This is a compelling novel. Through the prism of the election to be the editor-in-chief of a high school newspaper and its aftermath, the author explores important issues around gender equality. The author creates nuanced characters in the main characters, their classmates, and their families. The relationship between the two main characters, Eliza and Len, is well developed -- the ups and downs are realistic and authentic. The book is a good story and thought-provoking. Very highly recommended!

Eliza Quan has dreamed of becoming editor in chief of her school paper, The Bugle. She has the qualifications and experience, which makes it all the more shocking when she loses to none other than newbie and ex-jock, Len Di Martile. Taking the loss hard, Eliza vents about the election and about sexism in an essay that goes viral. The manifesto ignites a feminist movement on campus and Eliza’s quickly labeled a “feminazi” by dissenters. However, among others, Eliza inspires change: new ways of thinking and operating. In the chaos, she also finds love with an unlikely ally that threatens to botch her reputation as the face of the feminist movement.

3.5 stars. This was an entertaining read, with fantastic writing! Quach didn’t hold back, calling out outdated norms/perspectives and demonstrating the power that passionate people can wield. The characters were relatable, feisty, POC, and knew how to banter! This book captured aspects of the Asian experience in America and included an enemies-to-lovers/secret romance, LGBTQ+ representation, and no love triangle. I would recommend this to young adult readers and fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.

Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Children’s, and Michelle Quach for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was pleasantly surprised by Not Here To Be Liked, I went into it thinking it would be just another cute contemporary and yeah it was a cute contemporary but it was so much more than that. It had feminist themes, a rather shocking surprise in the final act of the book, amazing friendships that weren't perfect(we love flaws) and it was such a nice easy read that sparked some thoughts.

Writing wise I liked it, I'm definitely interested in reading more. It was smooth and there wasn't a lot of bumps and where there were bumps they weren't that noticeable(I read a not finalized copy so these might be fixed).

One of the things that stood out to me the most was how the characters developed over the course of the book, and how we got to see them change the more we knew about them.

Not Here To Be Liked had a lot of things I love in a book, I'm just gonna list some for you:
-Diverse cast of characters
-Feminist Themes
-A Cute romance that progresses in a great pace though the book
-Female friendships
-It's quick and easy to read.

4/5 stars!

*Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!*

Not Here to Be Liked pulled me in right from the start and did not let go. This book had everything I wanted and didn't know I needed, a must read! Quach does a fantastic job bringing important issues to light such as the discussion of feminism and the unfairness of how women, especially women of color are seen/treated due to their gender. I really appreciated the character development from the two main character's Eliza and Len, as well as the cute romance that starts to develop.

Aspects of this book I loved that really set it apart from others:
-Own Voices!!
-Chinese Vietnamese main character :)
-Diverse set of characters
-Feminism!!
-Rivals to "friends" to lovers <3
-Empowering girl friendships
-Fast paced read

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, there were a few aspects that I didn't love, but it did not take away from the book in any means. Not Here to Be Liked was the feminist YA contemporary that I needed! I highly recommend!

A review of this book can also be found on my Goodreads Account at the link provided or @sidneycannan

Thank you to Katherine Tegen Books and Netgalley for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

Not Here to Be Liked is a YA contemporary rom-com about Eliza, a Chinese-Vietnamese American girl whose life revolves around her school newspaper and working toward its editor-in-chief position. Despite being the only qualified candidate, Eliza’s dream is upturned when Len, a former jock with little experience, runs against her for the job. An enemies-to-lovers romance and examination of perceptions and expectations regarding men vs. women ensue.

I think Quach does a really great job of writing characters who actually feel like high school students. Eliza is prickly, cold, rational. Many readers, like many of the characters around Eliza, will perhaps find her unlikeable. But she is also determined, bold, driven. As an Asian-American with similar involvement in my high school paper (even holding Eliza’s coveted editor-in-chief title in my senior year), I found a lot to identify with. In high school, feeling like a quiet outsider, I felt like my work for the school newspaper was going to be “the mark” that I left. I related to Eliza’s dedication to perfectionism and her expectation that the rest of the staff also commit to that high standard, even if they found her to be a bit callous as a result. (I chuckled a bit at the part when Eliza handed back a draft she had marked all over in red… that brought me back).

It was a pleasant surprise to discover that this book is set in Orange County; UCI and Fullerton, for example, are name-dropped. There were some really great location details I recognized and representation for Eliza’s cultural background that gave the book a more specific sense of place. Len and Eliza stop by a local boba place a couple times, and I loved that her go-to order was lavender milk tea with soy milk; that’s one of mine!

Ultimately I had some questions regarding the book’s feminist focus: Eliza is quick to label Len’s success as a sign of misogyny, but I wondered if her peers were just drawn to Len’s warmth and desire to understand others, which contrasted with Eliza’s own seeming lack of interest in others. I think Eliza’s point is that girls are expected to be “nice” to be liked, but Len’s amiability is emphasized so much, so I found this a bit confusing. That being said, the book does raise some interesting questions regarding feminism and its complexities and nuances, mainly through different conversations Eliza has with friends and family, the message being that it’s more complicated than Eliza initially thought.

The romance is cute, if a bit quick. I wish we had some more insight into Len’s perspective, since he remained a bit inscrutable: I just wasn’t sure how or when he fell for Eliza! This is the first contemporary YA I’ve read in a while, and while I realized that I’m not really the target audience, I certainly feel that some of my students would appreciate and enjoy this book for its Asian-American representation and exploration of various student body dynamics!

This cover was the first thing that caught my attention about 'Not Here to Be Liked', the second was the title itself. Who can't relate to a title like that?!

This book is a feminist YA contemporary story that follows the protagonist, Eliza (OMG THAT'S MY NAME), an Asian-American teen who hopes to become the editor in chief of her school newspaper. I think we can all experience the throwback in this. The tea begins to boil when she loses her election to become the next editor in chief to an inexperienced ex-jock named Len. We follow Eliza as she is determined to get the role she deserves and unintentionally starts a feminist movement at her school. Plot twist? Falling for that said inexperienced ex-jock.

I loved everything about this story! The way Eliza comes off as cold and intense at the beginning of the story was relatable, but as the story progresses, we see ourselves rooting for her to accomplish her goals. This story is full of character growth, life lessons, and accepting change, which left me loving this book even more. I LOVE the representation and diversity of this book cast. There are a lot of really important lessons about friendships, falling in love, and family dynamics that I found myself relating to. This story also gave a lot of insight into Asian culture, which is something I love.

I cannot recommend this book enough! Enjoy the paths each character takes and try to relate to what is being experienced. It is a journey I enjoyed going on. If you are a fan of 'Moxie' and 'Emergency Contact', you will love this book as well.

HAPPY READING!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!

Not Here to Be Liked was an intriguing read for its driven yet insecure protagonist and unique setup. It was interesting to see journalism as the main high school activity of the story, and the novel raised valid questions about female leadership. I would recommend this book to teenagers who want to make a difference in their communities, particularly to women and men who are willing to see the definition of "support" stretched.

Eliza Quan is set to be editor in chief of her school newspaper. She has the experience, the knowledge, and the desire. At the last minute Len DiMartile decides to run against her and wins on his smile and charm. Venting her frustration in an opinion piece she never meant for anyone to see, she is surprised when Len reads her words back to her from the newspaper’s website. He wasn’t the only one to see it, and now it isn’t just the patriarchy she is fighting.

Michelle Quach’s Not Here to Be Liked is a great new YA novel simultaneously celebrating coming of age, young love, and fighting for what you believe in. Add in the fact that this is an #ownvoices novel, and you have a book which is going to be popular.

Fight the good fight!

I think this book was a really promising and fresh debut! The comparisons to other works, such as Moxie, were understandable but I am glad the author had more POC leads and side characters (with their own arcs). The story focuses on the protagonist's feminist journey and navigating newfound figurehead-ing. While, at many times, I felt the author may have tried to put too many eggs in her basket, I still admire the number of different topics she tried to address. The romance was classic enemies-to-lovers without ever making the love interest lose any charm or appeal. The main character was sweet and hard-working, I was definitely on her side but I did not always support her methods. She wasn't always likeable, but she definitely was complex and an empathetic character. I really admired and envied her ambition and drive to get what she wants. At times the commentary felt more shallow maybe, but still poignant. The writing style was simple and without too more decorum, but the book was well paced and easy to read. I think this would be a great starter novel for teens (or any age group) to get introduced to feminism and the works especially how it interplays in academia.

To be completely honest, the promised romance is what drew me in but the rest made me stay ! I liked the side characters a lot and was interested in their storylines and how they all worked together. Sometimes they grated, but that is just real life.

I rate this three stars because I probably would not reread, but it was super fun and I would recommend. I am really excited for this author and I hope she does more!

Eliza, a junior in high school and managing editor of the school paper the Bugle, looses the election for the Editor in Chief position to newcomer, Len. Her initial reaction? Write a scathing opinion piece calling students to be feminists To elect females to positions of authority and leadership in her school. She never intended it to be posted and when it is, life for Eliza, students, faculty, and administration changes in unexpected ways.

I can't wait to add this book to my classroom shelves! NOT HERE TO BE LIKED is a perfect book for a buddy read or a YA book club because it will lead to amazing discussions.

From the publisher:
"Eliza Quan is the perfect candidate for editor in chief of her school paper. That is, until ex-jock Len DiMartile decides on a whim to run against her. Suddenly her vast qualifications mean squat because inexperienced Len—who is tall, handsome, and male—just seems more like a leader.

When Eliza’s frustration spills out in a viral essay, she finds herself inspiring a feminist movement she never meant to start, caught between those who believe she’s a gender equality champion and others who think she’s simply crying misogyny."

This novel bolsters a fun YA enemies-to-lovers story with serious discussions about sexism, feminism, slut-shaming, social media/internet privacy, freedom of speech, racism, stereotyping, and more. There is SO MUCH packed into this book, but the author manages it all while also avoiding becoming too preachy. Some issues are covered more superficially than others (class/wealth, for example), but I don't feel like it took away from the book at all.

Quach did a great job writing relatable characters across the spectrum of high school cliques. I love that the students were shown finding common ground through their efforts to make their school a more equitable place. I hope teens that read this book feel empowered to fight for change in their own communities.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books/Katherine Tegen Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was one of the most refreshing takes on feminism and females in power. While this book took a while for me to get into once, I did it packed such a powerful punch. It made me feel so seen, and every woman who has ever been called a b*tch for simply existing or holding a position of power.

There was also some thoughtful dialogue about what it means to be Asian American and mixed-raced. This was a beautifully thoughtful book that I think so many young women while enjoy reading and feel seen and heard. The romance was also pretty cute too ;)

I definitely had mixed feelings about this book at the beginning. At the beginning, Eliza was extremely unlikable. Way too cold and critical. Blamed others for her problems. I liked Len, and wished that he could have had his own POV.

This book had so many examples of sexism. When a guy is confident, he’s a boss, when a girl’s a confident, she’s a b*tch. Which honestly is something I think we’re all so tired of. Periods are embarrassing, something to be ashamed of. And so many stereotypes. I think the author portrayed this stuff correctly and I liked the way the students slowly started a movement against it.

Overall, I really liked this one.

This book made you stop and think about sexism and discrimination in high schools. It was fun, smart, and I ended up with a list of books to read that were discussed.

I really liked this book. The romance was super cute and I really loved all the main characters. It was also fast paced and wasn’t “white feminism” that a lot of ya feminist books seem to be. I also really liked that Eliza didn’t change her personality by the end of the book only realized she some times judged people a little too hard.

