Reviews with content warning for Bullying - The Princess Diaries

I went into "The Princess Diaries" with reasonably high expectations, considering my love for the films and the fact that they were based off of the book series. I was surprised at all the changes the movies seemed to have made to the original plot upon reading the first few chapters, disappointed with most of the characters, (especially Mia's grandmother - understandably so, when you have Julie Andrews in comparison), and also at times found myself bored with the storyline. Maybe it's because the movies are so nostalgic for me, and that I feel nothing can live up to them, maybe it's because these are technically "children's" books, so it's to be expected I'm getting bored with them, or I'm growing out of my fondness for stories in this diary layout - but either way, I personally will not be reading the other books in this series. It wasn't horrible, just not particularly enjoyable for me. Also, for a book for ages 8-12, I thought it had some more mature themes, so I would recommend it 12/13+

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valeriabee's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

3.5

I mean, it's definitely a book of it's time. Very adolescent in a way that is only mildly irritating, but that is to be expected. I don't see why Mia would want to be Lily's friend, but I have definitely seen friendships like this one in real life. I appreciate why Mia wouldn't want to be a princess, but I know that at 14 I would have liked to be told I was a secret princess (and at 22, I still kind of wish I was).
It's definitely fun to read Mia's diary, especially because her tone is very dramatic -- which I love. I also kind of like that the Michael situation is getting more time in the books. I do want to know that the age difference between Mia and her love interests is kind of creepy, at no fault of her own, but theres no reason that a boy who is about to go to college should be into a girl who has gotten through puberty. It's not much of a difference when you're in your thirties and have similar life experiences, but at that stage in your life, four years is a big difference in maturity, development, and experience.
I don't think it helps my experience that I watched the movies before I even knew these were books, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It's always fun to read something lighthearted.
It was a little bit annoying to read through the ignorant privilege of a rich white girl (like she really went to France every summer and had her dad - who she wasnt living with - pay her mothers bills). Of course, she's fourteen, so I don't hate Mia. I just hope she grows to appreciate her privilege and do some good with it. I'm not really in the mood for white feminism ever.

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mirandareadsca's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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