream of consciousness where you get every thought that is going through the main character's head- which is very interesting but also a bit hard to read.

Overall, that is how I would sum up the book: interesting and hard to read.

I really applaud the author for the perseverance she has shown through her circumstances and writing such an intimate story about her experience. Additionally, big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was so heartfelt and I cried while reading this book! The story was so refreshing to read and the writing style was so beautifully done!

If you haven’t yet discovered the joy that is Sophie Kinsella’s 30+ novels, you’re seriously missing out on some of the most delightful and heartwarming stories ever written. Stop what you’re doing right now and grab one—I promise it’ll be worth it!

Whether or not you are a fellow Sophie Kinsella fan, let me give you a little warning: What Does it Feel Like? is going to tug at your heartstrings in a way you might not expect. It’s going to make you cry, yes, but it’s also going to fill you with hope and remind you of just how resilient the human spirit can be. And, if you’re anything like me, it might just inspire you to binge-read the entire Confessions of a Shopaholic series all over again!
What Does it Feel Like? is a uniquely personal and deeply moving autobiographical novel that delves into Sophie Kinsella’s battle with glioblastoma. The book is a beautiful tapestry of her inner thoughts and experiences, woven together with the wit, charm, and warmth that we’ve all come to love in her writing. Through the eyes of the main character, Eve, we’re taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

I’ll be honest with you: I spent about 69% of this book in full-on ugly-cry mode. But don’t let that scare you off! There’s also about 20% of the book that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, like I was reconnecting with an old friend. And then there’s that last 11%—the moments where Sophie’s signature humor shines through, and I found myself laughing out loud, even through the tears.

This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves Sophie Kinsella, or just appreciates a beautifully told story of strength, courage, and love. Sophie Kinsella is, without a doubt, the bravest women for sharing this incredibly personal journey with us, and I adore her all the more for it. So grab a box of tissues, settle in with your favorite cozy blanket, and dive into this unforgettable story—you won’t regret it!

I wish this book had been a full length novel instead of a novella. I would’ve loved for her to go deeper into what it was like to find out that she had cancer, and what daily life was like during recovery. But if she thinks a short story is the way to go I won’t argue. It was an emotional read and I hope she and her family have a happy ending.