#len dimartile

[taylorswiftsfavouritedaughter]

How I'd think going on a book shopping with these book boyfriends would work out! (Fantasy book boyfriends not included) (tell me if you would like some more of these contents)

Enjoy xoxo

• wes bennett - he would definitely carry all the books - pay for them all lol - definitely would LOVE to read with you - but when you read alone he would love to sneak behind you and try to read in the page you're currently reading (but failed lol)

• ravi singh - IM TELLING YOU HE LOVESS GOING ON A BOOK SHOPPING TOGETHER - when you told him that you had a book buying ban or something he would definitely told you to break it off (hes always the one to ask you to go out on a book shopping with him)

• lucas martin - damn, he would definitely ask you on a book shopping too at some random times (like whenever you guys are bored) - CARRY ALL THE BOOKS - definitely ask you for some reocmmendations

• henry li - boy he's down with you for whateverrr - would give you some recommendations from most of the books he have read at the bookstore - HES PAYING FOR EVERYTHINGG (everything for his favourite person) - lets you rant about everything that had happened in the book

• len DiMartile - already knew what you want to buy (he remembered all the books that you've always wanted to buy) - its ALL on him. - whenever you're sad he would always tried to cheer you up

- sorry if these aren't accurate

☆ amani

[bestbook4u]

Not Here to Be Liked the book

Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach is an irresistible enemies-to-lovers romance that’s making waves on TikTok! Eliza Quan is determined to become the editor in chief of her school paper, but when the unexpected happens, she finds herself at odds with the charming, yet infuriating, Len DiMartile.

Will leave a mark on your heart.” — Stephanie Garber

A smart romance with heart and guts.” — Maureen Johnson

Get ready for a story filled with love, rivalry, and all the feels!

Available now at BestBook4u with fast, FREE shipping.

[aforcedelire]

Eliza est féministe, Michelle Quach

Eliza s’attendait à être élue rédactrice en chef du journal du lycée, mais c’était sans compter Len DiMartile. L’ancien joueur star de base-ball vient de lui ravir le job, et Eliza est furieuse. Contrairement à lui, elle participe au journal depuis des années, elle s’est tuée à la tâche, et elle est bien plus qualifiée que lui. Mais elle n’est pas un homme… qu’à cela ne tienne, elle va leur montrer, à tous ! Eliza a tout prévu… sauf de tomber amoureuse de Len.

J’avais entendu parler de ce roman à sa sortie et je n’avais pas forcément eu l’occasion de le lire jusque-là, mais c’est désormais chose faite ! Je l’ai trouvé bien sympa. J’ai beaucoup aimé le côté comédie romantique, et assister au rapprochement d’Eliza et Len m’a plu, même si vers la fin j’ai trouvé qu’il y avait un tout peu trop de « on est ensemble mais en fait non mais ptetre que oui mais ah on sait pas ». Mais bon, à part ce léger détail franchement c’était chouette.

Ce que j’ai par contre beaucoup aimé, c’est que ce roman permet de s’interroger sur le féminisme. On parle beaucoup de l’égalité entre les filles et les garçons, on se questionne sur les « vraies » féministes et les « fausses » féministes (notamment à travers Eliza qui se proclame féministe mais qui tombe amoureuse de son rival, ou encore de Serena qui est jolie et plaît aux garçons), et on aborde aussi beaucoup la question de la rivalité féminine. Et ça, c’était hyper cool !

Mais ça va plus loin, et Michelle Quach en profite aussi pour aborder l’immigration et le rapport des enfants d’immigrés avec leurs parents, qui leur mettent parfois la pression parce qu’ils voudraient un avenir différent du leur pour eux. J’ai trouvé ça chouette d’avoir autant de personnages racisés, ça change un peu de ce qu’on peut trouver d’habitude !

C’est pas un grand coup de cœur, mais j’ai passé un bon moment. Je recommande aux ados dès 13-14 ans !

17/08/2024 - 18/08/2024

[sorakpuan]

𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗱.

A brief summary: Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach. The book belongs to the young adult, feminism, and contemporary romance genres. It was published on September 14th 2021 by Katherine Tegen Books Publisher.

