The story follows Eliza, a Vietnamese-Chinese-American teen who, upon losing the editor-in-chief role to Len, an inexperienced male newcomer, accidentally starts a feminist movement in her school when a piece she writes in anger is mysteriously published on their school newspaper. Though Not Here to be Liked doesn’t intend to be the end-all-be-all of feminist fiction, Not Here to be Liked is a welcome addition to feminist literature, particularly for how it explores the intersections the race and gender and how it centers an Asian teen who is unlikeable, yes, but also complex, interesting, and flawed as we all are. Though Moxie is a relevant and important piece of fiction in the ways that it engaged young readers into thinking and exploring sexism, I also wondered how Moxie, a book about a young white feminist who fights the patriarchy in small town Texas, is relevant to me – an Asian woman.Įnter Not Here to be Liked by Michelle Quach, a young adult contemporary that is as sharp and funny as they come. When I think about feminist young-adult fiction, I think the likes of Moxie.

When asked for feminist contemporary fiction recommendations, I always seem to draw a blank. I was provided an eARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. 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. 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.Īmid this growing tension, the school asks Eliza and Len to work side by side to demonstrate civility. Suddenly her vast qualifications mean squat because inexperienced Len-who is tall, handsome, and male-just seems more like a leader. That is, until ex-jock Len DiMartile decides on a whim to run against her. Eliza Quan is the perfect candidate for editor in chief of her school paper.

Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach