My Not So Perfect Life

A Novel

By: Sophie Kinsella

Narrated by: Fiona Hardingham

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Part love story, part workplace drama, this sharply observed novel is a witty critique of the false judgments we make in a social-media-obsessed world, from the author of The Party Crasher and Love Your Life.

“Sophie Kinsella keeps her finger on the cultural pulse, while leaving me giddy with laughter.”—Jojo Moyes, author of The Giver of Stars and The Last Letter from Your Lover

Everywhere Katie Brenner looks, someone else is living the life she longs for, particularly her boss, Demeter Farlowe. Demeter is brilliant and creative, lives with her perfect family in a posh townhouse, and wears the coolest clothes. Katie’s life, meanwhile, is a daily struggle—from her dismal rental to her oddball flatmates to the tense office politics she’s trying to negotiate. No wonder Katie takes refuge in not-quite-true Instagram posts, especially as she's desperate to make her dad proud.

Then, just as she’s finding her feet—not to mention a possible new romance—the worst happens. Demeter fires Katie. Shattered but determined to stay positive, Katie retreats to her family’s farm in Somerset to help them set up a vacation business. London has never seemed so far away—until Demeter unexpectedly turns up as a guest. Secrets are spilled and relationships rejiggered, and as the stakes for Katie’s future get higher, she must question her own assumptions about what makes for a truly meaningful life.

Sophie Kinsella is celebrated for her vibrant, relatable characters and her great storytelling gifts. Now she returns with all of the wit, warmth, and wisdom that are the hallmarks of her bestsellers to spin this fresh, modern story about presenting the perfect life when the reality is far from the truth.

Critic reviews

“A sparkling, witty novel about social media and the stories we tell ourselves.”—People (Book of the Week)

“The soul of this book concerns female friendship. . . . What ensues has a touch of real wisdom [and] will satisfy Kinsella diehards as well as new readers.”—The Washington Post

“You’ll relate hard and root harder for Londoner Katie, whose quarterlife crisis feels even worse thanks to the Insta-perfect people all around her.”—Cosmopolitan

“A joy to read . . . Themes of friendship, love and living your true life rise to the top.”—USA Today

“The book is fun, as Kinsella’s books are, but it delivers a strong positive message, as well. . . . Kinsella creates a solid, likable character—one that I got to know and root for throughout the book.”—Fairfield Daily Republic

“This is a really funny and relatable story about working women, women’s relationships with each other and one plucky heroine’s journey. This is a perfect pick-me-up.”—The Parkersburg News and Sentinel

“[There are ] many laugh-out-loud hilarious moments in this feel-good novel about social media and personal branding, and the hectic realities behind our perfect online lives.”—Bustle

“Pure escapist fun.”—PopSugar

“This latest stand-alone from bestselling author Kinsella is top-notch, thanks to a lovable, slightly flawed leading lady, many true-life situations, and loads of giggle-inducing humor. As Bridget Jones would say, ‘Well done!’”—Library Journal

“Another outstanding novel . . . a perfect combination of fun, laughable moments rounded out with some deep-seated family and relationship issues.”—Booklist

“Sophie Kinsella keeps her finger on the cultural pulse, while leaving me giddy with laughter. I loved it.”—Jojo Moyes

“Katie is a winning heroine. . . . Kinsella creates characters that are well-rounded, quirky, and a complete joy to read.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Driven by Katie’s witty observations and numerous missteps as she attempts to reconcile various aspects of her identity, this novel is smartly satirical and entertaining.”—Publishers Weekly

Bridget Jones meets Little House on the Prairie

Any additional comments?

Fun, light, entertaining but somehow familiar. A good listen if you don't want to have to think too much with a few laughs mixed in.

Loved everything about this book

It's fun, light, easy and amusing. It's everything I wanted in a book right now. Loved the narrator too!

Excellent narration

Not a laugh out loud story, but it was interesting, and the narration was phenomenal.

Excellent performance!

The book was a wonderful read! Definitely something to read if you want a story about someone overcoming challenges.

Beach Book-Fairly Predictable-Likeable Characters

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Light, vacation or beach book. Failry predictable. Characters are likeable.

Would you be willing to try another book from Sophie Kinsella? Why or why not?

Okay, full disclosure....if she used the phrase "Okay, full disclosure" one more time I may have given up on the book.

What about Fiona Hardingham’s performance did you like?

Excellent performance. Easy to listen to - exceptional voice pro.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Probably not.

delightful

Lots of fun. A great distraction from our not so perfect world. Perfect narration! My first S.K. novel, but I'll listen to more!

Enjoyable:)

Chick lit with a great twist. Witty and wry, unexpectedly engaging. The characters are deep , the writing intelligent but not over written. Will look for more from this author

Easy read when you need a break.

As all the Sophie Kinsella's books it is relatable and funny. And as usual a happy ending. Although it is always a cliché ending in her books, the ending itself is never the important or the interesting part of the books, but the journey. Full of awkward moments and hilarious situations.

The Grass is Never Greener

What did you love best about My Not So Perfect Life?

It was quirky, funny, imaginative and romantic. Great story from beginning to the end. There was many laugh out loud moments. Had me smiling hours after finishing the book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Katie. She was relate able and hilarious.

What about Fiona Hardingham’s performance did you like?

Love her accent. She did a fantastic job with this book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Many laugh out loud moments. Great life learning lessons.

Quirky and fun listen with excellent narrator

Loved the narrator and her accents. She did an excellent job expressing the emotions of the characters. This was an enjoyable and light-hearted listen with moments of triumph, frustration, despair, love and laughter. Great story by this author.

I'd recommend to anyone looking for an escape from reality, heavy reading, daily news, etc. it is a great mood booster type of a book!

Rated 5 stars due to quality, laughter inducing writing narrated to a T.