Fiction Flashback: The Clique by Lisi Harrison

Today I am launching a new series on my blog called Fiction Flashback, in which I re-read a book that I enjoyed from childhood and reflect on it. In today’s first post I’m going to be discussing The Clique by Lisi Harrison.

To read more Fiction Flashback posts, click here.

My History with The Clique by Lisi Harrison

It’s hard to remember the dates exactly, but I believe I started reading this series when I was in 7th grade. I was approximately the same age as the main characters. I found myself completely enthralled with this series because the characters were so different from me and my friend group. Living a lifestyle filled with so many expensive brands seemed completely outrageous.

I didn’t read the entire series, but I know for sure that I read books 1-4 right away. And then I read some of the later books later on. I don’t believe I finished the series but I did read some of Lisi Harrison’s other books, like the Alphas series.

What is The Clique by Lisi Harrison About?

Mean Girls meets Middle School in The Clique… The only thing harder than getting in, is staying in.

Enter Claire Lyons, the new girl from Florida in Keds and two-year-old Gap overalls, who is clearly not Clique material. Unfortunately for her, while they look for a new home, Claire’s family is staying in the guesthouse of the one and only Massie Block — Queen Bee of Octavian Country Day School. Claire’s future looks worse than a bad Prada knockoff. But with a little luck and a lot of scheming, Claire might just come up smelling like Chanel No. 19.

Meet the rest of the Clique:

Massie Block – With her glossy brunette bob and laser-whitened smile, Massie is the uncontested ruler of The Clique and the rest of the social scene at Octavian Country Day School, an exclusive private girls’ school in Westchester County, New York. Massie knows you’d give anything to be just like her.

Dylan Marvil – Massie’s second in command who divides her time between sucking up to Massie and sucking down Atkins Diet shakes.

Alicia Rivera – As sneaky as she is beautiful, Alicia floats easily under adult radar because she seems so “sweet.” Would love to take Massie’s throne one day. Just might.

Kristen Gregory – She’s smart, hardworking, and will insult you to tears faster than you can say “my haircut isn’t ugly!” (from Amazon.com)

What Did I Enjoy About This Book?

It’s been so long since I first read this book, but when I was younger I was completely baffled by these girls. I couldn’t believe how rich and kind of snooty the main girls are. I related a lot to Claire because I too loved keds, and I too had an annoying little brother.

But even though I was baffled, I was definitely entertained. There’s something so fun about this series, even though it’s kind of bad. I didn’t understand to Gucci or Prada were at the time, but I still was glad to be along for the ride.

What Do I Think About This Book as an Adult?

As an adult, I’m still baffled. But I can see the series for what it is. Lisi Harrison has a background in working for MTV, and I think this series had some of the shock factor that MTV shows had. Readers weren’t expecting the meanness of The Pretty Committee. They weren’t prepared for the lavish parties and the expensive shopping trips and the snootiness.

Now that I think about it, I think that’s why I watched MTV in the first place. I liked My Super Sweet Sixteen because I knew how unrealistic it was, but it was still fun to watch how outlandish everyone acted. But behind all of the lavishness, the characters faced real issues. And I do think that there were some important lessons that readers could take from Massie and the girls.

Would I Recommend this Book to Kids Today?

Honestly, no. I think that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are completely different than the generation that this series was originally aimed for. I don’t think kids would find the bullying very funny. And I don’t think that kids seem to care as much about name brands as they used to. I mean, I was at the mall the other day and every kid I saw there had baggy sweatpants and tank tops on. Massie would have been appalled! lol

I think that The Clique was popular at the time, but I don’t think these books would succeed in today’s world. And maybe that’s okay.

Fiction Flashback is a new series that I am starting on the blog. For more Fiction Flashback posts, click here.