The Princess Diaries (The Princess Diaries #1)

This story was delightful. If you've only seen the movie, you're missing out. As usual, the book is so much richer in content and nuance than the movie. :) Ms. Cabot delivers a fun, witty story with insights into family, love, and what it means to believe in yourself.

Reader reviewed by Jordana

This book is perfect for light reading, when I can enjoy a book without thinking to much.  It is very witty and funny, and the story also interesting.  I will say it's SO COMPLETELY DIFFERENT from the insipid (when compared to the book)  Disney movie.  I saw the movie first, when I was about ten, so I wanted to read the book.  I was a bit shocked, because there are some sexual themes in it, and if the movie was anything like the book it would be PG-13 for dialogue or whatever. And Grandmere would be a crazy biotch. But I'm older now (14) which is a better age for reading the Princess Diaries series, and I really am enjoying all of them.

Reader reviewed by Sara E.

I have no idea why I didn't read this book sooner, but I wish I did! I guess I thought it was going to be cheesy or exactly like the movie. But its not! Even though Mia studied Genovia in school, she never realized the connection that her father is a prince there. When her father realizes he is sterile he visits Mia and informs her that he is the prince of Genovia, and that Mia is the only heir to the throne. Mia goes from being an outcast to a princess of a small Eurpean country, taking princess lessons given by her rude grandmother, and somewhat of a celebrity at school. This book is a lot more mature than the movie and deals with subjects that are somewhat relatable to the teen population. It's a fun easy read; Meg really gets the way teens think!

Reader reviewed by abscae

Mia Thermopolis is just a regular teenager, full of the whole awkward stage thing where she just wants to grow up and stuff all her problems. But problems want to be found because suddenly Mia learns that she's the sole heir to a throne of a small country. Mia's a princess.

I love Meg Cabot because this book was the one that caught my interest. I always love the first books, because quite simply: they're almost always the most orignial ones. Yet, Cabot adds an extra flair with the intense humor. I really couldn't help but laughing out loud at many times. And just the events described, they seemed so real.

I'd definitely recommend this one.

Reader reviewed by Jailene

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot is a remarkable novel about a high-school freshman named Mia Thermopolis who lives in New York City with her mother,an artist.Mia keeps a journal to record her thoughts about dealing with the stresses of everyday life,her mom dating her algebra teacher,and being madly in love with the most popular boy in school(who of course,has no idea of her crush).

In addition to flunking her algebra,she has just found out that she is the princess of a small nation and has to take princess lessons after school with her grand-mere.

This is a funny and sweet novel that is great for teen girls. If you ever wished you were a princess,this story might make you think again. Meg Cabot is working on the ninth book in the series,there's lots more to read.

This novel makes you grateful for who you are and for your family,no matter how wacky they may be.It is an entertainment and an all-around great read.If you are looking for some good chick-lit, this is the book for you.

Reader reviewed by erica

I was pretty hesitant to start reading the Princess diaries series by Meg Cabot because I really wasn't a big fan of the movies, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised! The books were fun, and full of pop culture references. The characters are wonderful, and reading the books is like reading a note from your best friend.
Basically the story follows Mia a freshman of Albert Einstein High school in New York City, her parents are separated her mom being an artist and her father a prominent Politian in the fictional European country of Genovia. Though Mia's life changes drastically when she finds out her father is actually a royal, and she is a princess. This series is light hearted and fun, you should definitely give these books a try.

Reader reviewed by lainie

Mia is and average teenager growing up in New York. Her parents are divorced, she's failing algebra, and to top it off her mom is dating her teacher could it get any worse?

Lets throw in a tiara and see what happens.

The books are definitely better than the Disney movie, though I really liked the movie. The books are much different. Mia in the books is 14 years old and her father in the book is still alive. There are also a few supporting characters left out in the movie, which is a shame cause they are hilarious.

Though I think these books are way overrated they are still highly recommended for a quick fun read.

Reader reviewed by sara

This is my favorite book in the princess diaries series.It is another book about a girl i can relate to.Mia is an invisble person at her school that happens to be a princess.The hardest part is not skipping to the end to see what happens.If she ends up with the guy,choses to be a princess.so read it to find out.