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

inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

This was an enjoyable YA novel that has a lot to offer readers who are new to feminism and what it means to fight for gender equality. Obviously it's not a gender studies textbook, but I did relate to Eliza's confusion over what feminism is and whether she's betraying her ideals by falling for "the enemy," so to speak. I've grown a lot in my understanding of feminism since high school and this isn't too far off from what I would have thought back then! I also really loved Serena's character and all of the lessons she ended up teaching Eliza about how many ways there are to be a feminist. Eliza's friend Winona was an equally great resource to Eliza in terms of allyship and going beyond white feminism.

Of course, this book was also a romance and I thought Quach balanced the two elements of romance and feminism in a really fun and engaging way. Eliza and Len drew me in and I read this book in just a few days. I know Eliza's character won't be everyone's cup of tea, but like the title says, she's not here to be liked and I ended up liking her a lot!
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