A review by elakya
Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach

4.0

Felt like home, set in California while examining clearly how race and gender play into our microcosm of what we believe is a liberal melting pot beyond approach. This includes an examination of things like the model minority myth, gender through the lens of race, and especially socioeconomic status differences that tear apart the notion of a monolithic Asian diaspora. I loved that all of this analysis was masterfully woven into an extremely fun and engaging fake dating scenario ( ACADEMIC RIVALS TO LOVERS!! ) that somehow for the most part avoids a lot of the miscommunication trope and centers a strong, yet layered female central character. I do think some of the side characters and plotlines could have been more well developed, as well as the love interest himself, but I emotionally connected with this book so much beyond all the small details.