Hmmm this one started off as little slow for me, but the plot got exceptionally better. I liked how messy the main character became.

This novel is basically about a woman who chooses the wrong men. Attracted to the aloof, ego-centric man who values his own happiness over her own, Enola finds that her obsession with the wrong man forces her to think about her own life and what is important to her.

I enjoyed this novel but could have done without some of the political bits sneaking in here and there. When I read a story, I want to escape the day-to-day stuff, especially politics. Finding the same things in almost every book I’ve read lately has gotten old. If it doesn’t contribute to the story, leave it out.

Overall, it is a decent novel. The main character is maddening but in an entertaining way. I almost wished for her heartbreak with her stupid decisions regarding the men in her life.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I considered DNFing this one many times throughout the beginning. The writing style wasn't for me and Enola was causing me such frustration that I wanted to scream and pull my hair out (or her hair out - but there would have been hair pulling!!!) However, I kept going, settled in, and I'm glad I did. Yes, Enola was beyond exasperating, but her friend Ruth gave her such amazing advice (we all need a Roo in our lives!!!) and tried to help her see the toxicity of her relationship and her own self-worth. Suddenly, it dawned on me that I think many women (me included) could relate to Enola and how she shrunk her life to fit her partner, how she took her cues on whether her life was good or bad depending on their partner's moods and reactions, how she let self-doubt and fear of being alone rule her thoughts and actions. Deep in her heart she knew the truth, but couldn't acknowledge it until she was ready. This was very thought-provoking and had so many passages where I thought "Yes, that right there!!!" If I were a highlighter, this one woud have tons of marks in it. I think those who are willing to sit still and immerse themselves in Enola's world will be glad they read this one.

Nauseatingly real. Why do we all know this man?!
This novel was a hindsight look at a toxic, gaslighting relationship and the aftermath. Enola's story was also sprinkled with lots of self exploration, complicated family and friendships, and growing pains.
I'm obsessed with the title of this novel and the concept. And Moss absolutely nailed it in translation.

"What It's Like in Words" follows a young woman over the course of a multi-year entanglement with a volatile man. It is a memorable and engaging story, and one where I wanted to keep turning the pages to see how it developed. The author did a good job getting inside the mind of the main character and communicating the effect of the relationship, and positioning it in the context of the character's individual trauma as well.

There are some time jumps that are initially confusing, and there is a lot going on in the story, sometimes to the detriment of the story itself. A second romantic partner feels hastily introduced and dispensed with. The main character seems too often to have things happen "to her" or seek out that dynamic vs. displaying clear agency, which can be frustrating to the reader.

Thanks NetGalley and Henry Holt &Company for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I had to DNF this book but I think it’s incredible. Let me explain.

I got about 75% of the way before I felt too closely aligned with Enola and felt too raw and exposed by the relationship in the books. It was so well written and genuinely HURT to get through some of it. As a person who’s gone through something similar more than once, this felt like reliving that experience with every page.

All the ways you make excuses for your partner, gaslight yourself, make yourself smaller to make them happy. It’s all there and so blunt and so crafted to strike at the heart of the issue. The words cry out to the reader that this is so wrong but the character is so well groomed they will never see it.

If you can handle it, read this book. It’s AMAZING for a debut and a impactful exploration of toxic relationships.

I admit I'm a sucker for books where we follow a relationship from beginning to end, and we get to see the transformation of our main character. This book was heartbreaking and so incredibly realistic, and I see this being a relatable read for many. One of my favorite things portrayed in the book is the power of female friendship, and how healing that can be in the midst of difficulties in life. This was an amazing debut by Eliza Moss, and I can't wait to see what else she has in store! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this title!!

In "What It's Like in Words," the way the main character deals with a tricky relationship with a controlling partner really hit home. It shows how tough it can be to handle such a bad situation, something a lot of people can relate to. The bond between the main character and her best friend is also powerful. The friend isn't afraid to speak up about the bad relationship, which makes their friendship even stronger. These complicated relationships make the book a touching look at how people grow and change through their connections with others.

This book took me on an emotional ride. It's intense, so check reviews and wait for trigger warnings. It delves into different viewpoints, like Enola's struggle in an abusive relationship and her friend Ruth's efforts to help. The alternating timeline might be confusing, but stick with it for a rewarding read.

This is an AMAZING debut novel. It is classy, addicting, realistic, and completely and totally captivating. This story follows Enola, a somewhat struggling 28-year old author who meets an electric unnamed and slightly older love interest. The writing style is raw and authentic and felt like thoughts from my own head at times. It is heavily character driven, with both characters you will love and/or hate. I seriously cannot recommend this book enough! I read it soooo fast, even though it's not necessarily a fast read. It just flowed so nicely and also had aspects of suspense and the unique timeline was also enthralling. The writing felt reminiscent of Sally Rooney and Caleb Azumah Nelson... I can't wait to read more of Eliza Moss!

An extremely compelling story of a toxic relationship. I literally couldn’t put this book down. The phrase “emotional accuracy” in the description could not ring more true.

I was so impressed with this debut novel. Enola’s intense emotional journey was so beautifully captured. I found myself living in her uncertainty and I could not pull myself away from this book until I knew how it ended.

I highly, highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy learning more about relationship dynamics and attachment styles. If you love Adelaide or Ghosts, you should definitely give this book a try.

Thanks to NetGalley & Henry Holt & Company for providing me an e-ARC!

4.5 stars! This book sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions. Definitely not for the faint of heart so please read reviews and wait for the author to post a list of trigger warnings. For all the Swifties out there, this book perfectly captures the heartbreak and emotional turmoil of "All too Well".

