What do You think about Princess In Waiting (2003)?
Oh no. This might be the worst book of the series (so far). Book 3 ended with Mia and Michael finally getting together. I then spent most of Book 4 wondering what the hell was wrong with Michael to end up with Mia. Mia spends most of Book 4 wondering how they ended up together too. As Mia constantly says, Michael is a senior with early admission to an Ivy League. He has his own webzine, his hobby is computers, etc. Basically he's cute, smart, and interesting. And as Mia whines, she's too tall and awkward and flat-chested and dumb and waaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh. None of these are actual real problems, but just Mia's concerns about herself. It's fine to be insecure to a point at the age of 14. But it is really annoying to read about. And you hope and pray she's only acting like this in her personal diary, and not letting her insecurities fly in real life, because that is exactly why Michael should leave her. She is immature and annoying and whiny about dumb shit. Now, things I liked. Mia's mom has become likable, hallelujah. (1) One of her paintings is at the Genovian castle, where Mia is spending her winter break. It's entitled Portrait of the Artist's Daughter at Age Five Refusing to Eat Hot Dogs. That's adorable. (2) She tries to give Mia actually good boy advice, like call your boyfriend instead of playing hard to get, you idiot (basically that's what she says). (3) She's pregnant and huge, and Mia's constant references to how slow and sleepy she is made me sympathize (I am the hugest and slowest and sleepiest). I also half liked Mia's grandmother for telling Mia she does not have to choose a boy to be with forever at the age of 14. She then screws with Mia's head by teaching her to play hard to get with men. Ugh. Back to Mia's relationship with Michael! Besides her usual insecurities, Mia does this all the time: Michael said he loved me! But does that mean he's in love with me or just loves me as a friend?Are you serious? You are an idiot. I almost stopped reading probably 10 different times because this question kept being asked.We also have Mia talking a lot about how she likes when Michael and guys in general are authoritative. She even uses the term "bosses around". Hmm. I can understand liking a strong man. A man who tells it like it is (especially when you're flying around being an idiot). But a guy bossing you around? Eeeek. What are we saying to young girls? I am horrified. Things I did like: Mia and Lilly's analysis of shows, ranging from Powerpuff Girls ("Best show on television") to Roswell ("Hot guys with alien powers. What more can you ask?"..."Low point: When that skanky Tess showed up." This is the most accurate analysis of Roswell ever.) to Buffy ("Feminist empowerment at its peak, entertaining at its best."). I actually liked Lilly in this book? Crazy. I was ready to make her my Book Enemy for life.
—Michelle
Because even a princess has to have fun sometimes.'The Princess Diaries: Mia Goes Fourth' is a short but delightful read. I loved reading this novel and I'm looking forward to picking up the next book in the series! ^ ^On a whole another note: I love Chris Pine in Princess Diaries 2 (the movie) :D
—Sonja - Intellectual Badass
"How do I know Michael hasn't met some other girl?Some Floridian girl, with long,sun-streaked hair, and a tan,and breasts? Who has access to the Internet and isn't cooped up in a palace with her crazy grandma,a homeless,Speedo-wearing prince and a freakish,hairless miniature poodle?"I missed The Princess Diaries so much!I loved reading about Mia's adventures in Genovia and Grandmère's schemes.Also,love the movie refrences-Meg Cabot sure knows how to make her readers laugh! "Hello," Lilly said."Movie. Of your life.You were portrayed as shy and awkward.""I am shy and awkward," I reminded her."They made your grandmother all kindly and sympathetic to your plight," Lilly said."It was the grossest mischaracterization I've seen since Shakespeare in Love tried to pass off the Bard as a hottie with a six-pack and a full set of teeth."And...um,hi Michael.Favourite quotes:"But a sweater? I mean,that is so unromantic.It is the kind of thing I would get my dad — if he wasn't so in need of anger-management manuals,which is what I got for him for Christmas.""Really,Mia,"she said. "You know I don't like to contradict your grandmother ..."This was the biggest lie I'd heard since the Prince of Liechtenstein told me I waltzed divinely,but I let it slide,on account of Mom's condition."
—Norah Sumner
