I loved This book. It was very emotional knowing how it was o similar to her own life. It was greatly written and a quick read for anyone, great book.

This novella gave us insight to a world that no one wants to be apart of. It was beautifully written! I recommend to those wanting to dive into a novella.

This was absolutely stunning and beautiful and heartbreaking to read. It feels disingenuous to write a review, it was beautiful and lovely and moved me every time I turned the page. Kinsella is a beautiful author worthy of all the praise.

This book was absolutely raw and heartbreaking. For someone who has lost several people in my life due to cancer Including my mom at a young age this was hard to read. I loved how absolutely honest this book was. You felt like you were feeling the pain as she went through it. Heart breaking but also shows so much courage.

This was beautiful and heartbreaking and very raw. I wish it was longer than 144 pages! This was such a personal writing piece for the author so I understand why it was a shorter book. Wishing Sophie Kinsella all the best in the world 🩷

Sophie Kinsella's novella, What Does It Feel Like?, marks a poignant departure from her signature lighthearted romantic comedies, delving into deeply personal and autobiographical territory. The narrative centers on Eve, a successful novelist who awakens in a hospital to the life-altering news of a malignant brain tumor diagnosis. What follows is a candid portrayal of her journey through surgery, recovery, and the emotional landscape of confronting mortality. The way that perspective is used in this novella is beautiful, and powerful.

Kinsella's writing retains its characteristic warmth and humor, providing moments of levity amidst the gravity of Eve's circumstances. The novella is structured through a series of vignettes, each offering insight into Eve's internal struggles and reflections on life's simple pleasures. This format allows readers to engage intimately with her experiences, fostering a deep sense of empathy and connection.

This could've been much longer, and I would have been happy to read every single page.

She is a favorite of mine. I was totally surprised and in tears at the end.lightheartedeven though it’s a tough storyline

What does it feel like is a very heartbreaking, raw, but beautiful autobiographical story written by Sophie Kinsella. Some facts and events were changed by the author. Honestly how do you rate and review someone’s real life experience with stage 4 Glioblastoma that involves 8 hours of brain surgery.
Sophie writes about her experience with uplifting, and positivity which I truly admire her.
It is a short novella packed with bravery, humour, hope, and inspiration. Do yourself a favour and read this book.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

I first picked up a Sophie Kinsella book 10 or so years ago and have been a fan ever since. The humor and warmth she brings to her characters make her novels total comfort reads.

What Does It Feel Like? deals with some tough subject matter. Sophie Kinsella was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer a few years ago. This story is basically an autobiographical look at her journey processing this devastating news.

Raw, honest, and inspiring. I was blown away by Sophie’s positivity and class. To share something so deeply personal with the world is remarkable. Her story gave me the hope that I too can get through whatever hand I’m dealt. Thank you Sophie for everything.

Definitely a different type of book from this author, but clearly so personal and devastating.

Many reviewers have said they did not like the writing style, which at times was disjointed and repetitive, but I think that added a layer of believability to the story. The author was walking the red carpet and then woke up in the hospital, with no recollection of how she got there. As a result, neither did the reader which many did not like, but I thought it was quite effective.

My one complaint is that it came across as a little too . . . idealized? Sanitized? Hard conversations mostly ended up in tear-filled laughter and witty banter; while there was emotion, there was very little negative emotion - anger or resentment or even why me mentality. While the story was told through the author's lens, her husband at times seemed too good to be true and, at the risk of taking the author's agency away, I would have liked to see more of how her diagnosis affected those around her.

I wish the best for the author and her family.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC. This novella was a privilege to read and gain the insight of what the author’s journey with cancer has looked like. It’s sweet and heartfelt and I’m so grateful Sophie was willing to share it with us all.

I had no idea the beloved author, Sophie Kinsella faced a horrific brain tumor diagnosis. “What Does It Feel Like?” Is her self-proclaimed most autobiographical work. Although she chose to fictionalize her own story, Kinsella is raw and real - sharing her experience with humor and humanity. This is more of a short story and Kinsella obviously had a different tone to her writing. If you’re looking for the light hearted, funny romances she best known for, this is not read for you. However I imagine by sharing her own story in such an authentic way, “What Does It Feel Like” will bring peace and perspective to others dealing with similar difficult circumstances.

Spectacular, from beginning to end. I was completely caught up in the story and read it in one sitting. I found the writing style worked perfectly for the subject matter and while disjointed in nature, it flowed perfectly. The authors note at the end was icing on the cake.

5/5 ⭐️

This book broke my heart and put it back together so many times. It was an amazing story and I plan on sharing it with everyone that I can.

Sophie Kinsella surprises with *What Does It Feel Like*, a poignant and deeply emotional story that balances heartbreak with moments of quiet hope. The characters are beautifully drawn, and their struggles feel raw and achingly real. While sad and bittersweet, the novel’s honesty and depth make it unforgettable. A powerful read that lingers long after the final page.

Heart breaking beautiful and raw. I have loved Sophie Kinsella ever since I read my first Shopaholic book. Knowing this was autobiographical book makes you feel so much for her. As a nurse that works with neuro patients it was refreshing to see her positivity through such a trying time. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

What a touching, raw honest look at what it is like to live with a cancer diagnosis. This is a small but mighty book and well worth the read.

Oh my goodness! I love Sophie and this book had me sobbing. It is so personal and yet so accessible. And while sad still full of hope. I hope she beats the cancer!

This was such a powerful book by beloved author Sophie Kinsella. When successful author Eve battles brain cancer, her family rallies around her. This was an emotional read especially with the feelings around a sick mother and her children. My only critique is I wish it was longer!

picked up this book feeling a bit nervous but knowing I would also really connect to it.
In January, we experienced the devastating loss of our closest friend to glioblastoma, the same illness that Sophie Kinsella bravely confronts, inspiring her character Eve. I questioned whether I was emotionally prepared to handle this book, knowing it would bring back memories of our friend's courageous journey.

The reality of my fear did surface; Eve’s journey is unforgiving and undeniably challenging as her loved ones watch her change daily. However, Sophie Kinsella reminded me how strong the human spirit is! Glioblastoma patients and their families possess incredible resilience, courage, bravery, and strength. They refuse to give up on hope.

Overall, I found the story more hopeful than sad. Kinsella's use of humor and anecdotes really lightens the overall story. Eve’s optimism is truly inspiring; she demonstrates that persistence is our only option. While everyone's happy ending may differ, it can still be happy.