I started reading it from February 7th to 8th 2024, in an E-book format, with 349 pages.

Overall Review: beware of spoilers!

ㅤㅤWell, how do I even start this? In short, I didn't expect to pick up this book to read, without looking at any reviews or even the blurb. And, well... my expectations were too high for this. Although the story's topic about sexism, misogyny, and feminism seemed interesting enough. Okay, let's comment on the characters in this book, especially the main female character, Eliza Quan. Oh my god, Ms. Quan! How do I put this about her? There are some aspects of her characterization that I liked, although there were also many aspects that I didn't like.

ㅤㅤI appreciate her passion and determination, as well as her enthusiasm in fighting for her rights, in fighting for feminism. Well, at least that's a good thing. BUT, BUT, BUT... she just got it wrong and felt off in terms of her purpose in feminism, leaning more towards her disagreement with losing the vote and demanding her opponent step down from the position because she felt that the opponent wasn't suitable for it. Also, I really can't tolerate her annoying behavior, not sticking to her beliefs, especially when she immediately throws blame at others for her failures, labeling it as sexism or misogyny or whatever. And her narcissistic attitude is just so prominent. Oh my god, for the first time ever, I didn't like the characterization of the main character throughout the story.

ㅤㅤHowever, I don't have a problem with the other characters, although I admit I didn't particularly like them either. Especially Len, well... he's just average in my opinion, not really outstanding or amazing even though he plays a big role as the main male character in the book.

ㅤㅤNow, let's talk about the plot, plot twist! Yeah, I found the plot twist forced, I didn't see it coming, it was totally unexpected. The pacing of the plot was alright, not too slow or too fast. And the romantic aspect wasn't fully all out, although I did like how sweet Len DiMartile was in some parts. I guess you could say I had mixed feelings about this story.

Xoxo, #SweetLibrary. <3

[bookobsessedblob]

currently crying because Len DiMartile doesn’t exist

[richincolor]

New Releases

Happy early book birthday to, well, a whole slew of books launching tomorrow on the 14th! 

Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach

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. — Cover image and summary via Goodreads

White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson

Marigold is running from ghosts. The phantoms of her old life keep haunting her, but a move with her newly blended family from their small California beach town to the embattled Midwestern city of Cedarville might be the fresh start she needs. Her mom has accepted a new job with the Sterling Foundation that comes with a free house, one that Mari now has to share with her bratty ten-year-old stepsister, Piper.

The renovated picture-perfect home on Maple Street, sitting between dilapidated houses, surrounded by wary neighbors has its . . . secrets. That’s only half the problem: household items vanish, doors open on their own, lights turn off, shadows walk past rooms, voices can be heard in the walls, and there’s a foul smell seeping through the vents only Mari seems to notice. Worse: Piper keeps talking about a friend who wants Mari gone.

But “running from ghosts” is just a metaphor, right?

As the house closes in, Mari learns that the danger isn’t limited to Maple Street. Cedarville has its secrets, too. And secrets always find their way through the cracks. — Cover image and summary via Goodreads

Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed: 15 Voices from the Latinx Diaspora edited by Saraciea J. Fenell

In Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed, writers from across the Latinx diaspora interrogate the different myths and stereotypes about this rich and diverse community. From immigration to sexuality, music to language, and more, these personal essays and poems are essential additions to the cultural conversation, sure to inspire hope and spark dialogue.

Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed features bestselling and award-winning authors as well as new, up-and-coming voices, including: Elizabeth Acevedo Cristina Arreola Ingrid Rojas Contreras Naima Coster Natasha Diaz Kahlil Haywood Zakiya Jamal Janel Martinez Jasminne Mendez Meg Medina Mark Oshiro Julian Randall Lilliam Rivera Ibi Zoboi — Cover image and summary via Goodreads

It All Comes Back to You by Farah Naz Rishi

After Kiran Noorani’s mom died, Kiran vowed to keep her dad and sister, Amira, close. Then out of the blue, Amira announces that she’s dating someone and might move cross-country with him. Kiran is thrown.

