Michelle Quach

I really enjoyed this book. It tackles sexism and misogyny in a great way. Even shining a light on how we unfairly tear down women for doing things we would never question if she was a man. It’s got a wide cast of diverse characters and honestly it was such a hopeful read. Please read it and share what you think!!

The Boy You Almost Wanted is a slower read and the proposition of someone becoming someone else's grandchild is difficult to understand for someone from a different culture, but I really enjoyed the development of the characters and the overall story.

I love smart, feisty main characters and Eliza Quan did not disappoint. She has been working toward becoming the school paper's editor-in-chief since she was a freshman and then Len DeMartile, the ex-baseball player, walks into the newsroom and disrupts everything. Eliza's inner monologue is funny and sharp. The story weaves in feminism, sexism, friendships. ambition, and so much more but it isn't cumbersome or preachy.

Wish I'd been surrounded by such great women when I was in high school. Very well done, coming of age, debut novel.