The Diamonds

Every girl and even some boys at the private Bennington School on Long Island wishes to be a Diamond, but unfortunately for these wishers, there are only four Diamonds: ringleaders and model of perfection Clarissa, hilarious boy magnet Priya, übersmart Lili, and Marni. Marni doesn't really know how she ended up among the ranks of the most powerful and popular girls at her school, but she wouldn't trade being a Diamond for anything, because popularity makes everything easier. Unfortunately, it also makes life a lot harder when Marni becomes involved with Clarissa's ex-boyfriend Anderson: when Clarissa finds out, she uses her Diamond authority to make Marni the most unpopular girl at Bennington overnight. When the remaining Diamonds transform Bennington's mock trial club into the Diamond Court, a pseudo-justice system the Diamonds use to exact revenge on those who displease them, Marni finally has enough. She gathers an unruly, mismatched army to spark a revolution against the Diamonds' reign of terror, but the odds are stacked against Marni because there's only one way to cut a diamond--with another. The Diamonds is not another guilty pleasure about spoiled rich private school girls in NYC like Gossip Girl or The Elite. I was afraid it would be and was not looking forward to another one of those series. This novel may start out something like that, with wealthy popular girls living the life, but the story quickly becomes more twisted. The Diamonds does have the necessary ingredients of a guilty pleasure, with power struggles and backstabbing galore, but the crucial inclusion of a democratic system elevates this novel above Gossip Girl and the like. Democracy is cleverly juxtaposed with the Diamonds' perverted sense of justice and increasingly monarchial rule. It's interesting to see how this high school scene plays out like a political battlefield. This made the story so thrilling and even a bit educational to read. Marni's character was also enjoyable to read about as her struggles are quite realistic, but I was somewhat disappointed that the other Diamonds were so cold and cruel that they were no longer believable. This novel touches on many themes, such as social equality, love, and friendship, and although I felt some of these could've been expanded upon, The Diamonds was overall a very satisfying read and impressive debut. This novel will appeal to both fans of guilty pleasures and those interested in democracy and justice, as well as those that enjoyed Poison Ivy by Amy Goldman Koss.

We've all heard about the queen bees of high school; however Ted Michael has created a unique story that is about more than just social hierarchies. The best aspect of this book is the incorporation of law and the US Constitution in the dramatic events that unfold in The Diamonds. Broken into two parts, this book outlines the first 10 amendments (Bill of Rights) and the ten Diamond rules. Each is presented with multiple exhibits which consist of drawings, newspaper articles, and other information pertinent to the story. In addition to the originality of the plot, The Diamonds introduces us to solid characters. In this novel, each character truly is an individual and plays a special role. Typically the mean girls are seen as shallow, but pretty. While there are a couple of dense girls in The Diamonds, they add humor to the book. Still, while reading the book, I noticed intelligence, strength, and a self discovery in Marni. The combination of romance, politics, true friendship, and drama make The Diamonds one of the most creative novels of its time. I thought it was phenomenal, and I look forward to what Ted Michael has to offer us in the future!

I just don't know how to explain how funny this book is! I laughed out loud every time I sat down to read it! I highly suggest this book to anyone who loves smart, funny writing!!!

this book is great!!! a must read!!! for the teenage girl who wants to be a lawyer!!

The Diamonds has a very clever premise. Beyond the always amusing friends turned enemies premise is the whole world of the court system and mock trial. I've definitely never read a book that involved the United States Constitution in such a way (or probably any way really)! I loved it! There are pieces of evidence (drawings, articles, rule lists) scattered throughout the book. It's really crazy to see the mock trial team turn into a huge after school event and basically take on a life of it's own away from the teachers' and Principal's eyes. The Diamonds basically controlled the whole student body from their perch in the "court room". I loved this book! I could relate to coming to the realization that maybe your friend(s) wasn't as nice as you once thought they were once you were on the receiving end of their wrath. I like how Marni re-made herself a circle of friends and allies and learns to look beyond people's outward appearance or stereotype and get to know them for who they really are. I also thought her relationship with Head-Diamond Clarissa's ex-boyfriend, Anderson was really sweet. It seemed they had a real connection and I could understand why she would be willing to risk her friendship with The Diamonds for him. There is also a lot of scheming and plotting in this book, it was great. I loved seeing how far everyone would go, and they went pretty far! I did wonder from time to time how teachers and the Principal could just allow this to go on, a little convenient if you ask me. There was one twist towards the end that I saw coming from miles away but I was sad to find out that I was right. All in all, a great book full of scheming, laying down the law and high school politics!