Not Here to Be Liked

Eliza Quan is the most qualified candidate for editor-in-chief of her school newspaper. When she loses the position to ex-jock Len DiMartile, she writes an exposé on the sexist voting practices of her peers. Her article sparks backlash and creates a school-wide feminist movement. As tensions escalate between those who support and oppose Eliza's stance, she finds herself working alongside Len on the paper. Their forced collaboration leads to unexpected dynamics and challenges Eliza's assumptions about activism, journalism, and relationships. The lines between professional and personal blur as Eliza navigates her role as an unintentional feminist leader while managing her evolving feelings about her rival. She must decide how to stay true to her convictions while acknowledging the complexities of gender politics in her school community. This contemporary YA novel explores intersections of cultural identity, feminism, and authenticity, raising questions about what it means to fight for justice while confronting one's own biases and preconceptions.

Readers appreciate the authentic portrayal of Asian American family dynamics and the complex exploration of feminism through a teenage lens. Many note the realistic internal conflicts of the protagonist as she navigates cultural expectations and personal convictions. Positive comments focus on: - Natural, witty dialogue - Nuanced handling of high school relationships - Discussion of intersectional feminism without being preachy - Strong family dynamics and character development Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Some found the romance plot predictable - A few readers wanted more resolution for secondary characters Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (12,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (300+ ratings) BookTok: Frequently recommended in YA contemporary lists Sample reader comment: "The book tackles serious topics about sexism and cultural expectations while maintaining humor and heart. The main character's flaws make her relatable rather than frustrating." - Goodreads reviewer

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🌟 The author, Michelle Quach, wrote this debut novel while working full-time as a graphic designer and copywriter 📚 The book tackles real-world issues like sexism in high school journalism, drawing from the author's own experience as her school newspaper's editor-in-chief 🗞️ The protagonist's struggle against the "likability trap" for female leaders reflects documented research showing women in leadership positions often face criticism for the same assertive behaviors praised in male leaders 🎨 The cover art features bold red and blue colors with Asian-influenced illustrated elements, reflecting both the main character's Vietnamese-American heritage and the book's themes of journalism and feminism 💝 The novel explores the complexities of female friendship and competition, particularly how internalized misogyny can lead young women to work against rather than support each other