Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach

Reviewed by Jules P.
Grade 10
expected publication: September 2021

High school and Feminism. Two words that seldom mix come together in this laugh-inducing, witty novel to create a fun and enlightening read that will have you wanting more.

In her anger over losing the election for editor-in-chief at her high school’s paper, “The Bugle,” Eliza Quan writes a manifesto against the winner Len DiMartile and the patriarchy he supposedly stands for. When the manifesto gets leaked by someone unknown, her life upends itself as the whole school goes to war over whether Len should have been elected, and over the much larger issue of sexism in the school environment. Unfortunately, Len just so happens to be annoyingly cute and inner turmoil persists as Eliza fights against the patriarchy, the face of whom she just might be crushing on.

Eliza Quan is a big fan of predictability, practicality, and large gray sweaters. Likably unlikeable, she is full of quick quips and brutal honesty that have the reader both feeling bad for her unlucky victim and cheering her on all at once. From aggressively editing her colleagues' less than amazing articles with harsh red ink to appearing on the morning announcements with a starling rally cry, Quan has you covered in all the best departments.

This is a fantastic book for young people who are fans of real-world problems sprinkled with relatable drama and dry humor. Anyone looking to learn further about the feminist movement in a fun and fast-paced way, look no further because this is the book for you. 

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