Making It: A Novel

by Laura Kay

From the author of Wild Things comes a heartwarming and relatable queer coming of age story about an isolated young woman whose artistic celebration of her pet chinchilla suddenly launches her into the professional art world, reality TV fame, and first love.

"Brilliantly and truthfully rendered friendships, flirtations, and workplace dramas . . . but also a truly nuanced, sensitive, and warm-hearted portrait of living with mental illness." —Emma Hughes, author of No Such Thing as Perfect

Isobel's life is just her, her mum, and her pet chinchilla, Abigail, in their council flat on the Kentish coast. After mental health troubles in her teens, Issy, now twenty-eight, has kept things that way on purpose, only deviating from routine when her part-time job at a paint-your-own pottery studio demands it, or when she's inspired to create art of knitted Abigails, sculptural Abigails, delicately rendered paintings of Abigail.

When the Abigails earn the attention of famous artist and reality TV star Elizabeth Staggs, Issy is awestruck and a little alarmed. These emotions compound when Elizabeth makes Issy an unexpected move to London and work for a year shadowing Elizabeth as she produces her hit arts documentary series. Terrified but determined, Issy agrees, and soon finds herself sharing a flat with a crew of boisterous roommates who welcome her into their queer enclave and attempt to mentor her in the city's wide world of romantic possibilities. Issy can't help but wish that one roommate—gorgeous and cool aspiring actress, Robin—might make her mentorship a bit more hands on...even while, at work, she struggles under the guidance of Elizabeth's harsh and exacting young producer, Aubrey.

But when Elizabeth seizes on Issy's idea to structure the upcoming season around a group of outsider artists, Issy finds both her work and love lives growing more complicated by the day, whether she's ready or not. Making It is a nuanced and life affirming look at living with depression and of finding, as we all deserve to, self-acceptance, community, and love.

Genres: Romance, Queer, Lesbian, LGBT, Fiction, Mental Health, Contemporary

Audible Audio

First published July 2, 2024

Reviews

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I knew just by reading the Author’s Note at the beginning of the book, that she had the ability to write about mental health issues in a thoughtful manner. My hunch turned out to be right as she treated the main character with sensitivity and therefore put me as the reader at ease. I loved following Issy on her journey.

Isabel is 28 years old and lives with her mother and pet chinchilla, Abigail. Issy deals with mental health challenges, like depression and anxiety, and spends most of her time at home or at her part time job at a pottery studio. She draws inspiration from Abigail for numerous creative projects and that leads to her getting a job opportunity in London working for famed artist and reality tv star, Elizabeth Staggs. Will sharing a flat with 3 strangers plus a new job in a big city prove too much for Issy to handle?

The main character is the type you feel protective over and you root for her success. It’s a sweet and often humorous coming of age story and the fact Issy is older makes it extra special. It was neat seeing her navigate the different areas of her life like career, friendships, romances, etc.. The author handled Issy’s mental health issues with a delicate touch choosing not to always spell everything out and in turn I believe it benefited the overall story.

Highly recommend this book if you are interested in a coming of age story, queer romance, and/or a character facing mental health challenges.

Thank you Vintage for sending me a free copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Laura Kay will probably go onto my auto-buy list. This book was really great! It's not a romance but there is a romantic subplot. This was relatable, emotional, and heartwarming and I never thought I'd be crying over a chinchilla yet here we are.
This deals with depression and anxiety and I really liked how Kay managed it. It felt like a realistic take as there is no magical cure for her depression.
As in her previous books, this features a found family and dry humor.
Also, if you like audio books, this one is pretty awesome.

[currentlyreadingbynat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making It by Laura Kay is a delightful and heartwarming read that follows Issy, a queer girl dealing with depression, as she moves away from home for the first time with her pet chinchilla, Abigail. The story beautifully captures Issy's journey as she navigates her new life, working on a television show about art and living with three charming housemates all whilst suffering from depression. All the characters within are well-developed, and Issy's relationships with her roommates, family, and coworkers are engaging and vividly portrayed.

The novel balances serious themes (i.e mental illness) with moments of humour and warmth, making it a compelling read. Laura Kay addresses the challenges of depression thoughtfully, providing an honest depiction of its impact on Issy's life while still infusing the story with hope and resilience. The hilarious and heartwarming scenes, such as Issy's first kiss at a club, add a lighthearted touch to the narrative.

