Just about every single person has lost someone to cancer. That being said, Sophie Kinsella’s latest book will likely break your heart. However, like when I read Lisa Genova’s books, I remind myself of the importance of reading books like this.

While fictional, this book is, in many ways, autobiographical. Our protagonist, Eve, is a highly successful author who is diagnosed with an incurable cancer in the prime of her life. As a happily married woman and the mother of five, Eve is like any woman, not just mothers, who struggles with something completely out of her control.

Although short, this book effectively reminds us of our mortality. I greatly appreciate how the author draws from her own battle with cancer, which makes me even more compassionate towards her struggles. This highly emotional book will stay with me for a long time to come.

Many thanks to The Dial Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

I read every book from this author. I went in blind but got hit like a tonne of bricks. I am not a novella person either. This was raw, personal and so hard to read. I don’t get emotional regarding books but for some reason this was really hard for me to get thru.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

This was sad, sort of sweet and ultimately hopeful story. It was a quick read but not a light one. Knowing that it was semi-autobiographical made it tough to read but also more meaningful.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

I requested an ARC of this book a while back, just seeing 'Sophie Kinsella' on the cover because I adore the author's works. I put off the read for a while, dreading that it would be a bad one and when I heard it was a very autobiographical book, I put it off even further. Finally read it and I didn't know what to feel for a bit.

I'm so grateful and happy that Sophie put her experience on paper in this very intimate novella. As she's said in her note, most details are personal though she's changed a few things here and there. I can't imagine what she must've gone through and is still going through with this tough diagnosis, especially as a writer. Her writing style in this story is different from that of other books, as she is more thoughtful and less light-hearted. She does keep her comedic flair with her optimistic outlook even when the situation is pretty grim.

Yes, this book is not what you would expect if you pick it up out of context, based only on the author's previous works, but if you admire her, you will probably like this book.

✨ Genre: Contemporary fiction
✨ Steamy rating: None
✨ Profanity: Mild

Sophie Kinsella wrote a short story close to her heart after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. This is fictional but accurately describes what Sophie has gone through.

📱Method: Advanced copy e-book
📖 2024 book count: 135

Triggers: Cancer, grief, cancer treatment, and uncertainty of life expectancy

Thank you @netgalley for the early copy.

This was really emotional knowing that it was written to be semi-autobiographical. I liked the unique format, which is very different from other Kinsella/Wickham books.

Imagine if everything in your life was going unbelievably well when, out of the blue, your world imp[odes. So the story of Eve begins. She is at the top of her game when she finds herself struggling not only to speak her thoughts aloud, but to unable to walk, care for herself or even remember day to day events. This incredible story by Confessions of a Shopaholic author Sophie Kinsella is just that - incredible. While a work of fiction, it reflects what the author herself has gone (and is going) through. While the story is sad, it is also inspiring. Although much, much different than her other works, there are moments of humor interspersed throughout the book. The book is short and can easily be read in one sitting. I highly recommend this brave and inspiring book.

What Does It Feel Like? is a fictionalized account of the author's battle with brain cancer. Sophie Kinsella, known for The Shopaholic book series, writes a touching and sometimes humorous story of recovering from brain surgery and learning to live with a devastating diagnosis. Ms. Kinsella, I am rooting for you! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Sophie is one of my favorite authors and I have always loved the shopaholic books. This book was a mix of that along with her real life. It was a wonderful story about a woman, mother, writer who is living with Glioblastoma and how that has effectively changed her entire life. I find it very brave and touching for Sophie to give us a glimpse into what is her own journey.

I went into this one without actually reading the synopsis, and did not expect it to be so emotional. Wooh. What a beautiful story. I had no idea what Sophie Kinsella had been through in her personal life. I would recommend this one!

Eve is an extremely successful author, a loving wife and mother to 5 kids. One day she wakes up in the hospital with no memory of how she got there and what has happened in her life as of late. She had a brain tumor, and although they got it all, there is a long road ahead and less than favourable odds of living a long life.

She has to learn to talk, walk, and write again. Her short term memory is close to nonexistent, but she continues to stay optimistic and revel in the small things and moments she has with her husband and kids.

We follow her life post diagnosis in small brief but powerful moments along her journey.

I think Sophie did such a wonderful job with this novel. The style in which the story was told worked, and I really felt the emotion. Writing an fictionalize version of a story you actually lived is so brilliant. For me it was far to short, I wanted so many more moments but the author did a good job.

What Does It Feel Like? is a deeply moving read that left a lasting impression. The story follows Eve, a character whose life takes an unexpected turn from happiness to challenging times, yet she continually finds reasons to be joyful. As a reader, I felt truly connected to Eve’s journey and admired her resilience in facing each day, even when life grew difficult. I kept turning the pages, eager to know her fate, only to discover it was an autobiographical fiction piece. Knowing that this was inspired by author Sophie Kinsella’s own life was both surprising and touching—her courage and openness are remarkable. Having read all of Kinsella’s work, I was expecting a lighthearted escape, but this novel brought so much more. Parts of the story reminded me of my mom’s own journey with cancer, and I think that personal connection made it hard to rate this a perfect five. But I am grateful to Kinsella for sharing her “mess” as a powerful message for others. Her authenticity and strength shine through, making What Does It Feel Like? a poignant reminder of the power of vulnerability and the importance of sharing one’s story. Thank you for this heartfelt contribution to your readers, Sophie. Stay strong!

