This book is honestly hard to describe to those who haven’t read it. It’s messy and frustrating but so heartfelt and emotional. Reading it kind of felt like being in an impactful therapy session. 

I definitely understand why not everyone loves this book. No one in it is completely likable and our main character is constantly making horrible decisions. I can completely understand getting frustrated while reading. Honestly I’m kind of surprised I didn’t? 

This book to me felt extremely comforting, but not in the ways of my usual comfort books- not in the way of a warm hug, nor in the way of letting out a good cry. It feel more like a combination of sitting outside the counselor’s office in middle school and seeing that same girl again, knowing I’m not the only one secretly dying inside, and my friend forgiving me after we both know I’ve messed up. 

The protagonist of You Exist Too Much is very unlikable and constantly making horrible decisions but I had so much empathy for her and kept rooting for her anyway. This is not a new theme for me, with the unlikable female protagonist being one of my favorite literary tropes, but this one resonated more personally with me and I’m not sure why. Nevertheless, this book gave me more love for myself. I don’t think I’ve ever been as shitty as our protagonist, but I’ve made plenty of mistakes. This book helped me give myself grace.