This book comes in at less than 150 pages and packs quite a punch.

I’m normally not a fan of this type of style - the kind that takes the reader on the journey by telling it through vignettes. But I think it worked here. I did end up crying twice, so even though we only get glimpses throughout the story it tugged at my heart strings.

If you’re used to Sophie Kinsella’s lighthearted romcoms with a guaranteed happily ever after, this one is going to be a huge change of pace… but the writing is still quintessential Sophie (quick paced,and easy to read) even though the story is so different.

I’ve been a longtime reader of Sophie Kinsella, but wasn’t aware of her cancer diagnosis, until I picked up this book. Knowing that this was her story (a fictionalized autobiography) definitely made this more impactful. Personally, I still would have preferred a more traditional novel style, but at the end of the day I can’t complain too much because this is Sophie’s story and she said she couldn’t imagine telling it any other way.

AND, this was an incredibly quick read that I finished in one sitting.

Suggested snack pairing: toast with good marmalade

Thank you, Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for giving me the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

My review will be posted on my Instagram @bedtimesandbooks after the publication date (10/8/2024) per the instructions listed on the ARC

It’s incredible how such a short book can pack such a strong, emotional, punch.

What Does It Feel Like is so vastly different from Sophie Kinsella’s other books. It follows Eve, an author, wife, mother, friend, and human through her glioblastoma diagnosis. It’s written in a slice of life sort of way with texts/emails, memories, internal thoughts, and plenty of 5am manic conversations around death. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the ending, and won’t spoil, but was very content with the thought provocation.

This story is so special because while it may be fiction, it’s semi autobiographical. The authors note at the end from Sophie gives an insight into her recent glioblastoma diagnosis as well as all the elements true to her life (which is most)! What a vulnerable treasure Sophie is to have shared these words with us long time readers.

I will end this with saying this holds a special place in my heart. As one of the many people whose family’s have been affected by GBM it’s heartwarming and gut wrenching to see a book from the perspective of someone fighting it. I am forever grateful for SK taking precious time to fight and advocate for more awareness of GBM.

Whether an avid Sophie Kinsella reader or not, this story will rock you to your core.

As a longtime fan of everything Sophie Kinsella has written, I was excited, scared, and not emotionally prepared to read the novelization of Ms. Kinsella's very real fight with a brain tumor.

In this book, Eve, a very prolific and commercially successful novelist who wakes up one day in the hospital and doesn't know how she's gotten there - she has a malignant, large brain tumor.

Navigating knowing that she has an incurable illness with her husband and children, she realizes what's important and writes about it.

Knowing that this is a novelization of what Ms. Kinsella is going through just added more tears to the ones I shed for Eve and her family in this book. It's not just a great novel, it's a love letter to her family and just - gah - I'm crying while I type this.

Just read this book. That's all. Read it and then count your blessings.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Sophie Kinsella. This ARC was given to me for an honest review.

This is a short story . It is the authors account of her battle with brain cancer. This is heartbreaking and hopeful. It makes you appreciate the little things in life. I love this author and was appreciative to get a little glimpse into her private struggles. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I was not expecting this book. I have enjoyed Sophie Kinsella’s contemporary romances in the past, I’m not big on cancer books. I requested this based on the cover and author. It is definitely well written, and brave, but not for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the Advanced copy. Book to be published October 7,2024.

Wow! Sophie Kinsella has crafted a poignant tale of a woman’s battle with an incurable brain tumor. She’s by turns, confused, sad, angry, but at all times, determined to be there for her family. Reading the author’s notes at the end was a gut-punch. This book took courage and hope to write.
Excellent!

I’m going to start by saying Sophie Kinsella is the one who pulled me out of a world of Harry Potter and Stephen King, into a much bigger world of books than I ever realized. Her writing style/characters is everything I could want in a best friend- mainly witty, relatable and just plain human.

When I heard about her brain cancer I was personally devastated. I’m so glad she wrote this book because as a reader who loves her writing, this book was cathartic for me to read just as it was cathartic for her to write. I loved Eve’s character and I sincerely hope Sophie keeps writing.

It you read one book this year, choose Sophie Kinsella's WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE? This novelized account of her diagnosis of a fatal brain tumor reads just like her Shopaholic fiction: achingly real, funny, poignant, and in this case, heartbreaking. Sophie's legion of fans will feel they're living through the diagnosis of a beloved friend, and indeed, they are. I could not put it down!

Ugh Sophie...

I've been a huge fan since high school, and this novel.. just wow.

Autobiography but make it fictional... Gosh.

I laughed and cried, and definitely reflected on life. Such a beautiful story that will absolutely shred you.

Thank you NetGalley and The Dial Press for my E-ARC.

The biggest thanks though goes to Sophie. <3

OhMyGod, i cried my eyes out. When i heard the terrible news about Sophie i was devasted, she is absolutely my favouritr author, i really hope she is doing well. The story, as she says, is the most autobiographic she ever wrote. Eve, a successful author, woke up in an hospital with no recall of what happened. She found out she has a brain cancer. The way Sophie describe it, the dialogue, the inner thoughts..this is truly devastating, i can’t even imagine what that’s like. Prepare to be shredded. Sophie we love you! Big hug!
Thank to Netgalley, to Sophie Kinsella and to the publishing house for this book.

For the last 15 years or so, my answer to the classic question “If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be?” has always been Sophie Kinsella. Her books have brought me so much peace and happiness throughout my adult life. What Does It Feel Like is not Kinsella’s usual zany chick lit romp - it’s a semi autobiographical novella. With scenes that call back to Confessions/The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic and Remember Me?, Kinsella shares with us what it feels like to be a best-selling author and parent of five - and then get a brain cancer diagnosis. It’s tender and personal and intimate and a little heartbreaking. But today, as I write this, I feel like I’ve finally had dinner with Sophie Kinsella. And I’m so grateful.

I am a recent cancer survivor so this hit home a bit too much. I am used to Kinsella's funny, quirky books and this isn't one of those. If you have been through any terminal diagnosis, beware....