Deen Malik is thrilled that his older brother, Faisal, has found a great girlfriend, even if it’s getting serious quickly. Maybe now their parents’ focus will shift off Deen, who feels intense pressure to be the perfect son.

When Deen and Kiran come fact to face, they silently agree to keep their past a secret. Four years ago–before Amira and Faisal met–Kiran and Deen dated. But Deen ghosted Kiran with no explanation. Kiran will stop at nothing to find out what happened, and Deen will do anything, even if it means sabotaging his brother’s relationship, to keep her from reaching the truth. Though the chemistry between Kiran and Deen is undeniable, can either of them take down their walls? — Cover image and summary via Goodreads

Walking in Two Worlds by Wab Kinew

Bugz is caught between two worlds. In the real world, she’s a shy and self-conscious Indigenous teen who faces the stresses of teenage angst and life on the Rez. But in the virtual world, her alter ego is not just confident but dominant in a massively multiplayer video game universe.

Feng is a teen boy who has been sent from China to live with his aunt, a doctor on the Rez, after his online activity suggests he may be developing extremist sympathies. Meeting each other in real life, as well as in the virtual world, Bugz and Feng immediately relate to each other as outsiders and as avid gamers. And as their connection is strengthened through their virtual adventures, they find that they have much in common in the real world, too: both must decide what to do in the face of temptations and pitfalls, and both must grapple with the impacts of family challenges and community trauma.

But betrayal threatens everything Bugz has built in the virtual world, as well as her relationships in the real world, and it will take all her newfound strength to restore her friendship with Feng and reconcile the parallel aspects of her life: the traditional and the mainstream, the east and the west, the real and the virtual. — Cover image and summary via Goodreads

Idol Gossip by Alexandra Leigh Young

Every Friday after school, dressed in their new South Korean prep-school uniforms — sweater vests, knee-highs, pleated skirts, and blazers — seventeen-year old Alice Choy and her little sister, Olivia, head to Myeongdong, brave a dank, basement-level stairwell full of graffiti, and slip into a noreabang. Back in San Francisco, when she still had friends and earthly possessions, Alice took regular singing lessons. But since their diplomat mom moved them to Seoul, she pours herself into karaoke, vamping it up in their booth to Lady Gaga while loyal Olivia applauds and howls with laughter. Alice lives for Fridays, but when an older woman stops her on their way out one day, handing Alice a business card with a bow, singing turns serious. Could the chance encounter really be her ticket to elite status at Top10 Entertainment’s Star Academy? With a little sisterly support, backed by one of the world’s top talent agencies, can Alice lead her group on stage before a stadium of 50,000 chanting fans — and just maybe strike K-pop gold? Not if a certain influential blogger and the anti-fans get their way.

Delicious gossip squares off with genuine heart in a debut about standing out and fitting in, dreaming big and staying true — for avid K-pop fans and those just discovering the worldwide cultural phenomenon. — Cover image and summary via Goodreads

Kneel by Candace Buford

The system is rigged. For guys like Russell Boudreaux, football is the only way out of their small town. As the team’s varsity tight end, Rus has a singular goal: to get a scholarship and play on the national stage. But when his best friend is unfairly arrested and kicked off the team, Rus faces an impossible choice: speak up or live in fear.

“Please rise for the national anthem.” Desperate for change, Rus kneels during the national anthem. In one instant, he falls from local stardom and becomes a target for hatred. But he’s not alone. With the help of his best friend and an unlikely ally, Rus will fight for his dreams, and for justice. — Cover image and summary via Goodreads

Witch Rising (B*Witch #2) by Paige McKenzie and Nancy Ohlin

Two rival covens, led by frenemies Greta and Div, are investigating a radical anti-magic faction—the New Order—for the murder of a sister witch. In fact, Div and her coven mate Mira are pretend-dating a couple of New Order members to infiltrate it and bring it down for good. But when the president of the United States aligns himself with the dangerous group and local police ramp up their search for suspected witches, the covens must be more careful than ever.

Even outside of politics, complications abound as Iris and the new witch, Torrence, fight for Greta’s affections…and Ridley can’t get over her crush on a dead girl…and Binx’s own crush turns out to be harboring deadly secrets.

