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Member Reviews

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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This one was super personal and hard hitting for me as I have lost a friend from glioblastoma, the same aggressive form of brain cancer that Sophie Kinsella suffers from. This one was absolutely heart wrenching and TOUGH, but I loved it so much.

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As the author herself says this book is fiction but is her most autobiographical book to date. Sophie Kinsella has glioblastoma which is an aggressive form of brain cancer. She has had surgery, chemo, and radiation. Reading this book you can tell what a fighter she is and also what an exceptional wife and mother she is. I saw an interview a few weeks ago with Sophie and her husband and I was amazed at her strength in the face of this disease.
This is definitely a powerful book and I thank the author for sharing something so personal with us.

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I am sorry for the inconvenience but I don’t have the time to read this anymore and have lost interest in the concept. I believe that it would benefit your book more if I did not skim your book and write a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience.

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I'm so used to Sophie Kinsella making me laugh with her always hilarious romcoms that I was not prepared for how hard hitting her personal and emotional story would be. It was a hard read because it's so raw and vulnerable at times, but at the same time, it was just so incredibly moving and uplifting, and yes, it still has Kinsella's signature humor shining through.

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This was a tough read and even more difficult to review without spoiling the story. Let me say that descriptions that come to mind are confusing, seemingly disjointed, shocking, and incredibly romantic. That's all I can say besides this book was worth the effort and you will feel better for having read it. Truly one of the best books that I have read this year!

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What Does It Feel Like? is a short, but poignant book written by Sophie Kinsella regarding her experience with cancer. I’m really grateful for this book and the profound perspective it offers the world.

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What Does It Feel Like? is an absolutely beautiful gut-punch of a story. So much is packed into its 144 pages- and then to find out it’s based on the author’s own story? I was so moved by this tale, and hope that Sophie Kinsella can provide us with much more of her beautiful writing in the years to come.

Thank you Sophie Kinsella, The Dial Press, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Sophie Kinsella’s latest autobiographical work is a deeply moving and unexpectedly uplifting journey through her personal battle with terminal illness. Written with the same humor and positivity that have always defined her novels, Kinsella’s account of surviving stage 4 glioblastoma and undergoing brain surgery is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Despite the severity of her diagnosis and the challenges she faced, including short-term amnesia and relearning basic skills like speaking and walking, Kinsella maintains her signature light-hearted tone throughout. Her ability to find humor in the darkest moments—such as her hilarious response to a doctor's question about the president—demonstrates her remarkable resilience and sharp wit.

What makes this book so special is the balance Kinsella strikes between raw vulnerability and uplifting optimism. She shares deeply personal experiences, such as family gatherings and tender moments with her husband, with an openness that resonates with readers. Rather than focusing on the sadness of her journey, Kinsella infuses her writing with a sense of hope, humor, and gratitude that makes the story feel empowering. Though the book addresses difficult topics, including chemotherapy and the emotional toll of her illness, Kinsella’s courage and humor shine through, offering readers not just a glimpse into her life but a message of strength and perseverance. This memoir is a testament to her enduring spirit and a reminder of the power of humor and positivity, even in the most challenging times.

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What Does It Feel Like? is a fictional short story based on the author's real life brain cancer diagnosis. It's both heartbreaking and inspiring I applaud the author for her bravery in sharing this deeply personal story.

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this was a lovely book but I wasn't sure what I was getting into with it but very emotional for the author to write I'm sure.

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I feel like giving this book any type of rating would be unfair because it's so deeply personal to where Kinsella is in her life right now. I've been such a huge fan of her writing for years and was so sad for her when she initially announced her diagnosis. <i>What Does it Feel Like</i> is a fictional retelling of Kinsella's brain cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment. The novella is so moving, and I really just wish her and her family all the best as she deals with her treatment.

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This is a short, sweet, and moving novella from the author of the beloved Shopaholic series and last year’s The Burnout. This is also a deeply personal one. In 2022, Sophie Kinsella was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. While this is a work of fiction, she has said that this is her most autobiographical work to date. While this was heart wrenching at times, it is also full of her signature humor and hope.

4⭐️

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