An unnamed Palestinian-American woman reflects on her rather tumultuous adolescence and young adulthood. From coming out to her mom, navigating eating disorders, to coping with toxic relationships, the narrator tries to balance her destructive impulses with the desire to find a belonging.

EXIST is another all-vibes-no-plot novel that doesn't work the best on audio. The narrator navigates the present while constantly interjecting with past memories with a stream-of-consciousness writing style. While I appreciate the parallels between being queer & Muslim and being a Palestinian American, I feel that so much is said between the lines that don't fully resonate with me.

Additionally, I find that books featuring very sexually active narrators with messy relationships and make questionable choices aren't my fav to read. Those who enjoyed I'M A FAN (Sheena Patel) might find EXIST a more satisfying read.