If the covens wish to solve their friend’s murder and protect their kind, they’ll have to rise above their problems, big and small. But as they grow closer to the truth, one thing becomes certain—trust no witch. — Cover image and summary via Goodreads

Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story by Lilliam Rivera illustrated by Steph C Jessica Cruz has done everything right. She’s a dedicated student, popular among her classmates, and has a loving family that has done everything they can to give her a better life in the United States. While Jessica is a part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, allowing her to go to school and live in the U.S., her parents are undocumented. Jessica usually worries for her parents, but her fears and anxiety escalate as a mayoral candidate with a strong anti-immigration stance runs for office.

As the xenophobia in Coast City increases, Jessica begins to debate whether it’s worth renewing her status to stay in the U.S., or if her family would be safer and better off moving back to Mexico. And despite her attempts to lean on her friends and family, she finds herself constantly visited by visions of Aztec gods, one pulling her towards hope and the other towards anger.

But when her father is detained by I.C.E., Jessica finds herself being pulled into an abyss of fear. With her father gone and feeling helpless, Jessica must find her way out of her fears and ultimately become a voice for her community. — Cover image and summary via Goodreads

[lilradridinghood]

suddenly wanna commission art of Len DiMartile wearing that "I'M A SLUT" button in his high school morning accouncements man what a guy

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 2/5

Book Blurb: 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.

Review:

What do you do when you lose your school paper election to be editor in chief and write a scathing article about why the only reason you lost was because you were a female and that everyone in your club was misogynistic... well apparently you launch a full on feminist movement at your school and demand the guy who won resign... and maybe fall in love with him. Eliza Quan is the perfect candidate for editor in chief, she is qualified and does her job well, except when it comes down to the votes she loses to ex-jock nice guy Len DiMartile who has only just joined the school paper. Eliza writes her frustrations out in a viral essay... but it accidentally gets published and now the entire school is awakened to the feminist movement as well as picking between Eliza and Len. But as tensions rise, Eliza and Len find that they’ll have to be working side by side and showing they can be civil... except the fact that they might be falling for each other. Living up to the title, Eliza is extremely prickly, in fact that’s the main reason she loses the election. Eliza is cold, blunt, and just an outright bitch to people and she doesn’t regret anything. She looks down on her sister for just wearing makeup and wanting to dress nice, and definitely gives off a “pick me” girl vibe and that just... so... well at least Eliza is now getting to learn about what it means to be a feminist. Eliza is solely focused on getting Len to resign, she does some pretty bad things, like making everyone believe he is a misogynist, making an entire campaign to get people to hate him, and just treating him badly in public. The main issue here that she just couldn’t seem to grasp was that ELIZA was the issue, she was rude to people, she was mean, and honestly if you know how elections work why do you think most people went for the nice chill guy over you Eliza when no one actually likes you because you literally don’t like them?? Now onto the other issue of the book, the way it addresses feminism. Belittling, making fun of, and just judging other girls for wearing makeup and wanting to look pretty? Really Eliza? Her entire feminist movement solely focused on getting Len to resign and honestly the feminism felt superficial at best.  So sadly, even though this had all the things to make a book I would generally love like : enemies to lovers trope, feminism, asian rep.... this book just didn’t hit the mark for me.

[mydarlinginej]

read my full review of not here to be liked by michelle quach here.

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.

my review:

Despite being so hyped for this book, I was a little apprehensive, mostly because I’ve had a string of anticipated releases be disappointing. Luckily, though, there was no need because I loved this book! A powerful story, Not Here to Be Liked balances complex immigrant family dynamics, a budding romance, and what being a feminist means as a teenager.

Eliza Quan‘s guaranteed the editor-in-chief position for her senior year, not only because she’s the most qualified but also because she’s running unopposed. That is, until Len DiMartile, an ex-jock who’s only on the newspaper after lack of a better thing to do after being injured, decides to run too. And then promptly wins after giving a half-baked speech. Upset, Eliza writes an impassioned essay on the misogyny of the situation; she doesn’t intend to post it, but someone does it for her. An uproar goes up across the school, with Eliza suddenly the face of feminism. She struggles with the attention and the weight of this, especially as she realizes Len might not be so bad after all.

