Not Here to Be Liked

Written by Michelle Quach

Narrated by Vyvy Nguyen

“A smart romance with heart and guts and all the intoxicating feelings in between.” —Maureen Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of 13 Little Blue Envelopes

Emergency Contact meets Moxie in this cheeky and searing novel that unpacks just how complicated new love can get…when you fall for your enemy.

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.

Amid this growing tension, the school 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.

New York Times New and Upcoming Young Adult Book to Watch For * A Junior Library Guild Selection * Parents Magazine Best Books of the Year * NPR Best Books of the Year * Kirkus Best Books of the Year * Rise: A Feminist Book Project Book of the Year * A CCBC Choices Pick of the Year * Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year *

• Language: English
• Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
• Release date: Sep 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9780063038400

Michelle Quach

Michelle Quach is a graphic designer and writer living in Los Angeles. She’s Chinese Vietnamese American and a graduate of Harvard University, where she studied history and literature. You can find her online at michellequach.com.

Reviews for Not Here to Be Liked

[Laura · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Cute and wholesome teenage story! The main character is complex and her growth is more interesting by the chapter, the side characters are well-rounded and grow alongside her as well. Loved this!

[Marcela Silva · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I believe this is my favorite book now, It's definitely a masterpiece! I just love novels and "Not here to be liked" is a perfect one, the story has a great plot and an exciting way to make you want to discover more, making you think about deep and important topics in the process. So, besides enjoying the exciting romance, you also learn and open you mind to a lot of other things, with a great plot twist! Lastly, I also have to say that the audiobook is so well-made that I really think It even gives you a better experience while you enjoy the story. Therefore, if you like romance and a very well-written book, "Not here to be liked" definitely is for you!

[dairyqueen84 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love smart, feisty main characters and Eliza Quan did not disappoint. She has been working toward becoming the school paper's editor-in-chief since she was a freshman and then Len DeMartile, the ex-baseball player, walks into the newsroom and disrupts everything. Eliza's inner monologue is funny and sharp. The story weaves in feminism, sexism, friendships. ambition, and so much more but it isn't cumbersome or preachy.

[bookwyrmm_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

All of these characters felt very real and the story really made me think about what it means to be a feminist.