We follow Enola, an aspiring book author in her late 20s, navigating life's challenges: trauma, friendships, and the complexities of relationships, both healthy but mostly extremely toxic. Eliza Moss dives deep into Enola's inner workings, portraying her overthinking mind and people-pleasing personality to a tee. There were moments where I wanted to shake Enola for overlooking her boyfriend's red flags, but then I remembered the trauma she hasn't addressed. Her strained relationship with her mother further contributes to her struggles. While Enola's situation may not resonate with everyone, there are moments where you can't help but empathize with her struggle.

This book is a powerful exploration of perspective. Those who have experienced abusive relationships will likely find themselves relating to Enola, while others might connect with Ruth, the friend trying to pull her out. The story utilizes an alternating timeline structure, which can be confusing at first, so pay close attention. However, the payoff is a truly insightful read.

What It’s Like In Words has unexpectedly become a top read of 2024 for me. Eliza Moss has written a debut novel that was, well let me just tell you…

What reading this book was like in words: heartbreaking, eye opening, triggering, important, emotional, heavy, inspiring, beautiful, gripping, incredible.

Aspiring author, Elona, attends her bimonthly writers group and meets the perfect guy. Or does she…

Over the course of two years we are in the front seat with Elona as she navigates through this relationship. We, as the reader, quickly learn that he may not be all that he is cut out to be. To put it nicely…he is a narcissistic, manipulative, gas lighting, arsehole of a human.

The problem is, it’s easier to believe the reality you want or better yet…the idea of what you want. With this, sometimes it’s also easier to miss the red flags. Even if they’re right in front of you.

When Elona was gaslit, I was gaslit. When he manipulated her, I was manipulated. When he made her feel crazy, I questioned my own sanity. But that’s also what makes me love this book. It’s heavy at times, but Eliza’s writing and sense of creating these scenes let alone characters, is incredible.
Following Elona through this and her ultimate growth, I too felt like I had grown by the time I finished this book.

What It’s Like In Words will be released December 3 and I cannot wait to grab a physical copy of this book and keep it on my bookshelf for years to come.

Congratulations on your debut novel Eliza! You have gained a new fan and I look forward to reading all your books to come!

Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to author Eliza Moss for writing this broken-love story!

Thank you also to NetGalley and
Henry Holt and Co. for this heartrending ARC of What It’s Like In Words.

This brilliant book full of insights into the reality of unrequited love relationships made me question every one I have ever been in, a daunting endeavor.

Eliza Moss is skilled in describing the visceral sensuality involved with romantic and sexual obsession, of the potency of smells, the words or silences, the tastes, the sensations or lack of, the gaze or aversion, of desire left longing for a lover, or the cold removal of apathy.
I ached, my mind co-experiencing it all.

We experience Enola’s degradation with “him” to her casting away of Virinder’s purported love.

Enola has true love in her friendship with Ruth but it is secondary to her addiction to her love for “him.”
“I put my hands on her shoulders and assured her that there would never be a man who knew me better than she did.”
This love cannot compare to the drug of obsession for a narcissist, to Enola’s intoxication despite “his” gaslighting scorn for her for it.

I read this book in two days. Nola’s experience had once (or twice) been my own. Though parts were painful to read at times, I had to know if she would save herself in the end - and how.

The dialogue is not explanatory and I found it engaged rather than alienated my attention. It was real-life, the way we really talk.

It is story the way we really love?

Five stars!

First off the writing is beautiful I truly appreciated reading a book like this one after taking a small break, you know you did a good job with a character when you have the readers getting annoyed by them but also being able to relate which makes them even more annoyed😂. This is actually first for me so go be able to experience it was thrilling for my emotions😂

After meeting a man at her friend’s writing club, aspiring writer, Enola falls deeply in love with him. When their relationship isn’t what she expected, Enola is thrown into a spiral of feelings not only towards her relationship, but towards her mother and her childhood after the death of her father. Two years go by and these feelings become harder and harder to ignore.

Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐️

This book was frustratingly beautiful and it had me feeling so many emotions. A lot of the story hit home with me as a writer and as a woman. There were points were I felt so connected to Enola and then I was so connect to Ruth.

The author does a fantastic job at writing in this tone that feels like a steady stream of consciousness. I felt like I was listening to Enola tell her story to me.

The dark topics in the book are handled with grace and just done well. Abuse (mostly mental) and its effects were described well and respectfully.

Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt Company for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Can’t wait for What It’s Like in Words to be published in December!

Such a poignant and honest story about those toxic situationships you find yourself tangled in when you're still young, but not quite as young as you used to be. Characters were well-drawn --- the romantic interest is appropriately priggish. While Enola's decisions were sometimes frustrating, they were also relatable. I loved the way Moss wove her back story throughout the book, and the depiction of her slow unraveling felt believable. Recalled Genevieve Wheeler's Adelaide, but a bit less whimsical.

A story of a toxic relationship a woman being gas lit by a man.I was so caught up in the story I hated to put it down.So well written an author to follow.#netgalley #henryholt

I felt a range of emotions while reading this book, mostly frustrated and sometimes stressed regarding the main character, Enola. Enola's relationships were quite turbulent though her best friend Ruth had a "healthy" awareness to help her through.

I would rate What It's Like in Words 3.5 stars. The dialogue format, or lack thereof, in most of the book was confusing. The story line did keep me on my toes and I wanted to find out what happened next. Content was pretty heavy at times and while I fell into a slump while reading this, I believe Moss captured true emotion through the characters in this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for the arc.

Amazing writing, but you’ll need a therapy session after, if not a stiff drink! Five coming-of-agey stars