I suppose I should begin this review by talking about why I was a little apprehensive about this book at first. As much as I was so intrigued by the summary and everyone’s praise, I also dislike books that are entirely about feminism, mostly because they tend to lose sight of much more important things. Mainly, I worried about the “girlboss”-iness of it all. A strange lens to put on a book I hadn’t read, I know, but that definitely says something about the books I’ve been reading lately.

However, that’s not the case here: I found the feminism to be very balanced with the other aspects of the story, and I’m glad for it.

read my full review here.

[readwatchandthinkblog]

Not here to be liked by Michelle Quach

Not here to be liked justify the title. The central character is what she is. You may hate her or love her but can’t ignore her. #Notheretobeliked #MichelleQuach #bookrevews #books #readwatchandthink

About the Book- Not here to be liked 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…

[snow4ngel111]

Mateo luna and Len Dimartile.

My two favorite golden boys

[onlinebook-us]

[PDF Download] Not Here to Be Liked BY : Michelle Quach

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Not Here to Be Liked

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 A 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.

 #bookish ,#kindleaddict ,#EpubForSale ,#bestbookreads ,#ebookworm ,#readyforit ,#downloadprint

 By click link in above! wish you have good luck and enjoy reading your book.

(Works on PC, Ipad, Android, iOS, Tablet, MAC)

————————————————————

[solidasblog1]

Not here to be liked

By: Michelle Quach

Summary

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.

Review:

“Feminism…. It’s about all of us working towards equality, together.”

The book was very captivating and meaningful.

Eliza learns throughout the book that being a feminist does not mean neglecting the things you love (Guys). Asian-American Eliza goes through a journey where she re-discovers friendship, love, herself, and what she truly stands for. Len and Eliza develop a relationship that is unexpected on both ends, but learn how to support each other throughout the book. The twist at the end is unexpected but sensible and quite frankly surprising.

The book focuses on many important topics, mainly feminism but in addition, it also covers internalized misogyny, sexism, and the patriarchal society that's hard to live in. Issues like race and performative activism are also covered throughout the book.

[thebookdragon217]

Happy Monday! It's the first day of school in NYC and I pray all the kids are safe and happy. QOTD: What book title grabbed your attention right away? "Not Here to Be Liked" by Michelle Quach releases tomorrow and I am excited to share this one with you today. The title grabbed me right away because it is definitely my personal mantra. I remember wanting to be a journalist in my teens and having "enemies" I crushed on. I love that this one has an Asian protagonist that is tired of staying quiet and decides to take a stand and ends up forming a feminist movement in school. And please don't get me started on this gorgeous cover! Thanks to @epicreads for the gifted copy. 💥SYNOPSIS💥 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. #NotHeretoBeLiked #MichelleQuach #EpicReads #HarperKids #Asianlit #newrelease #HarperInfluencer #ReadYA #YARomance #debutnovel #bookfeature #bookphotos #bookish #BooksandMurals #BooksandArt #bookdragon #feminism #hardcover #bookstagram #diversereads #Asian #representationmatters #ownvoices #booksbooksbooks #bookworm #YA (at The Bushwick Collective) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTxLSwoLNBf/?utm_medium=tumblr

[richincolor]

Interview: Michelle Quach

We have a special guest today. Michelle Quach was kind enough to answer a few questions for us about her debut, Not Here to Be Liked. It's being released today so you can grab it right away.

Summary: 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.

Crystal: First off, I read Not Here to Be Liked all in one gulp. You had my attention from the first page and I absolutely needed to know what was going to happen next. The plot was intriguing and the romance had me smiling so many times. On a side note--I also seriously considered simplifying my wardrobe.

From the title, it's fairly obvious that likeability is not Eliza's priority. How do you think likeability plays out along gender lines?

Michelle: Aw, thank you so much—I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the book!

