The Princess Diaries (Book 1) - Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot = The only adult that seems to understand the rants of a normal teenager (girls)

Therefore,

Meg Cabot = Worshiped by every teen girl (dead or alive)

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I was 14 when I heard about the series and being a tomboy then, I was skeptical, I must admit. But when I opened the glossy, bright pink (and girly *shudder*) cover to read the first words, quote,

"Sometimes it seems like all I ever do is lie. My mom thinks I'm repressing my feelings about this..."

I knew I was wrong. I shouldn't have been skeptical at all.
I was dead right, on my opinion of the book. Then again there was a reason that saying Never judge a book by its cover, was created. So I surged on.

I think Meg understands how hard it is to be a teenager and every situation we go through, comes out clearly in the book. Some people might claim that the book's idea of using characters like Mia (the dork) and Lana (the Queen Bee and Fashion plate) maybe cliche but I think Meg added a whole new twist to the deal.
I mean, fine, Mia isn't happy finding out she was actually a princess. But who cares?? Not everyone finds out they may one day rule a country. Let alone anyone whining about it when they DID find out. Mia is just weird that way.

Mia's personality = The Twist in The Tale.

That + Lilly, Mia's best friend, definitely made the story a hell of a lot more interesting. Lilly has the balls of a bull, pardon the language. But it true.
I think having a friend, let alone a best friend, who has the guts to tell you you suck in front of your face, is heaven sent. Because then, maybe the friend who is at the receiving end of this criticism might take it in their stride and be a better person.
If they are willing to make the effort that is, which I think Mia wants to.....but mostly does not. All she does is write it in her Things To Do lists, which is a start, but hardly note-worthy.

Lana's character, of course, was 100% cliche. Right down to the snogging Jock Josh in front of Mia's locker part. And her surname, Weinberger (or WHINEberger), suits Mia more than it does Lana. Mia is the biggest whiner I've ever read about. She has everything a teen needs. Good friends, family and a 25 pound ginger cat. What kid could ask for more? Mia, it seems.

Not that she's a bad person. She isn't. The whole Green Peace thing? Totally heart felt (even though a tad unrealistic for the ambitions of a teen, since all teens want to do today, is make it big in Hollywood. That includes me too. No regrets or shame in admitting it).

Her reaction to her mother's relationship to her teacher, though the reaction Mia gave was totally realistic, I feel, was totally unfair. I mean, give Helen a break! She needs a good love life too. And she probably imagines what she wants her love life to be the same way Mia does.

Like mother, like daughter.

As for Grandmere : No comments.

Not yet anyway.....