Eve, a successful writer who has just had her latest novel optioned for a Hollywood movie is sitting on top of the world. She has a loving husband, five wonderful children and a world of friends who support her. She has all the luck in the world until one day, it runs out.
Waking in a hospital bed, Eve can't recall how she got there, why she is there and why her head feels so funny. When her husband reveals that she's been in the hospital for weeks following surgery to remove a brain tumor, she can't seem to hold onto that thought and asks him repeatedly every day why is she in the hospital. Finding out that the tumor that was removed was cancerous and an incurable type as well, Eve must face the reality that her days are numbered and make a plan for how she will spend the rest of them.
Told in short chapters, readers get a feel for how Eve's brain is now trying to function, the successes and the multiple daily failures and her courage to keep fighting for as long as she can. Finding out in an author's note at the end that Eve's story is actually Sophie Kinsella's story is shocking and heartbreaking and readers will want to embrace their favorite author and wish her and her family only the best in this situation.
Honest, Raw, Real.

What Does It Feel Like? By Sophie Kinsella
Rating: 5⭐️s

Was anyone else completely blown away by Kinsella’s Good Morning, America last week? I could not believe that she has been suffering from a brain tumor since 2022. It broke my heart for her husband and five children.

This novella is slightly autobiographical with some changes to it. It had me laughing, and it had me crying. Fair warning: there is the discussion of terminal cancer in it. I think it’s a good reminder to read the story for its messages on appreciating and enjoying life.

Raw. Honest. Beautiful.

Sophie Kinsella’s books have been a part of my life for the past sixteen years. This was like reading about a dear friend.

This is a deviation from the author’s normal rom-com. This novella is a fictionalized autobiography. of the author’s journey fighting brain cancer. Eve, the main character, is an author who has lead a charmed life with both a strong fan group and a movie deal based on her work. Unfortunately she suddenly has brain cancer. This story documents her inspiring story as she goes through her healing process. It is a brave, honest, heart breaking yet optimistic story.

Thank you to the author, Netgalley and Random House for sharing her story and this book.

In this bittersweet story, Sophie Kinsella tells the story of her cancer diagnosis and the journey that follows through her fictional character, Eve. Heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time, “What Does it Feel Like?” is one of those stories that will stay with the reader forever.

I’ve been a Sophie Kinsella fan for a very long time now. Her books are always a delight. Funny, lighthearted, and so positive. I requested this one not even knowing what it was about or what is going on in her life. It’s devastating.

Despite this be fictionalized, this was Kinsella’s most autobiographical book. The main character, Eve, is a successful author, wife, and mother of 5 who finds out she has incurable brain cancer. What Does It Feel Like is a novella with short vignettes and snippets that reflect Kinsella’s experience navigating illness. The fact that she maintains positivity and optimism is such a testament to the person Sophie is and I know I’ll be keeping her in my thoughts wishing her well. The Queen of Happy Endings deserves her own and I’m so thrilled she’s doing well, all things considered. I really loved this peek into her life and I hope she has many more books to come.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I have been reading Sophie Kinsella books since the start of the Shopaholic Series. What Does It Feel Like? is a COMPLETELY different book. Going in to reading it, I did not know that it was based on Sophie Kinsella's own experiences. Having known a couple of people that have lost their battle with Glioblastoma - this novel was definitely heart breaking. It was honest and raw and brave.

I wish Sophie Kinsella nothing but the best in her fight.

I have read almost everything written by Sophie
Lindell’s and Margaret Wickham (her alternate name). Her books have offered me pleasure, escapism and laughter.
This book is a complete departure. It is raw and brave and compelling. A true story of fighting for your life. A must read!

It is very difficult to write a review for this book. It is the author’s fictionalized version of her own experience with an aggressive brain tumor. If you are a fan of her work like I am, her story will completely break tour heart. Her sense of hope
and positivity are inspiring.

Thanks to Netgalley for this eArc.

First, I love Sophie Kinsella's work. I have not read all of them, but I have read a more than 3/4. So when I read this was the most autobiographical of all of her work, I went to discover WHAT??? I saw the clip with her husband and then I devoured What Does It Feel Like? I may have smiled a bit, but mostly I cried. I cried for her sweet husband, I cried for her kids, and I cried for those of us who look forward to a new story from this sweet, down to earth author.

What Does It Feel Like? is one of those reads where you immediately want to go hug your loved ones afterwards.

Eve is a bestselling writer who wakes up in a hospital bed not knowing who she got there. Her husband is ever present, walking her through the who's, what's. when's and where's of it all. She's got to discover how to walk and tell her stories once more and let those closest to her back inside her heart. But with those discoveries comes beautiful memories of her past that allow her to feel whole again.. like she can take on anything.

