Lisi Harrison

A random win on Twitter, I was completely unprepared for Lisi Harrison's entrance into the world of the supernatural. Yet, Monster High is a welcome addition. The tongue-in-cheek nod to monsters from the Hollywood past enhances the reader's interaction with the story, trying to discern normies from RADs and then enjoying how the RADs have adapted their lives to fit into modern society. Frankie is a refreshing blend of innocence and twenty-first century activism. Melody drives home the show more message that beauty is more than skin-deep. The result is a cute and thoroughly enjoyable novel about the importance of tolerance.

There is an interesting recurring theme in YA novels regarding communication. As teens, most protagonists do not want to adopt a habit of full disclosure to their parents, which is completely understandable. Monster High is no different in this regard; yet, as a reader, it becomes quite frustrating to know that telling the whole truth the first chance possible would go a long way towards avoiding misunderstandings and damage to relationships. Would this idea of teenage sullenness and inability to talk with parents desist a bit if YA authors adopted more open relationships and frank discussions between their teen protagonists and their parents? It is an interesting idea.

Another issue to note is the breaking of another YA tradition: the absent parents. In Monster High, parents are definitely in the picture. In fact, all of the kids come from two-parent homes, or if there is only one parent, it is not because of divorce. It is a surprising, yet refreshing twist to YA and does set an entirely different, but very welcome, tone for the story itself.

The largest issue of note for Monster High is the focus on labels and material goods. Frankie decks out her "fab" in top-of-the-line home decor, while Candace prances around in designer clothes. The brand of clothing each girl wears is constantly mentioned, as well as the name brand of each purse or shoe. In addition, one entire scene takes place in a posh spa. For a novel about tolerance and the idea of internal beauty, the focus on material goods seems a bit contradictory and proved to be one of the few negatives of the book.

The narrator, Rebecca Soler, did a fantastic job capturing Frankie's mirth and gaiety as well as Melody's cautiousness. The listener can easily distinguish between DJ and Jackson, Frankie, Candace and Melody and the entire cast. There are sound effects which, at times, definitely add to the narration while at other times seem forced and are just a distraction. There is a strong visual imagery in the language itself, which lends very well to the audio format. At six hours and eight minutes, the audio is quick and engaging.

Not knowing what to expect, I found I enjoyed my time in Salem, Oregon. Monster High is definitely lighter fare, heavily skewed towards the teen crowd, but there is plenty for adults to enjoy as well. What may be construed as a fluffy read in reality is a novel that packs a fairly powerful message, one that appeals to all ages. Monster High is definitely "Voltage!" show less

Surprisingly uplifting and humorous, this book (albeit a bit over the top) was pretty darn adorable. The friendships, book selections, and setting were so much fun. MJ has been living a fast paced life of work, work, more work, with a tiny bit time set aside for her long distance boyfriend. When she is passed over for a promotion that she rightfully deserves MJ decides to pack some bags and stay the summer with her hunky boyfriend in California, lord knows she has enough vacation time piled show more up. While beach-side she becomes restless, unsure what to do with herself. She's never had this much free time in her life. She befriends her elderly neighbor but before she can get too chummy, her neighbor up and moves to Paris. So much for a friendship. Gloria does leave behind one thing though. An invitation to join a secret book club, one that reads only dirty books. MJ's curiosity gets the better of her and she decides to go to one one meeting. Little does she know that her summer is about to drastically change and she might meet the best friends of her life. Chick-lit at its finest. show less

Best Friends for Never by Lisi Harrison: A Reflection on Power, Resistance, and the Journey to Selfhood

*"Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed."* — Psalms 2:1-2

In *Best Friends for Never,* Lisi Harrison deepens the complex power dynamics introduced in *The Clique,* drawing readers into a world where friendships are forged and broken based on status, control, and show more manipulation. At the center of this social storm stands Massie Block, the self-appointed queen of the social scene, who wields her influence with the precision of a carpenter wielding a hammer. Her target? Claire Lyons, the newcomer who refuses to stay nailed down in a position of insignificance.

Massie’s attempts to mold Claire into a subordinate, someone who follows her every command, reflect a broader theme of power and resistance. She seeks to control Claire, treating her less as a person and more as a tool to shape according to her own desires. Yet, Claire, once timid and uncertain, begins to push back. In subtle but powerful ways, she raises her voice, asserting herself in conversations where she once would have been silent.

This shift in Claire is a reminder that change, though often met with resistance, is both necessary and inevitable. The relationships we hold, especially those formed under the weight of control and dominance, must evolve—or risk breaking altogether. Claire's growing assertiveness signals the beginning of this change, a quiet revolution against the forces that seek to diminish her.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that both Massie and Claire are on a journey—not just of friendship, but of self-discovery. Claire's newfound strength challenges Massie’s control, hinting that even the most unyielding rulers must adapt or be overthrown. And while Massie plots to maintain her throne, Claire’s rise suggests that true power lies not in domination but in authenticity and resilience.

*"Change does not come easy. But sometimes change is necessary in a friendship."*

*Best Friends for Never* invites readers to reflect on the dynamics of their own relationships. Are we the hammer, seeking to shape others to our will? Or are we the nail, allowing ourselves to be pressed down into roles that do not serve us? Claire’s journey reminds us that the most meaningful friendships are those where both parties grow together, finding balance, mutual respect, and the courage to evolve. show less

The Clique by Lisi Harrison: A Reflection on Friendship and False Alliances*

*"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."* — Proverbs 18:24

In *The Clique* by Lisi Harrison, the reader is introduced to the glittering yet treacherous world of the privileged girls of Westchester, New York, led by the queen bee, Massie Block. With designer clothes, cutting-edge social skills, and a fierce grip on the social hierarchy, Massie and her show more friends Dylan, Kristen, and Alicia seem to embody the ideal of friendship. Yet, their interactions reveal a darker reality—one where power, control, and exclusion reign supreme.

Claire Lyons, the newcomer, enters this world like a lamb among wolves. Humble, kind, and unpolished by the standards of her peers, she quickly becomes a target for the Clique's biting wit and calculated cruelty. Massie, secure in her power, views Claire as an intruder, someone to be ridiculed and manipulated rather than embraced.

But Claire's story is not one of defeat. Though she is rejected by those who wield social power, she finds refuge in an unexpected place: her friendship with Layne Abeley. Layne is neither wealthy nor concerned with the superficial trappings of popularity. She sees Claire for who she truly is—a person of worth and integrity. Their friendship, though quieter and less glamorous, embodies the essence of what Proverbs 18:24 teaches us.

True friendship is not based on appearances, status, or what one can gain from another. It is rooted in mutual respect, loyalty, and authenticity. Layne stands by Claire, offering her the kind of unwavering support that Massie and her clique are incapable of providing. In contrast, Massie’s group, though seemingly united, is built on fragile alliances, insecurity, and a constant fear of falling from grace.

Claire’s journey reminds us that friends who treat us as stepping stones or discard us when we are no longer useful are not true friends. They are like "dust mites"—present but inconsequential, revealing their own insecurities and fears. In contrast, a true friend like Layne is a treasure, offering warmth, honesty, and a safe space in a world that often values the superficial over the genuine.

*The Clique* is a cautionary tale about the dangers of chasing acceptance from those who do not value our true selves. It reminds readers, especially young ones, to seek friendships that uplift and nourish the soul rather than those that drain and diminish it. In the end, Claire's strength lies not in joining the Clique but in finding her true friends and learning to stand firm in her own identity. show less