Lisi Harrison never set out to change the way we see friendship, but that’s exactly what happened when she created The Clique. Back in 2004, she was juggling a full-time job at MTV and a distant dream of becoming a writer.
Fast forward two decades, and her books about middle school drama and complicated friendships have become a beloved staple for readers both young and old.
Before becoming a bestselling author, Harrison, 55, described that earlier moment as “such a different time” in her life. “I had no idea these books would be a success,” she recently told People. “I knew I always wanted to be a writer. I had this opportunity, and I took it.”
The series, centered on Claire Lyons and her complicated friendship with a wealthy group called the Pretty Committee, was a hit at middle and high schools nationwide.
"Then, the second book ended up on the New York Times bestseller list, and it was deeply shocking," she added.
Her understanding of the series’ cultural impact grew when the 2008 movie adaptation, starring actress Ellen Marlow as Claire, hit theaters. Then, a resurgence on Netflix in 2021 introduced the story to a whole new generation, once again surprising Harrison.
Initially contracted for four books, Harrison’s success led to two more contracts, ultimately writing 14 books, five summer novellas and a Cliquetionary — a slang guide for fans.
"I am much older than these fictional characters are,” Harrison said, “and can say that in your 50s, friend drama does not cease to exist. It becomes more insane. Because you think, 'Aren't we over this yet?' We're not. It just won't stop."
Harrison has written 42 novels, all centered on the complexities of female friendship. "All of these novels, characters and plots are me trying to exercise these demons and try to understand why this dynamic is so nuanced and fraught and rich," she explained. "I could have written about the Clique girls forever. I am clearly returning to them."
Though Harrison said she “loves all [her] characters,” she shared that the Clique girls “feel like home and most represent my soul.”
After 14 years since the last novel,A Tale of Two Pretties, Harrison is bringing The Clique back for a new chapter. The upcoming book, announced in October 2024, follows the characters as they navigate their 20s.
Partnering again with Marlow, Harrison is ready to show that the challenges of middle school friendship don’t disappear.
"The fans that read it are going through wedding season, or a different season in their life. If you're 27 to 30, you're going through a middle school set of changes yet again," she said.
"College is over. You're living on your own. Can you afford it? Who are my friends now? It doesn't stop, and then you bring wedding drama into it. It is a series of us trying to figure out how to treat each other well, and how not to lose ourselves in the process."
With her highly anticipated release, she pointed out a major gap in today’s book market. While countless self-help titles explore confidence and romantic relationships, books about female friendship dynamics are rare.
"This whole 'how do I deal with friend drama' is very underserved and unnecessary," Harrison said. "Why now? Because you need it now. At the very least, let's see ourselves reflected to us so we can see how crazy it is. Feel less alone in it. Feel more connected to each other through it. It feels relevant for those reasons, because it never ends and it's always relevant."
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