Immediately while reading I knew this was based on Kinsella's life. I applaud her for writing this story as a) it's tough to talk about your own self on page and b) the emotions put out there made myself emotional. Readers take note, this isn't a typical Kinsella long length read but rather a look into putting herself back together--- one word at a time.

I became a Sophie Kinsella fan many years ago when I read and fell in love with her Shopaholic series. I love the humor and warmth that is always found in her writing. When I recently learned of her brain tumor/cancer diagnosis, I was crushed for her and her family, and even more so after reading What Does It Feel Like?, which as she explains is fiction but mostly not. It's her own story with names and a few details changed for artistic license. As I expected, it is brave, honest, heart breaking, and literally gut wrenching in places. But as always, it still contains humor and warmth. And hope. It's a very quick read (I read it in just about an hour), which will definitely hit you in the heart and tear ducts. A huge thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I wasn't expecting this. I was expecting a light summer read where I could be entertained and laugh and let my cares fly away. This was not that.

The author that I equate with all of that has written a personal masterpiece that I could not put down. She dug right into my heart and shared her most personal story. She opened up and revealed so much of herself through the character and her family. I hope she gets her happy ending. Sending love and prayers.

I highly recommend this book, although be prepared with tissues.

Thank you to NetGalley for this advance copy.

I just finished reading (and crying throughout) this book.

I have loved every single one of Sophie Kinsella/ Madeleine Wickham's books, and I love this one too.

I learned that she is a mother of 5 wonderful kids and has such an amazing, supportive husband. I always sort of thought she was Becky Bloomwood in my mind, but all of her books have pieces of her in them. This one is truly her.

I have known three people who have had what she has. I wish her quality (plus) time with her family.

"What Does It Feel Like?" by Sophie Kinsella is a poignant and heartwarming novella about resilience and the power of love. The story follows Eve, a successful novelist who wakes up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. She soon learns she's undergone surgery to remove a brain tumor. As Eve navigates her recovery, she confronts the challenges of regaining her physical and mental abilities while coming to terms with her diagnosis. Through her journey, she rediscovers the importance of family, love, and the simple joys of life. The novel is a tender exploration of grief, hope, and the human spirit.

Kinsella's departure from her signature rom-com style is both brave and poignant. "What Does It Feel Like?" delves into the raw and emotional territory of illness, loss, and rediscovery. The novel's exploration of Eve's journey as she rebuilds her life after a devastating diagnosis is undoubtedly heartfelt -- especially considering the autobiographical nature of the novella.

While Kinsella's writing shines through with its usual clarity and empathy, the brevity of the story felt somewhat limiting. Deeper exploration of the characters and their emotional complexities could have elevated the narrative. Nonetheless, it's a commendable effort that offers a glimpse into a different side of the author's talent. I applaud Kinsella for sharing such a raw, emotional, and honest account.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Sophie Kinsella wrote this book as being semi autobiographical. She was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery, radiation and chemo for it. It was so hard to read but yet so well written. She wrote from the heart and it shows.

I hope the book and Sophie have a happy ending.

i was a huge fan of Sopie Kinsella's books back in the day, especially the Shopaholic series. I was not aware of her cancer battle. I was blown away by this autobiographical novella. Thank you, Sophie, for sharing your story in such a raw manner and then also managing to insert your signature humor. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Will post to my Instagram and Goodreads closer to the publication date.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | The Dial Press for the advance copy.

This fictionalized account of the author's real life battle with glioblastoma had me feeling every feel from sobbing to laughing and everything in between. Sophie Kinsella is on of my favorite authors, and this short book did not disappoint. Make sure to also read the author's note at the end. I highly, highly recommend this book!

Side note: please change the dashes back to classic punctuation like commas and periods. This is my new pet peeve!

Sophie Kinsella has been my favorite author from the second I read “OK! Don’t panic.” She writes in a way that keeps you laughing and loving all of her characters. What Does It Feel Like? is more autobiography than fiction, and in her true style she made me laugh and cry and care so much for Eve. Thank you Sophie for always making me laugh and reminding me why I love to read. All of your books will always have a place front and center on my bookshelf.

As a long time Sophie Kinsella reader, I was once again blown away by this book. It was extremely well written and I enjoyed the writing style, with snippets of notes and letters and a generally uplifting style to such a tragic story. It made me cry, it made me laugh, it made me think about how grateful I am for my own life and not to take my health for granted.

Thanks to Sophie for such a great book and to netgalley for the eARC.