The Princess Diaries

by Meg Cabot
The Princess Diaries cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Young Adult (YA)
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Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 6515
  • Added: 2025-11-18
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9780330482066
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2001-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Mia Thermopolis, a 14-year-old princess, announces on TV that her mum is pregnant by her algebra teacher and that she plans to marry him. This revelation sparks a right royal fuss, with Mia's Grandmere determined to plan the year's biggest society wedding. The anticipation builds as everyone prepares for the event, but will the bride and groom actually make it to the altar?/n/nThe Princess Diaries is a captivating tale of teenage life intertwined with royal drama. Mia's journey is filled with humor and heart, as she navigates the complexities of her newfound royal status and the unexpected twists in her family life. The story is a delightful blend of contemporary issues and classic fairy-tale elements, making it a compelling read for young adults and fans of royal intrigue.

Reviews
Amy S. Brown · Amy S. Brown · 2024-12-26
golden 5.00

They absolutely loved everything about the book, finding it different from the movie yet equally sparkling. The book was described as golden.

Amy S. Brown had an overwhelmingly positive experience with The Princess Diaries, describing it as 'golden'. They appreciated how the book differed from its movie adaptation while still maintaining a sparkling quality. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is evident in their praise, highlighting that it was a standout read for them. They found the story and characters to be engaging and enjoyable, making it a book they would highly recommend to others.

Quick quotes

    This book is GOLDEN.

    I absolutely loved everything about this book.

    This book was so different from the movie and yet it still sparkles.

Young Creative Press · 2024-07-04
problematic 1.50

They found the book problematic as an adult, though they think they would have loved it as a teen. The issues were surprising and notable.

The reviewer feels that The Princess Diaries is a book that would have resonated much more with them as a teenager. As an adult, they found several aspects of the book problematic, which was surprising to them. The issues they highlighted suggest that the book's themes and character development might not hold up as well for an older audience. However, they acknowledge that the book has a certain charm that likely appeals to its target demographic of young readers.

Quick quotes

    I feel like I would have loved this book as a teen but as an adult it's problematic.

    Like surprisingly problematic.

    I get that this came out in 2000, but still.

The Guardian · 2015-08-03
enjoyable 3.50

They enjoyed reading the book and found the main character relatable, recommending it for girls aged 12-16. They gave it a rating of 3.5 stars.

The reviewer enjoyed The Princess Diaries, particularly appreciating the relatable nature of the main character, Mia. They found the book engaging and believe it would be best suited for girls between the ages of 12 and 16. The reviewer's positive experience with the book is reflected in their rating of 3.5 stars, indicating a generally favorable opinion. They highlight the book's ability to connect with young readers as one of its strongest points.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed reading this book because you could really relate to Mia.

    I recommend it for girls aged 12 -16.

    I would give this book 3.5 stars.

Slatebreakers · 2011-09-06
hilarious 4.50

The book is hilarious and Mia's sarcastic and earnest take on everything makes it a delightful read. The humor and wit keep the story engaging.

The reviewer found the book to be incredibly funny, with Mia's sarcastic and earnest perspective adding a unique charm. They appreciated how the humor and wit kept the story engaging and entertaining throughout. The reviewer also noted that Mia's take on her experiences is both wry and earnest, making her a relatable and endearing protagonist. This combination of humor and heart makes the book a standout choice for readers looking for a lighthearted and enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    Plus, you guys, this book is hilarious

    Mia's take on everything is wry and sarcastic and seriously earnest

    The girl gets herself into some ridiculous situations

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