Ahhhh, go and read this book right now!

What does it say about you, if you are falling for the face of the patriarchy? That's the pickle that Eliza Quan gets brined into when she lets her anger after being passed over for editor-in-chief of her paper for a jock who just barely came on. Len DeMartile has only been there a few months and doesn't even speak to anyone! But you know, he's very much looks like a leader, as opposed to Eliza's ugly oversized sweater. She's also quite mean when she edits others.

Her venting goes viral, and surprisingly many in the school start rallying around her cries of misogyny. There are those who aren't keen on the girl who doesn't know her place and how to keep her mouth shut though. And of course, suddenly she's assigned to work with Len on a series of articles. Naturally, that leads to them getting to know and appreciate each other. But Len is the LAST person she should be hooking up with since she's actively trying to get him to step down.

I really felt for Eliza. The idea that a woman has to be likable and all of these things on top of being competent in order to even be considered a leader is a great way to start the novel. I don't have her love of hard journalism, but she I enjoyed her passionate integrity. She's also pretty damn smart, and despite some very embarrassing setbacks, she seems to bounce back and not get too bogged down with angst. Len isn't bad either, but the author takes her time showing his good side.

As an #OwnVoices novel, this worked for me. Eliza is Chinese from Vietnam living in the O.C. There's only one line of Vietnamese in there and lots more Chinese, but her love of certain snacks and her family visiting 99 Ranch Market was sending me! Len is also hapa, and there's some interesting observations there. Ditto her best friend, whose storyline I felt never quite did get off the ground. That could've been incorporated better.

I was impressed by how smart this wove together the main feminist/high school storyline with a genuine teen romance. I was utterly charmed by the lead characters, maybe because they had some very real and relatable flaws, but enough cheekiness that they had personalities.

This falls into the realm of wish fulfillment, but thankfully doesn't get too saccharine or rosy. In fact, there's just enough cynicism and humor to make me laugh.

Based on an ARC by Netgalley

Thank you so much to HarperCollins Children's Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Not Here to Be Liked was the perfect, feminist YA contemporary that I needed! The story follows Eliza Quan, the hard-working and organized managing editor of her school’s newspaper. She’s the perfect candidate for next year’s editor-in-chief—that is, until ex-jock Len DiMartile decides on a whim to run against her. Even Eliza’s vast qualifications can’t compete with inexperienced Len—who is tall, handsome, and male, and just seems more like a leader. Eliza pours her frustrations onto a viral essay, and finds herself inspiring a feminist movement she never meant to start, caught between those who believe she’s a gender equality champion and others who think she’s simply crying misogyny. Amid the growing tension, the school’s administration asks Eliza and Len to work side by side to demonstrate civility. But as they get to know one another, Eliza feels increasingly trapped by a horrifying realization—she just might be falling for the face of the patriarchy himself.

I loved following Eliza on her journey to shine light on her high school’s history of sexism and the amazing feminist friends she made along the way! Eliza’s commentary on how there is no textbook definition of what a feminist looks like was much needed and I love how she was unapologetically herself even if her male counterparts found her to be too “tightly wound-up,” “bossy,” “headstrong,” etc. I really appreciated the discussions on intersectionality and how sexism & racism both influence one another, mainly brought on by Winona’s insightfulness as a character. She was a hilarious and super cool character to follow along and I would gladly read a spin-off just featuring Winona because of how amazing she is (also her relationship with Dough was so funny but also so adorable).

There was also really great commentary about the relationships that second-generation children have with their immigrant parents related to issues like racism and sexism. Eliza’s continued discussions with her mom on what it meant to be a feminist where so similar to my discussions with my immigrant parents in the sense that both of our definitions of feminism are quite different. I also really appreciated how this book helped debunk the model minority myth and also had amazing POC representation at the same time.

The romance between Len and Eliza was cute, too! At first, I was having trouble trying to figure out Len’s true motives because he seemed really shady in some specific scenes, but I liked how their relationship developed in the latter half of the novel. Overall, I’d give this book 4.5 stars!

You know how there are some books that slightly incorporate feminism into the story and other books that take it 1,000 times further and feminism takes over the book? Well, Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach definitely falls into the latter category, and I’m all for it! This book is possibly my favorite so far this year!

The novel follows Eliza, a Chinese-Vietnamese-American girl who is determined to be the Editor of her school’s newspaper her senior year. She is not worried about this though. She knows that she is the only candidate that has put her whole heart into the newspaper, and factually, she is the most qualified. However, Eliza’s world falls apart when Len, a former baseball playing jock, smooth-talks his way into winning the position she had her heart set on.

This book is so much more than girl meets boy though! When a personal rant Eliza wrote about losing the election gets posted to her school newspaper’s website, she is suddenly forced to confront this problem, not as a personal issue, but as a feminist one. Her schoolmates quickly go from calling her a feminazi to following her lead, when Queen Bee, Serena Hwangbo, gives her support to Eliza’s cause. As the story progresses, Eliza realizes she might have feelings for the boy who started this whole mess. Can she really feel that way towards Len after everything he did? And if she does, would that make her a bad feminist?

Not Here to Be Liked is not only an adorable love story, but also a commentary on the struggles within feminism. This book truly forces you to ask yourself: What does it mean to be a feminist? It raises so many issues within feminism, such as racism and classism within the movement, well-intentioned men who unknowingly perpetuate misogyny, and the disappointing realization that the patriarchy is often cute.

Seriously, this book addresses so many issues, from the way it is considered taboo to talk freely about feminine hygiene, to the problematic way that boys’ voices are often validated more than girls’. When Len plays the Knight in Shining Armor, Eliza is torn between feeling wooed and not needing to be rescued. She struggles with the genuine issue of falling in love while also maintaining her feminist values.

On top of that, the characters in this novel are extremely complex. Eliza herself has a very intricate background, and she expresses turmoil over reconciling her cultural and family background. Also, Winona, who is the best friend that we frankly all need in our lives, raises many issues about feminism and People of Color. She expresses unease about participating in a demonstration at school because she doesn’t want to be seen as the angry Black woman. AND that is validated by other characters!!! This was such an important aspect of the book because often Black woman are told they are overreacting when they raise a concern like this, but I was pleasantly surprised when the other characters supported Winona in whatever decision she made.

I could literally go on about this book for days, but I won’t bore you with all my gushing. Instead, you should definitely pick up a copy of the book when it comes out on September 14, 2021, so you can experience all the joy of this book yourself. This is truly a book that everyone should read because it sincerely challenges readers to examine their own beliefs about feminism and what it means to be a feminist!

Loved this high school tale between Len, a former baseball player turned writer for the school paper, and Eliza, the managing editor for the paper who takes her job and life very seriously. Eliza’s personal feelings are put on display about the recent Bugle newspaper’s election for editor-in-chief. Eliza had been the unopposed candidate for the position until a last minute speech by Len puts him in the running. He wins and it sets off an avalanche of events. This was a wonderful view of feminism and all its complexities and nuances, complete with even its pitfalls at times. It also helped the reader understand the perspective of being a child of immigrant parents and all the pressures that can come from having parental expectations influence your choices. I loved reading this book and will be looking for more from this author!

So even though this book is about feminism, I think more importantly, it is about how we all have valid viewpoints and different degrees of commitment. This is true for every aspect of our daily lives and we need to be more respectful of other peoples opinions without judgement. (And without posting our every thought to social media!)
I don't read many books where I am totally off base about the ending. I couldn't figure it out. Kudo's to the author who made an ending that stayed with the tone of the book. Very well done.
This is an author to watch. The book was well paced and constantly entertaining. I think you'll like it.