I think it’s possible for people of all genders to be unlikeable, but it plays an outsize role in the way a girl’s worth is determined. Being liked isn’t always a requirement for a man’s success, but it is almost always for a woman’s. On top of that, the standards for female likeability are quite fickle. Your appearance factors in disproportionately, as does your ability to make others feel comfortable. Sometimes you can even become unlikeable just for being too popular (think of basically every young female celebrity ever). And the worst part is, these expectations can continue to shape your behavior even after you’re aware of how absurd they are.

Crystal: Are there unlikable female characters in other novels that have caught your attention in the past?

Michelle: Probably my favorite of all time is Harriet from Harriet the Spy. She’s self-absorbed, judgmental, and nosy—but she also learns, which mean there’s hope for all of us. More recently, I also found Ivy from White Ivy by Susie Yang to be terrifically unlikable. I won’t say whether she learns anything, though.

Crystal: What kind of relationship do you have with the term and concept of feminism?

Michelle: I definitely consider myself a feminist, though my relationship with the concept has evolved a lot over the years. In fact, I’d say it’s still evolving! What makes sense to me right now is the idea that feminism needs to be as inclusive as possible, which means it should dismantle not only sexism but also all other forms of structural inequality, including racism and economic inequality. That said, I do also support all kinds of progress, even if it’s incremental.

Crystal: What was the most fun aspect of writing Eliza and Len's story?

Michelle: Their banter! I love writing dialogue in general, but it’s so fun to throw two well-matched characters together and just let them go at it.

Crystal: Were any of the characters more challenging to write than the others?

Michelle: I would say Winona, because her experience as a Black teen in a majority Asian and White community is most outside my own, and I wanted to do my best to make sure her story felt authentic.

Crystal: Can you tell us a little bit about your journey to publication?

Michelle: I started writing Not Here to Be Liked about four years ago, after almost a decade of not writing anything at all. Before that point, I’d basically given up on my dream of even finishing a draft, let alone getting published. But I gave it another shot as part of a 100 days challenge…and this time I made it to the end! Everything happened really fast after that: I got my agent through PitMad, we went on submission a month later, and then the book sold at auction within a few weeks.

Crystal: If you're able to share, what's up next with your writing?

Michelle: I’m currently working on Book 2, another YA contemporary romance, and trying to read and watch as much as possible to get inspiration for Book 3!

Crystal: We wish you the best with the book release and look forward to reading more of you work in the future. Thanks so much!

Michelle Quach is a Chinese-Vietnamese-American who also spent a lot of time working for student newspapers--including The Crimson at Harvard College, where she earned a BA in history and literature. Currently a graphic designer at a brand strategy firm in Los Angeles, Not Here to be Liked is her first novel.

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Review: Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach

Summary: 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.

My Thoughts: Eliza wants to make a difference in the world and being liked by everyone around her is not anywhere in her plans. She puts in the work and expects that to be enough to work toward her goals. When she bumps up against the reality that likability, looks, or charm can outweigh any other qualification, particularly for young men in her school, her frustration boils over and readers can see her and those around her questioning a lot about their school and the broader society. What makes a good leader? Does the answer to that question vary when gender comes into play? What does it mean to be a feminist? What role does sexism have in the spaces we move through? How do the intersection of things like gender, race, and class play out in relation to justice in the legal system?

These are all important and timely questions that readers can also ponder for themselves. It seemed so true to life as she was making decisions and weighing whether her thoughts and actions were in line with what she thought a good feminist would think or do. I cannot even begin to count the many times I have entered into that type of thinking. With all of this swirling in her head and her life, romance pops up to complicate and confuse Eliza even more.

There are some fairly typical happenings within the romance, but that is part of the appeal of romances–for me anyway. I appreciate a little predictability within romcoms. The storyline still had a few surprises though.

Recommendation: Get it soon—especially if you enjoy contemporary romances. It’s a fun romantic comedy that also manages to point out the many inequities that are still in existence throughout our society.

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books Pages: 384 Review copy: ARC via publisher Availability: On shelves Sept. 14, 2021

Extras: Virtual Launch Party – Sept. 14th at 5:00 PST Author Q&A at The Quiet Pond Sneak Peek at Epic Reads – 1st Three Chapters