From the Publisher
"A fresh take on high school and activism." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"An interesting meditation on what it means to be a Gen Z feminist. Eliza is a compelling character. This mettle-bearing romcom is ideal for any teenager interested in not just feminist philosophy but also what it means to carry that philosophy into the real world." — Booklist
“Not Here to Be Liked is a truly excellent book.” — NPR Books
"A fresh voiced debut, perfect for anyone who has ever felt unlikable. Not Here To Be Liked is a sharply intelligent read with a touch of painful reality that will leave a mark on your heart." — Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series
“Quach’s sparkling debut is a fantastic examination of feminism, full of insight and heart. A must read for those who love coming of age stories with a touch of romance.” — Roselle Lim, author of Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune
“A smart romance with heart and guts and all the intoxicating feelings in between.” — Maureen Johnson, New York Times bestselling author 13 Little Blue Envelopes
“Deeply insightful and completely entertaining from start to finish—just like its heroine. Eliza Quan is my new favorite feminist.” — Misa Sugiura, author of This Time Will Be Different
"Not Here to Be Liked is a fierce coming of age story that had me cheering! Michelle Quach deftly explores intersectional feminism, first love, and complicated family relationships with honesty and heart." — Elise Bryant, author of Happily Ever Afters
“Equal parts funny and thought-provoking, Not Here to Be Liked deftly explores the joys and complexities of feminism, family, and first romance. Eliza isn’t here to be liked, but you’ll fall in love with her—and Michelle Quach’s bright new voice—all the same.” — Katie Henry, author of Heretics Anonymous
“A great feminist read.” — San Francisco Book Review
Elise Bryant
"Not Here to Be Liked is a fierce coming of age story that had me cheering! Michelle Quach deftly explores intersectional feminism, first love, and complicated family relationships with honesty and heart."
Booklist
"An interesting meditation on what it means to be a Gen Z feminist. Eliza is a compelling character. This mettle-bearing romcom is ideal for any teenager interested in not just feminist philosophy but also what it means to carry that philosophy into the real world."
San Francisco Book Review
A great feminist read.”
NPR Books
Not Here to Be Liked is a truly excellent book.
Stephanie Garber
"A fresh voiced debut, perfect for anyone who has ever felt unlikable. Not Here To Be Liked is a sharply intelligent read with a touch of painful reality that will leave a mark on your heart."
Roselle Lim
Quach’s sparkling debut is a fantastic examination of feminism, full of insight and heart. A must read for those who love coming of age stories with a touch of romance.”
Misa Sugiura
Deeply insightful and completely entertaining from start to finish—just like its heroine. Eliza Quan is my new favorite feminist.
Katie Henry
Equal parts funny and thought-provoking, Not Here to Be Liked deftly explores the joys and complexities of feminism, family, and first romance. Eliza isn’t here to be liked, but you’ll fall in love with her—and Michelle Quach’s bright new voice—all the same.
Maureen Johnson
A smart romance with heart and guts and all the intoxicating feelings in between.
Booklist
"An interesting meditation on what it means to be a Gen Z feminist. Eliza is a compelling character. This mettle-bearing romcom is ideal for any teenager interested in not just feminist philosophy but also what it means to carry that philosophy into the real world."
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2021-07-27
An upset in the struggle for succession at a high school newspaper sends shock waves far beyond the newsroom.
Eliza Quan has spent her high school career in Southern California preparing to assume leadership of the Willoughby Bugle; she’s the most qualified, and she’s sure she’s the best for the job. Her plans are stymied, however, by Len DiMartile, a biracial (White/Japanese) ex–baseball player who apparently joined the Bugle’s staff on a whim following an injury and who easily wins the election for editor-in-chief. Eliza is angry—why should likability come before dedication and well-informed goals? Determined to contest the election results, Eliza starts a feminist movement in her high school, forming unlikely partnerships in a quest for justice. In the process Eliza learns that there are no simple answers when fighting for what’s right—and that even Len may not be as bad as she believed. Maybe even boyfriend material. The narrative tackles the complications of standing up for yourself without harming others while also exploring other dynamics, including life in a refugee family—Eliza’s parents are Chinese Vietnamese—and varying attitudes toward feminism as her mother’s pragmatism is contrasted with Eliza’s push for systemic change. Eliza’s best friend is Black, and, in a school setting that is predominately Asian, activism at the intersection of race and gender is also addressed. Quach skillfully balances all these elements, breathing life into this enemies-to-lovers story.
A fresh take on high school and activism. (Fiction. 13-18)