While the romance subplot is not the central focus, Issy's personal growth and journey towards self-acceptance are beautifully depicted. Making It offers readers a unique perspective about finding yourself all while embracing life's challenges. If you are like me and prefer character-driven narratives with a blend of humour, romance, and emotional depth - this is the book for you. Another great novel from Laura Kay.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Quercus Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

this made me weep and weep and weep and weep! a lovely queer rom-com but, as i find to be the case with most rom-coms i read, the romance was the least interesting part. it’s about love, though - from colleagues, housemates, family, friends. laura kay i hope you read your goodreads reviews as you have single-handedly saved literature!!!!

[OonaReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Elli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shattered me, had me laughing, giggling, crying and sobbing. It hit me entirely to close to home.It also put me back together. (All that under the not entirely false pretence of looking like a cute queer romance book) I was not expecting to be swept of my feet by this but I was.
This was a 6 ⭐️ read for me.
I am still flabbergasted.

[charlotte, · Rating 4 out of 5]

aubrey <3

Rep: lesbian mc with depression, lesbian li & side character, gay side character, nonbinary side character

[fia ❣️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5

A phenomenal, heart wrenching, comfort read.

I would say this is not entirely a romance (unless you count it as a romance enemies-to-lovers edition with Issy vs her own life) but more of a coming of age novel with a subplot of romance. This book felt like a warm hug. I found myself out and about just wishing I could be curled up in my bed reading this at all hours of the day (not unusual, but it is rare I have the urge to do so with a specific book in mind.)

This gave major Beautiful World, Where Are You vibes but with queer, likable characters and a better romance. I want to live in Apt 47a. I will even take the uncomfortable couch or sleep on the roof. All the side characters seemed very real to me, as well as the depiction of mental health. The only reason it is not a 5 star for me is because I wanted there to be a little bit more in the romance department. I can’t wait to reread this one (and hopefully read more of a possibly-interconnected-standalone-series-to-come-????) ((Please Laura Kay if you are reading this!!!))

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this is the book I never knew I needed! 🥲

The story focuses on serious themes; mental health, and Laura Kay addresses Issy’s challenges thoughtfully and some of the things I could relate to. We follow Issy’s journey as she navigates a new life with her Chinchilla, Abigail. She’s away from home and living with new people who are absolutely wonderful housemates might I add!

I feel like I went through all the emotions in this book, it was funny, heartwarming, hopeful, sad and heartbreaking - all in one book, and it made me cry 🥲. I really felt for Issy and felt as though I was going through this journey with her, it really is a realistic experience of depression and anxiety.

I loved the romance and the slow build up whilst Issy was also trying to work on herself and self-acceptance. Very likeable characters throughout and I would like to move in with them 🥲.

I honestly adored Making It, absolutely beautiful from start to finish. It’s been a couple of days since I finished this and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. It really is a wonderful book and I absolutely recommend!

[Ryann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book and I think it might be a new favorite. I wish there was more romance towards the end, but it’s fitting for the characters and honestly I couldn’t be happier. I’m so sad that I’m done with Making It but I’m so glad I picked this up. Highlyyyyyy recommend.

P.s. I am crying while writing this.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man, my heart. What a damn good story. You did it, Issy, and I’m so happy for you. You made it through.

Beautiful, art-oriented novel with themes of chosen family, depression, identity exploration, sapphic love, and simply figuring life out. God I love these characters, and my heart feels both heavy and held.

Laura Kay—you’ve made my automatic TBR list. Thank you for this book.

[Dramapuppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m glad the book opens with a flash-forward that reveals it has a happy ending because otherwise I don’t think I could have handled Chekhov’s ten year old chinchilla.

[krish! · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was an undercover bindi rec (meaning i found it while stalking her goodreads) but anyway i loooooved this sm… gobbled it up in one sitting

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love laura kay for making cute lesbian romcoms that are somehow also really sad. read this in 2hours on a train, very romantic, can’t wait for her next release.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5
I enjoyed this book because it provided a realistic look into what depression can look like for some people. I appreciated that she touched on the fact that depression can cause us to neglect ourselves and those we love. Thank you StoryGraph and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows Issy, a queer girl who suffers from depression as she moves away from home for the first time with her chinchilla, Abigail. It’s a big life change for her, but she has a great opportunity to work on a television show about art and live with three charming housemates.

This book was a lot of fun and had really great characters throughout. Issy’s roommates are all distinct and lovely, as are Aubry, Elizabeth, and their coworkers. Issy’s mom and uncle also feel very fleshed out and stand apart even with less time in the story. If anything, I just wanted to live in this world a bit longer.

For those who don’t do well with (or don’t want to read about) mental illness, this book will not be for you. That is a central tenant of this book and while there are some moments that are hard to get through, Laura Kay addresses the topic in a thoughtful way, while still being true to how devastating and unpredictable mental illness can be.

Even with some depressing moments about, well, depression, there are plenty of happy and funny bits too, including a scene I found rather hilarious about Issy’s first kiss at a club. Go out and grab buy this book (once it’s available)!

[April Chen · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good coming of age/mid life crisis rom com/friend com novel for chaotic mentally ill lesbians.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good coming of age, queer awakening romance with amazing mental health rep (depression and anxiety), a pet chinchilla and amazing found family.

Isobel takes a new job moving out of her mother's house with just her bet chinchilla Abigail to start living her best life in London with new queer roommates who help encourage her to start dating for the very first time, this 28 year old virgin, tries to find her own happily ever after.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! While I didn't love this one personally, it still has important representation and is sure to resonate with many readers.

CW: therapy, depression, depression meds, anxiety

[Rhianna Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genuinely surprised by the amount of love I have for this book. I think to call it a romcom does it a bit of an injustice - yes there’s romance and yes there’s laughs, but there’s so much more than that. The writing about depression felt really raw and accurate and the found family aspect of the four unlikely friends sharing a home together was so heartwarming to me. I’m not a big family person - meaning, I hate everyone I’m related to unless I birthed them - by my found family, my very best friends are everything to me. I also did expect to cry over a chinchilla, but I know exactly how it feels for an animal to come in to your life exactly when you need the most and turn everything around. Will absolutely continue to read from this author - lots of perfect ingredients for me.

[Paige Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I wanted and more from Laura Kay’s latest book - this had me sobbing whilst trying to sunbathe (obviously in complete shade on account of my gingerness) around the pool, but also had me bursting out laughing disturbing those next to me, in equal measure. Her characters are, as always, so vibrant, complicated and completely real, they feel like people I do actually want to have in my life. Some of the more difficult themes in this book are beautifully written, they’re handled with care but remain honest, which I appreciated. Overall, as a reader I found myself completely absorbed into this world and utterly invested. 5/5, 10/10 - one of her best!

[seri jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

a queer MC who lives a very small life due to severe anxiety and depression that begun as a child (as an autistic woman, they sound autistic to me too), who moves away from all they've known - to london to share their art, and their small life explodes into something much bigger

the book has a theme of romance, but more than that, it celebrates found family, is about crafting and creating something outside of yourself to stay alive, and a lot of self discovery and personal growth

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Laura Kay writes characters with complex and realistic histories. This book was billed as a romance, and the main character does end up finding a romantic partner in the end, but it's more about her growth as a person. Moving through a new stage of life with a new job and home; needing to build and expand a new support network. Working through personal stresses and setbacks and continuing forward.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura Kay always writes in such a sensitive way, and the portrayal of depression in this book was not only done meticulously well, but it was so realistic. I loved Issy’s character development, and although her eventual romance with Aubrey was gorgeously thought out, it wasn’t the main point of the story for me and it never overshadowed Issy’s journey. I thought this was a wonderful book and I thoroughly enjoyed it 🩷

[Holly Randall17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read in a while, I couldn't put it down. It is so refreshing to have a book take a realistic look at what it's like to struggle with your mental health and the guilt that comes along with it. The characters were great and brought so much to the story. This one really hit me emotionally, cannot recommend it enough

[Anna Sawlani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this would be a nice light fun read, why did this book emotionally devastate me? Why was I crying on the plane?? This was such a beautiful coming of age story, I always say we need more coming of age stories from people in their late 20’s and early 30’s, as so many of us now are only really finding ourselves at this point, or reinventing, starting over, figuring it out. This book was all about that, and I just really loved it.

[ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh this was so sweet and got me out of my reading slump <3

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Kay never misses

[Robin Ireland · Rating 4 out of 5]

holiday rom com season has begun!!!

[Annine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐ this is both a light read and a heavy story. Good depiction of depression and the good and bad periods that might follow if you have a mental illness. Sometimes it was almost a little too relatable.

But the MC has a good support system and is met with understanding and care.

CW: depression, not taking medication, weight loss due to mental illness, death of a pet

[Emily Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very impressed with this book