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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.