Rating: Not Recommended

Reading Level: Adults only

Based on the movie starring Anne Hathaway, I was expecting this to be a cute, teenage-appropriate Rom-Com about a high school freshman, Mia, grappling with her newly-discovered princess status. I was *not* expecting in the first few pages to encounter some possible concerns:

  • Gender Identity. Conservatives on gender identity might not like Mia spying on a neighbor who had a sex change
  • Romance/Sex. Mia wondering whether she likes men with chest hair. Discussion of “putting out” for Harrison Ford & other various candidates. Borderline obsession with breast size.
  • Faith. Several mentions of how she couldn’t believe in a god who lets xyz thing happen.
  • Sexual orientation. Conservatives on sexual orientation will not like support of a benefit gala for homosexual holocaust survivors.
  • Dishonesty. The girls do things such as lying to a parent to cover for a friend who wants to avoid talking to them on the phone
  • Disrespect. Borderline hate of a grandparent.

Needless to say, this book is edgy for its time.

Meg Cabot creates some really likeable characters and weaves together impressive character growth as Mia learns to appropriately advocate for herself and settle into her princess status. She also learns what to look for in a boyfriend. I actually enjoyed the read, even when I knew (pretty much) what would happen based on the movie. The writing was that good.

But this book is *not* age appropriate for the intended audience. It will not go on my bookshelf, and I imagine a well-grounded high school senior being mature enough to handle it. No younger. For this reason I can’t recommend it because I think the intended age is younger.

See also my reviews of the next books in the series: the Princess in Love