The Clique (The Clique #1)

Reader reviewed by Kris

The Clique by Lisi Harrison was a really good read. As many people would agree, just think Gossip Girl for younger readers (Id probably recommend it for 11-15 year olds). Personally, though, I almost liked The Clique just as much as Gossip Girl and the A-List. It has the same sharpness to it, just less sophisticated and without any trashiness (not to say theres a lot in Gossip Girl, but, well, its NY for you). At first it seemed a little surreal that these seventh grade girls could act so grown up, but the backstabbing and catfights were completely realistic. Each character was really well developed and I could imagine any one of them (or all of them together) at my school. To be honest, though, they wouldnt exactly be people Id like to be friends with. Then again, being on their bad side probably would not be so great. Of the four girls in the clique, Massie, Dylan, Alicia, and Kristen, I think Kristen would be the one Id chose to be friends with. Maybe its just because we share a name, but her personality was most like mine, too, and I didnt think she was quite as cruel as the others. Youll have to sympathize for Claire since Im pretty sure all of us have once tried to make friends with someone who didnt exactly want to be friends with you back. The thing is all of this and more is true to school. The fact that this book could easily be true makes it even more intriguing. I cant wait to find out whats happening next with Massie, Dylan, Alicia, Kristen, and Claire.
Reprinted here with author's permission.

Reader reviewed by Ria

The clique explores the life of Massie, the leader of the exclusive clique, and her 3 best friends, Alicia, Dylan, and Kristen. Enter Claire, the daughter of her father's best friend. Unfortunately for Massie, Claire is staying at her family's guesthouse. Claire is not clique worthy material, but Massie doesn't know how to get rid of her. Massie is also crushing on Chris Abeley. When she finds out that Claire's new friend, Layne, is Chris's sister, she steals Layne to get closer to Chris.

Massie becomes more and more evil, so Claire decides to get back at her and her friends. But the joke goes a little too far, and soon the friends are all angry at Massie. Then, Claire's joke backfires on her and her whole scheme is exposed and Claire's future is ruined. Or is it...

I thought that this book was surprisingly good. Even though the girls were in 7th grade, they acted a LOT older. I was shocked at how young girls start acting snobbishly. It was interesting to see how the rich and famous live. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down! Fans of Gossip Girl and the A-List will like this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to find out what happens.