Eliza Quan is the perfect candidate to lead the school paper as editor in chief. That is, until former baseball player Len DiMartile impulsively decides to run against her. Suddenly, all her qualifications seem to be meaningless since her fellow students consider inexperienced Len – who is charming, attractive, and male – to be more of a leader.

When an article about Eliza’s frustration is published against her will, she finds herself in charge of a feminist movement she never intended to create, torn between those who see her as a champion of gender equality and those who think she is just using pretend misogyny as a reason to why she lost the election.

To bring calm to the matter, the school invites Eliza and Len to work together. But as they get to know each other, Eliza experiences a terrible realization — she might like Len more than she wants to admit.

Sounds intriguing? Let’s get into the review.

The striking red color of the cover made me first notice the book. I like how the cover reflects its character. The red background indicates that the story is quite emotional and deals with more serious topics. The cover also features the two main characters, Eliza and Len, with the title standing in between them. This is a great analogy to the fact that Eliza and Len are initially in conflict and only get closer over time.

But one thing must be said in advance. “Not Here to Be Liked” is about so much more than just another rivals-to-lovers romance!

I particularly like the wide range of topics the author covers. The focus lies on feminism, especially regarding people of color. Likewise, a deep insight into various cultures that fall under the umbrella term “Asian” is offered. While Eliza’s family is Vietnamese and Chinese, Len is half-Japanese. In addition to the main storyline, the novel also deals with Eliza’s best friend who tries to prove herself as a talented dancer, despite her parents’ expectations of a more traditional academic path for her.

Furthermore, the book criticizes how women are often judged based on their emotional reactions, and their achievements are downplayed in comparison to those of men. It exposes the subtle sexism that still prevails in today’s society. For instance, when Eliza and Len debate about the election, many students dismiss her frustration as being “emotional” or “too intense,” while Len’s enthusiasm is perceived as leadership material.

The storyline of Eliza and Len working together also raises interesting questions about whether personal relationships can develop despite ideological differences. Their relationship starts off as rivals but grows into mutual respect and eventually romance, which adds depth to both characters. This complexity makes the characters feel more real and relatable.

Moreover, the author does a great job of capturing the tension many teenagers face between personal ambitions and the need to be liked or accepted by others. It’s a relevant topic in today’s world of social media, where public perception and image are often at odds with one’s own identity and aspirations.

Though I enjoyed most of the novel, there were some moments that felt a little too predictable, especially when it came to the romantic subplot. While the build-up to the romance was well-paced, certain aspects of the resolution seemed rushed, and some side characters felt underdeveloped.

In conclusion, “Not Here to Be Liked” by Michelle Quach is a refreshing and thought-provoking novel that explores feminism, identity, and relationships. While the romance aspect is engaging, the book shines in its commentary on gender dynamics and societal expectations. It’s a perfect read for anyone interested in stories that go beyond the usual high school romance and tackle important social issues.