Young Adult Romantic Comedy

Review of The Princess Diaries, Volume IX: Princess Mia by Meg Cabot

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Synopsis:
Mia has been invited to speak at a gala for Domina Rei, an elite society of powerful businesswomen. But what could she possibly have to say? Michael has broken up with her, her bff Lilly won’t speak to her, and her parents are forcing her to see a therapist. Even J.P.’s efforts to cheer Mia up (he’s being really sweet!) aren’t helping.

Just when things couldn’t get worse, Mia discovers a long—forgotten diary of a teenage princess of Genovia. It could be just the inspiration Mia needs to write her speech—but what it reveals might change everything.

Review:
“It’s funny how this can happen when you’re in a hole. You forget about the people who would do anything–anything in the world, probably–to help you out of it.” (Page 72)

“It just.. it so blows, you know? I don’t WANT to be that girl. The crying emo girl. Next thing you know, I’ll start wearing skinny jeans and too much black eyeliner and nail polish and reading vampire romance novels.” (Page 210)

I love that this series uses real life tragedies and problems that people experience and shows healthy ways of tackling them, all while maintaining a level of realistic comedy. I loved how Mia really worked to understand herself and find herself and the answer to what she should be doing in this novel, especially with the forgotten diary. As an avid horsewoman I also really appreciate the therapist and all of his stories; very accurate to real life! J. P. is certainly being greatly attentive, and it’s great that Mia has a friend who will keep pushing her. I cannot say anything more on J. P. as I’ve read the entire series and… you should too!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Princess Diaries, Volume VII: Party Princess by Meg Cabot

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Synopsis:
Princesses just want to have fun. . . . And Mia does too, despite the fact that the student government over which she presides is suddenly broke. But Grandmère’s got a wacky scheme to raise the money, catapult Mia to theatrical fame, and link her romantically with an eligible teen bachelor who’s not her boyfriend. No wonder Michael seems to think she’s not much fun. Is it possible that Mia, soon-to-be star of the stage, president of the student body, and future ruler of Genovia, doesn’t know how to party?

Review:
“A feeling of calm has descended over me. Oh, wait, that’s just Fat Louie, sleeping on my feet.” (Page 249)

Not only does Mia have to keep on her toes due to Grandmère but she also begins to worry about not being cool enough for her older boyfriend. While Mia doesn’t have any problems writing things down, it’s obvious she needs to actually share her feelings with someone instead of acting so different and trying to be someone she isn’t. All in all, this series continues to be a great homage to a teenager growing up, in a bit more spotlight than the average person faces.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Princess Diaries, Volume IV: Princess in Waiting by Meg Cabot

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Synopsis:
Never before has the world seen such a princess. Nor have her own subjects, for that matter. But Genovian politics are nothing next to Mia’s real troubles.

Between canceled dates with her long-sought-after royal consort, a second semester of the dreaded Algebra, more princess lessons from Grandmère, and the inability to stop gnawing on her fingernails, isn’t there anything Mia is good at besides inheriting an unwanted royal title?

Review:
“But I will never love anyone or anything as much as I love Fat Louie.” (Page 88)

Mia has everything she wanted, more or less, but also a position as a princess that makes everything so much harder on her; but she knows one truth–Fat Louie will always come first(to anyone with a pet they adore, it’s so true). It’s fun seeing how she interacts with her cousin Rene, and very amusing as she is thrust into spending so much time with Grandmere that she decides to take her advice. It does get a bit frustrating how Mia won’t come out and tell anyone what is actually bothering her, however, one can understand she doesn’t want to make anything be a problem or seem overly important; after all, to her, being a princess if very uncool. I do love how when given the full understanding of why people have pushed for certain things, she does what would be considered morally right, or, what she would have wanted someone to do for her. For someone who worries so much about not being self-actualized, she is far more insightful than I think I was at her age. Mia spends a lot of time uncertain about what makes her unique, or if she has any talent at all, and while the reveal may not be as surprising as one could expect, imposter syndrome is something that everyone faces, so it was great to see how she tried to cope with a feeling of less-than without becoming fully self-destructive.

All in all, I still would highly recommend this series. I’m in love and only wish I’d read it sooner!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Princess Diaires, Volume ll: Princess in the Spotlight

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Synopsis:
Just when Mia thought she had the whole princess thing under control, things get out of hand, fast. First there’s an unexpected announcement from her mother. Then Grandmère arranges a national primetime interview for the brand-new crown princess of Genovia. On top of that, intriguing, exasperating letters from a secret admirer begin to arrive. Before she even has the chance to wonder who those letters are from, Mia is swept up in a whirlwind of royal intrigue the likes of which she’s never before witnessed.

Review:
“Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

These books just read so quickly. I absolutely love reading from the perspective of our young princess protagonist. It’s so fun to see into her mind about what she worries about, thinks about, and how she tries to hard to be a good person, even when it means agreeing to things she really doesn’t want to. Her reactions are priceless, especially since I could see myself (or others of that age) reacting in the same way. I actually have found more and more dislike for Lilly as I’ve been reading, and wish she’d spend more time with Tina.

It is so amusing to read the books and keep in mind what Mia is supposed to look like versus Anne Hathaway/the movie crew. In the descriptions used I still see the same Lilly in my head. I think it was a grave disservice to cut out Tina from the film, but it was clear that they could only do so much with a limited timeframe. Regardless of however I feel at the end of the book series, the movie is, and will forever be one of my favourite feel good movies. Whenever things are really horrible and I’ve been truly upset, it always helps bring back some joy and happiness.

That being said, this book series is truly enchanting, and one you start a book you’ll be hard pressed to set it down until you’re done with it.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