The Clique (novel)

Articleissues
expert=Novel
tone=February 2008
cleanup=June 2008Infobox Book
name = The Clique


image_caption = First edition cover (later printing)
author = Lisi Harrison
country = United States
language = English
series = The Clique Series
genre = Young adult novels
publisher = Little, Brown and Company
release_date = May 2004
media_type = Print (Paperback & Hardcover)
pages = 220 pp
isbn = ISBN 0-316-70129-7
followed_by = Best Friends for Never

"The Clique" is the first novel in the young adult series of the same name by Lisi Harrison. It was first published in 2004 by Little, Brown and Company. The book is being adapted into a film, which is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2008. [cite web |url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117967684.html |title=Warner Premiere adapting 'Clique' |accessdate=2008-09-07 |date=2007-06-26 |publisher="Variety"] [cite web |url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6572368.html |title=On Sale Next Week: Clique Summer Collection |accessdate=2008-09-07 |date=2008-06-24 |publisher="Publishers Weekly"]

Setting

Though the characters in the book go to many different places, most of the action in the stories take place in Westchester County, New York. The girls go to school at Octavian Country Day School (OCD), a private all-girls school. Other areas in Westchester where action happens include Briarwood Academy (OCD's brother school), at the mall, and at various characters' houses including Massie's guest house where the Lyons are currently living.

Plot summary

Massie Block believes her life is perfect until her father's college friend (Jay Lyons) moves into their guest house with his family (wife, Judi, son, Todd, and daughter, Claire). Her father, William Block, allows them to live there while they are searching for a new home. The Lyons move all the way from Orlando, Florida, to Westchester, New York. Because they arrive on the same day as Massie's spa trip with her friends (Labor Day), Massie's mother makes her stay home to meet and greet them. (Massie is upset and lies to her friends that she has the flu, which is why she can't go). When Claire and Massie meet, Massie is consistently rude to her because Claire was wearing Gap overalls and Keds. She was clearly not clique material, despite Claire's failing attempts to become friends with Massie.

The next day is the first day of seventh grade for Claire, Massie, and Massie's friends. Massie always drives her friends to school with them, and Claire is dumped in the backseat. While she is in the back, Claire endures first being ignored, then being made fun of by Massie and her friends.

The school day doesn't get much better when Alicia intentionally dumps red paint on Claire's pants during art class forcing Claire to go to the lost & found where she befriends the school nurse. The others (Alicia, Dylan, and Kristen) are mean to her because Massie doesn't like her, so they all treat her cruelly. One day Claire gets so fed up with them that she sneaks into Massie's room every day when she's walking her dog Bean and pretends to be Massie on instant messenger. This way she convinces Alicia that Massie thinks Claire is cool, Dylan that Massie thinks she (Dylan) is too fat, and gets Kristen to confess that she's poor after saying that Massie really hangs out with LBR (Loser Beyond Repair) Layne Abeley because she thinks her older brother Chris Abeley is hot. Later Massie uncovers the truth and gets Claire to confess to some embarrassing things she said about the girls in a five-way phone-call with Dylan speaking.

Characters in The Clique

Massie Block: Massie Block is the alpha (leading) member of her group of friends (known collectively as the "Pretty Committee"). This clique is at the head of the 'food chain' at their prestigious private school. She is very spoiled (her parents are millionaires) and is usually very snobbish, but she has a vulnerable side that shows up when she is under pressure. Massie is known for her wardrobe (designer labels), her quick wit, and her desire to shine above everyone.

Alicia Rivera: Alicia Rivera is Massie's best friend, which gives her "beta" (second-in-command) status in the Pretty Committee. Alicia's family is even wealthier than Massie's, but her personality doesn't quite shine like Massie's does. Alicia is also a bit kinder in nature than Massie, but tends to be a gossip. Alicia is also known for her wardrobe (heavily influenced by Ralph Lauren), and for her exotic beauty (her mother is an internationally-known Spanish model).

Dylan Marvil: Dylan Marvil is the Pretty Committee's source to the showbiz world, for her mother is famous talk show host for a telivision show called The Daily Grind. Dylan is bubbly and talkative. Her trademarks are her fiery red hair, her brightly colored style, and her obsession with her weight. (She has tried various fad diets, but does not stick to any of them for very long).

Kristen Gregory: Kristen Gregory is an all-star soccer player at school. However, she is by no means a tomboy. She is a fan of designer clothes, but she cannot afford them (her father, a former rich art dealer, lost his money prior to the series' inception). Kristen is highly intelligent and beautiful with her very long hair. Her trademarks are playing word games, being athletic and avoiding being caught by her parents.

Claire Lyons: Claire Lyons moved to Westchester County from Orlando, Florida. She is very different from the other girls because her parents have never been rich and privileged. In fact, Claire's family lives in the Block family's guest house. Claire has a hard time adjusting to the rest of the girls. She is known for her individualism, her non-designer style, and her tenacity.

Reception

Reviewers remarked on the behavior of the characters, with "Publishers Weekly" noting that it "takes cliquish, snobbish behavior to Hollywood extremes" and "School Library Journal" saying that "the cruelty of the clique [is not] redeemed with any sort of a satisfying ending." [cite web |url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA478269.html |title=Children's Notes |accessdate=2008-09-07 |date=2004-11-08 |publisher="Publishers Weekly"] [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0316701297/ Editorial reviews from School Library Journal and Booklist, as archived at Amazon.com] ] There were also comments about the novel's use of brand names: "School Library Journal" said that it "has trendy references kids will love"; "Booklist" expounded more on the subject, saying that the novel goes into "too much detail about how the superwealthy live" but added that it "has fun with the tyranny of brand names" - although they also cautioned that "the very specifics that teens will recognize will be 'so out' before the year is over." Additionally, "Booklist" described the instant messaging segments as "hilarious", while "School Library Journal" criticised "the shallowness of the characters" and "the one-dimensional plot".

The novel was selected as a "Quick Pick For Reluctant Young Adult Readers" by YALSA. [cite web |url=http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA508022.html |title=ALA Book Picks 2005--Best Books for Young Adults |accessdate=2008-09-07 |date=2005-03-01 |publisher="School Library Journal"]

References

External links

* [http://www.lisiharrison.net Author's website]
* [http://www.thecliquemovie.com The Clique Movie]
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1059905/ The Clique Movie IMDB Profile]