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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
I read this for the first time as an adult and after repeatedly watching (and loving) the movies. I got it for my daughter, who is in the target audience. She read it and told me, "It's very different from the movie." I had to read it myself after she told me she wasn't interested in any of the other books in the series.
I am usually a big proponent of reading the book before watching the movie because the books have always been better in my opinion. This was the first situation where I don't think that's true. While the bones of the story are similar, there were some notable differences. Spoiler alert: The father is alive! The grandmother is much harsher and unlikeable. There is also more of the plot that deals with romantic relationships and drugs/alcohol. I did like the character of Tina in the book, who wasn't present in the movies. Overall, the movie left me uplifted; the book left me glad that it was over.
I am usually a big proponent of reading the book before watching the movie because the books have always been better in my opinion. This was the first situation where I don't think that's true. While the bones of the story are similar, there were some notable differences. Spoiler alert: The father is alive! The grandmother is much harsher and unlikeable. There is also more of the plot that deals with romantic relationships and drugs/alcohol. I did like the character of Tina in the book, who wasn't present in the movies. Overall, the movie left me uplifted; the book left me glad that it was over.
2.5... and that’s only because I had Anne Hathaway reading it too me.
Interesting that I didn't realize the book was set in New York.
The audiobook is read by Anne Hathaway, very enjoyable.
I was highly saddened by all the lost New York things... Grand Union, not having enough cash for a cab, no cell phones, etc etc
The audiobook is read by Anne Hathaway, very enjoyable.
I was highly saddened by all the lost New York things... Grand Union, not having enough cash for a cab, no cell phones, etc etc
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
- I read this series before I started blogging, and apparently I wrote a review on Goodreads after finishing this book. Here is what I wrote:
I have to admit that the Princess Diaries series is my guilty pleasure. I usually despise stuff like this, but something about the books makes me want to keep reading.
The characters MAKE this book. Mia is a comical teenager with a lot of teenager worries and problems, plus the added stress of being a princess. I think Mia is a very lovable character, and I think a lot of girls can relate her in some way. I liked seeing her develop some backbone in the book, and how she became more assertive. I also like all the sub-characters. Lily can sometimes get on my nerves, but she is a good friend.
Even though this is written in a diary form, I don't think it takes away from the story at all. I actually really enjoy Meg Cabot's style. It's fun and easy to read.
There are a few things that I don't think are appropriate for the target age group, but overall it's a fun book.
- I've wanted to re-read the series cause I remember liking them a lot, but now I wonder why I liked it so much. It isn't that great.
- Mia is a spaz! She freaks out over everything, and it's like it is the end of the world. I just want to yell "CHILL OUT!" at her.
- Lilly is also a spaz, but in a different way. I don't really like her.
- Tina is probably my favorite out of Mia's friends. She seems a lot nicer.
- I still think there is inappropriate material for the target audience. I don't see teens really reading this. I think twelve year old girls are more the target cause Mia is only 14. I wish Mia was at least 16 and a little more mature.
- There are a lot of deity swears, but nothing else major as far as language.
- This is first time I've felt this way about a YA book, but I think this is just too young for me. I found it pretty immature and silly.
- Despite all the complaints, there were still some fun moments in the book and I'm going to continue the series.
I have to admit that the Princess Diaries series is my guilty pleasure. I usually despise stuff like this, but something about the books makes me want to keep reading.
The characters MAKE this book. Mia is a comical teenager with a lot of teenager worries and problems, plus the added stress of being a princess. I think Mia is a very lovable character, and I think a lot of girls can relate her in some way. I liked seeing her develop some backbone in the book, and how she became more assertive. I also like all the sub-characters. Lily can sometimes get on my nerves, but she is a good friend.
Even though this is written in a diary form, I don't think it takes away from the story at all. I actually really enjoy Meg Cabot's style. It's fun and easy to read.
There are a few things that I don't think are appropriate for the target age group, but overall it's a fun book.
- I've wanted to re-read the series cause I remember liking them a lot, but now I wonder why I liked it so much. It isn't that great.
- Mia is a spaz! She freaks out over everything, and it's like it is the end of the world. I just want to yell "CHILL OUT!" at her.
- Lilly is also a spaz, but in a different way. I don't really like her.
- Tina is probably my favorite out of Mia's friends. She seems a lot nicer.
- I still think there is inappropriate material for the target audience. I don't see teens really reading this. I think twelve year old girls are more the target cause Mia is only 14. I wish Mia was at least 16 and a little more mature.
- There are a lot of deity swears, but nothing else major as far as language.
- This is first time I've felt this way about a YA book, but I think this is just too young for me. I found it pretty immature and silly.
- Despite all the complaints, there were still some fun moments in the book and I'm going to continue the series.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a nice palate cleanser. Super fun and funny! Finished it in roughly one sitting. I'll be reading the rest of the series.
It was also quite different from the movie which I did not expect so that was a nice surprise. Shame I never read this as a kid
It was also quite different from the movie which I did not expect so that was a nice surprise. Shame I never read this as a kid
Listened to the audiobook read by ANNE HATHAWAY??? yup I flew through it
There was a good level of nostalgia in this for me. I first read this when I was around ten years old, and I LOVED it then. This time I am older and sure I did enjoy it but it was not sensational. The movie is still ICONIC and I'm still crossing my fingers for a third one.
As for the books, I'm not sure if I'll continue or not. Who knows.
There was a good level of nostalgia in this for me. I first read this when I was around ten years old, and I LOVED it then. This time I am older and sure I did enjoy it but it was not sensational. The movie is still ICONIC and I'm still crossing my fingers for a third one.
As for the books, I'm not sure if I'll continue or not. Who knows.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes