Review of Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach
When I stumbled upon Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach, I felt a mix of excitement and curiosity. A contemporary YA novel with themes of feminism and Asian representation? Sign me up! I finished it a few days ago and, honestly, I needed some time to reflect because this book left me baffled.
At its core, Not Here to Be Liked centers around Eliza, who runs against Len for the editor position of her school newspaper, raising questions about gender dynamics in leadership. The premise is rich with potential, yet many elements fell flat for me. The characters felt more like cardboard cutouts than complex individuals. Eliza is presented as a strong-willed feminist, yet her thoughts and actions often contradicted this. She frames her failure to win the election as a product of sexism rather than acknowledging Len’s legitimate qualities as a candidate—qualities that I genuinely found compelling.
Let’s talk about the romance—or lack thereof. Quach sets up what could have been a delightful enemies-to-lovers dynamic, but the chemistry between Eliza and Len felt markedly absent. I wished for that spark, those butterflies that usually make these narratives sing, but instead, I was met with clichéd moments and uninspired banter. The “public displays of affection” cliché was particularly grating. I found myself rolling my eyes rather than swooning. Eliza’s longing for depth often came across as shallow, encapsulated in lines that bordered on the absurd—“honey-lemon cough drop” being a prime example of over-specificity that missed the romantic mark for me.
Quach does touch on important issues of representation and feminism, but I was left questioning whether Eliza’s perspective was meant to be satirical. There were moments where I recognized genuine commentary, particularly in Eliza’s interactions with her family—her mom and sister had stories begging to be explored, yet they remained underdeveloped. I couldn’t help but feel that the narrative skimmed the surface rather than diving deeper into these rich dynamics.
The pacing of the book also contributed to my disappointment. Moments that could have been pivotal in character development felt rushed, leaving me wanting more. For instance, Eliza’s bullying experience is a significant topic, yet Len’s complicity in her humiliation left a strange taste. Shouldn’t a love interest stand up for their partner, especially in moments of need?
Yet, my biggest frustration stemmed from a missed opportunity to challenge gender stereotypes more effectively. Eliza was often so focused on her victim narrative that she failed to appreciate how leadership qualities can transcend gender. The book could have offered a cumulative lesson on growth—an understanding that collaboration and support, rather than competition and undermining, is key to empowering all voices.
All this said, there were moments I appreciated. Quach’s prose has a youthful spark, and she skillfully captures the high school atmosphere, complete with its social intricacies. I won’t deny some quotes resonated, like the observation of how we, especially as women, can often pit ourselves against one another. Yet, in the end, the resolve left me feeling unfulfilled. Eliza lacks a satisfying character arc; by the final pages, she still seems unaware of her shortcomings and the irony of labeling Len as “the face of the patriarchy” when he never exhibited traits to deserve such a label.
I think Not Here to Be Liked may resonate with readers who enjoy a lighthearted, if somewhat frustratingly shallow, take on teenage life and the complexities of female friendships. However, for those looking for an authentic exploration of feminism and character development, this may leave you feeling a bit disappointed.
Overall, this book’s charm lies in its potential—a potential that ultimately felt unrealized for me. If anyone else has read it and found joy, I’d love to hear your perspective! Let’s keep the conversation going!