Cover of the book You Exist Too Much
Critically acclaimed
Buy on Amazon

Already read? Rate it!

You Exist Too Much

byZaina Arafat

Who is this book for? Readers interested in LGBTQ themes, cultural identity, and character-driven narratives.

Topics IdentityLoveSurvivalFamily
MoodReflective, Hopeful
Female protagonist
HumorOccasional Humor
RomanceCentral to the Plot
Explicit scenesSuggestive Themes
A 'provocative and seductive debut' of desire and doubleness that follows the life of a young Palestinian American woman caught between cultural, religious, and sexual identities as she endeavors to lead an authentic life (O, The Oprah Magazine) On a hot day in Bethlehem, a 12-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East-from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine-Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer. In Brooklyn, she moves into an apartment with her first serious girlfriend and tries to content herself with their comfortable relationship. But soon her longings, so closely hidden during her teenage years, explode out into reckless romantic encounters and obsessions with other people. Her desire to thwart her own destructive impulses will eventually lead her to The Ledge, an unconventional treatment center that identifies her affliction as 'love addiction.' In this strange, enclosed society she will start to consider the unnerving similarities between her own internal traumas and divisions and those of the places that have formed her. Opening up the fantasies and desires of one young woman caught between cultural, religious, and sexual identities, You Exist Too Much is a captivating story charting two of our most intense longings-for love, and a place to call home.

Language

en

Published on

01/01/2020

Pages

272

Format

eBook

ISBN

9781948226516

Price Comparison

Books similar to You Exist Too Much

If you enjoyed readingYou Exist Too Much by Zaina Arafat, you may also like some of the following books.


Life-Rediscovery Journeys

Life-Rediscovery Journeys invite readers on transformative adventures, where protagonists find new paths and purposes. Ideal for those seeking inspiration and tales of personal growth.

Show all

Coming Out Stories

Coming Out Stories offer powerful narratives of self-discovery and acceptance. These books provide intimate glimpses into the lives of individuals embracing their true identities, making them both relatable and inspiring.

Show all

Queer Romances

Queer Romances celebrate love in all its forms. From heartwarming tales to passionate adventures, these books explore romantic relationships within the LGBTQ+ community, providing joy and representation.

Show all

Award Winning Literature

Step into the world of **Award Winning Literature books**, where every page resonates with excellence and acclaim. These books have not only captured the hearts of readers but have also been recognized by prestigious literary awards.

Show all

LGBTQ+

Discover a vibrant collection of LGBTQ+ books that celebrate diverse voices and experiences. Whether you're seeking inspiring coming-out stories or exploring the rich tapestry of queer romances, our selection offers something for every reader.

Show all

Fiction

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of fiction books, where every page invites you into a new universe. From heartwarming tales of quirky small towns to gripping narratives of modern love dilemmas, our collection offers something for every reader.

Show all

Romance

Step into a world where hearts flutter and emotions run high with our captivating selection of romance books. From tales of timeless love to modern-day fairy tales, these stories promise to sweep you off your feet.

Show all