Book Review: My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

I was thrilled to learn that Sophie Kinsella has a new book coming out this winter, and even more thrilled when I received an advanced copy from Random House through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review! I have been a fan of Ms. Kinsella’s work since Confessions of a Shopaholic. I have read all of her Shopaholic series and all of her stand-alone novels as well. My Not So Perfect Life is a typical Kinsella book, complete with a lovably flawed main character who has a big problem that can only be solved through hilarious schemes and hijinks!

Katie Brenner, or Cat, or Katie…well, frankly, she can’t quite decide…has long dreamed of moving from England’s countryside to a more exciting and glamorous life in London. What she learns upon moving to the big city, however, is that life is a lot less sparkly and a lot more expensive than it looks in the pictures and movies. Unless of course you visit Katie/ Cat’s Instagram account. If you were judging based solely on that, you’d think she had the perfect life in London.

First of all, who can’t relate to this plot? Let’s be honest, we all have those friends whose accounts we follow and think, “Gee, is anything ever wrong in his/her life?” Chances are, yes, but we wouldn’t know that because social media has allowed us to filter not only our photos but our lives so much that even we don’t recognize them. This is the social issue Kinsella tackles in her new book – that of living up to an online world’s standards while trying to actually live in the real world.

This book was entertaining. I liked Katie. I could relate to her. Anyone who has ever dreamed big and found themselves disappointed or tried to reinvent themselves will be able to relate to her. She is likable, friendly, tender-hearted when it comes to her friends and family, and determined. Also, she has just the right amount of a vengeful streak which had me laughing out loud!

The characters were likable including Katie, her Dad and Stepmom, and Demeter (her boss from hell). Kinsella’s depiction of corporate life and office drama is accurate, which I can attest to as I’ve spent years in the corporate world myself. Overall, the book is relatable and entertaining with surprising plot twists. If you are already a fan of Ms. Kinsella’s work, you won’t want to miss this one, and if you are considering giving her work a try, My Not So Perfect Life is the perfect place to start!

I am unable to quote a favorite passage from the book per the publisher’s guidelines. However, I highly recommend that you pick up this book once it is released on February 7, 2017 and choose some favorite passages of your own!