Thank you, #Netgalley and #RandomHouse Publishing Group for the ARC!

As a TBI survivor from a car accident and my father having fought and lost his battle to a brain tumor, this book hit me in all the feels. It was very hard for me to get through since I cried a lot while reading it. i think it is important and was a great way for Sophie Kinsella to process her feelings as she is going through her battle with brain cancer. I admire her greatly and I am thankful I got to read this ARC.

I adored this story! Sophie Kinsella did an amazing job with this. She was confident and brought her readers a personal story even though it is written as fiction. This was a quick read but brings the reader all the emotions. As we follow Eve through her journey- we experience her joy, her heartbreak and most importantly, her hopefulness. All the praise for this book! Thank for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in return for my honest opinion!

Sophie Kinsella’s What Does It Feel Like? is an achingly beautiful exploration of resilience and rediscovering life’s simplest joys. Through the journey of Eve, a novelist facing a life-changing diagnosis, Kinsella delivers a narrative that is as heart-wrenching as it is uplifting. With her signature wit woven into moments of profound vulnerability, Kinsella captures the emotional complexity of learning to live and love with newfound appreciation. This novel is not only a testament to Kinsella’s storytelling but also a deeply personal reflection, making it one of her most powerful works yet. Prepare for tears, laughter, and a poignant reminder of life’s fragile beauty.

Sophie Kinsella claimed that this book is fiction but it is her "most autobiographical work to date." She was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2022 but made a public announcement about it in April. Sophie praised her care team and said she is stable through tired.

I love Sophie’s writing as usual and this book was so good, although a bit emotional knowing that much of this is based in reality.

Synopsis:

Eve is a successful novelist who wakes up one day in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. Her husband, never far from her side, explains that she has had an operation to remove the large, malignant tumor growing in her brain.

As Eve learns to walk, talk, and write again — and as she wrestles with her diagnosis, and how and when to explain it to her beloved children — she begins to recall what’s most important to her: long walks with her husband’s hand clasped firmly around her own, family game nights, and always buying that dress when she sees it.

Recounted in brief anecdotes, each one is an attempt to answer the type of impossible questions recognizable to anyone navigating the labyrinth of grief. This short, extraordinary novel is a celebration of life, shot through with warmth and humor — it will both break your heart and put it back together again.

Sophie Kinsella, the queen of rom-coms, takes a surprising turn in What Does It Feel Like? This isn't your typical laugh-out-loud read. Instead, it's a heartfelt and honest exploration of life, love, and a serious illness.

Kinsella, bravely sharing a piece of her own story, introduces us to Eve, a novelist facing a brain tumor diagnosis. Now, this could have been a heavy, depressing tale, but Kinsella's signature humor shines through, even in the darkest moments. It's like she's found a way to sprinkle fairy dust on a serious topic, making it easier to swallow.

The book is a rollercoaster of emotions, taking readers from tear-jerking moments to laugh-out-loud anecdotes. Kinsella's writing style is as comforting as a warm blanket, and her ability to capture the nuances of family dynamics is truly impressive.

While the ending might leave you wanting a bit more, it's a realistic portrayal of life's uncertainties. It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and love can prevail.

If you're looking for a book that's both heartwarming and heartbreaking, What Does It Feel Like? is a must-read. It's a testament to the power of human spirit and a reminder that even in the toughest times, we can find strength, humor, and love.

Thank you for allowing me to read this book as an ARC
At first I was a little confused what is going on as this is not a typical Sophie Kinsella book. Once I actually also read the ending part from the author, this all made sense and I can only say wow. How brave of her to come out and tell us about what happened to her and what she went through. What a gripping read and so emotional!

I was never much of a recreational reader growing up, but the first book I ever read “for fun” was The Undomestic Goddess, a 2005 book by Sophie Kinsella.

I’ve been dragging my feet to write the review of What Does It Feel Like since it’s such a raw depiction of the struggles Sophie has been battling. While the novel is fiction, it’s obviously connected to Sophie’s own experience to fight for her life while embracing her family.

Reading this book felt like reading the diary of a close family member. I laughed, I cried, and I prayed Sophie will be around for a few more decades to enjoy her life and keep writing books we all love.

I have always been a fan of Sophie Kinsella, and this book is no exception. This story is so raw, emotional, and heartbreaking. I had to take breaks between some of the chapters to get myself in the mindset to finish the story. It is so well written. This book will cause you to feel a range of emotions, but it is absolutely worth it to read it. I will recommend to others and look forward to future titles as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.