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The Princess Diaries #9
Bad Heir Day
Princess Mia Thermopolis has hit an all-time low. Lilly isn't speaking to her. Someone is posting horrible things about her on ihatemiathermopolis.com. Grandmere is forcing her to give a speech to two thousand of the most powerful businesswomen in America. And, oh yeah: Michael, the love of her life, has dumped her.
But despite what the press seems to think, Mia has more on her mind than recruiting a new Prince Charming. Like solving a 400-year-old mystery that could mean BIG changes for little Genovia. But is Mia really ready to throw away her tiara - especially if it means destroying a dynasty?
Bad Heir Day, previously published as To the Nines, is the ninth in the bestselling The Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
264 people are currently reading
11565 people want to read
About the author
Meg Cabot
279 books35.4k followersLibrarian note: AKA Jenny Carroll (1-800-Where-R-You series), AKA Patricia Cabot (historical romance novels).
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,095 reviews
February 22, 2024
This series gives me whiplash. Book 8 was awful and I hated everything, and then Book 9 turned out to be (I think) the best in the series so far.
And all we needed to do was get rid of Mia’s predator boyfriend Michael. So yay, Mia was able to actually GROW as a character without him, made some really positive decisions and I was so PROUD of her by the end.
There was more regarding Genovia and a bit of a royal mystery and it was very interesting. This series can be GOOD, I’m not being a hater I promise, I think this book deserves merit for tackling what Mia is going through well and allowing her the space to develop.
If you want to know more of my thoughts, I have reading vlog on YouTube dedicated to the entire Princess Diaries series: https://youtu.be/X4dU9lclvmk
And all we needed to do was get rid of Mia’s predator boyfriend Michael. So yay, Mia was able to actually GROW as a character without him, made some really positive decisions and I was so PROUD of her by the end.
There was more regarding Genovia and a bit of a royal mystery and it was very interesting. This series can be GOOD, I’m not being a hater I promise, I think this book deserves merit for tackling what Mia is going through well and allowing her the space to develop.
If you want to know more of my thoughts, I have reading vlog on YouTube dedicated to the entire Princess Diaries series: https://youtu.be/X4dU9lclvmk
June 16, 2015
So glad this little lull is over and these books are back to being awesome! Just ONE book stands between me and A Royal Wedding!! I'm hoping to finish both this week!
November 27, 2019
Shout out to Mia for FINALLY making positive decisions that don't just center around herself. Can't wait to for her to finally pull her head out of her ass. ALSO OMG ONLY ONE BOOK LEFT UNTIL I CAN READ THE ROYAL WEDDING SQUEEEEEEEE
February 13, 2017
OMG!!!!!!!!!!
June 5, 2024
at this point i can’t tell what is fact and what is mia being an unreliable narrator
November 13, 2018
only one book left until royal wedding
This is my favorite book ❤ so far in this series...
Glad that Mia took a right decision on her own..
She has grown up to make wise decisions after all.
This is my favorite book ❤ so far in this series...
Glad that Mia took a right decision on her own..
She has grown up to make wise decisions after all.
February 18, 2012
Hmmm.
This book was fighting a losing battle against itself.
What do I mean by that? I guess... just that parts of it were great; other parts made me want to barf. Which, for me, makes it a typical Meg Cabot experience. I feel like we're destined to not click, Meg and I.
The Great
Maybe it's just that I've read so many of Mia's diaries, but these characters are starting to find a place in my heart. Especially Tina and Boris. Bless their hearts. (Lilly, too, is starting to feel like a real person... but I don't want to bless her heart.)
I really liked the semi-plot twist toward the end. For those of you who've read the series or just don't care about spoilers: I didn't see that coming at all. Not that seeing it coming would even be possible. It wasn't that type of plot twist.
Lana's increased presence was very welcome to me. Some of my favorite parts of the book were due to her. What a champ.
The Barfable
It got more tolerable as the book progressed, but at its introduction Mia's mental health problems seemed more like a transparent PSA than an authentic plot development.
Maybe I should be used to this by now, but it drives me straight up crazy when Mia is so clueless about everything. I just want to shake her. J.P. being in love with her was so darn obvious. And conflicting, as I will dwell on later.
Ok so... this is maybe one of my biggest complaints that applies to the series as a whole. Why do I care so little about Michael? Is it my fault? Because Mia is unhealthily obsessed with him, and, from what I've seen, hard-core fans of the series are head over heels for the boy as well. But he's been included so infrequently in the series (apart from the first few books) that I just plain don't give a rip about their relationship.
The Weird
So, given what I just said about not caring about Michael, you'd think I'd be cheering on Mia+J.P. as a couple like nobody's business. I feel like I should be, too. I suspect that if I was a student at Albert Einstein, I would have the creepiest crush on J.P. that the world has ever seen. But, as a reader, I just feel conflicted. Who is this kid? He seems too good to be true. And his doggedness in leaving Mia's Friend Zone would normally seem sweet to me (and it kind of does, still), but I just can't bring myself to root for the poor boy. Find love, J.P. dear, but not with Mia. Okay.
I'm not sure why I wrote such a long review for a book I don't care much about, but I guess it's my way of making up for the fact that most of my PD reviews have been munchkins.
P.S. Lilly is stupid and I hope Mia tells her so in the next (and final) book. OMG I'M ALMOST DONE!!!!
This book was fighting a losing battle against itself.
What do I mean by that? I guess... just that parts of it were great; other parts made me want to barf. Which, for me, makes it a typical Meg Cabot experience. I feel like we're destined to not click, Meg and I.
The Great
Maybe it's just that I've read so many of Mia's diaries, but these characters are starting to find a place in my heart. Especially Tina and Boris. Bless their hearts. (Lilly, too, is starting to feel like a real person... but I don't want to bless her heart.)
I really liked the semi-plot twist toward the end. For those of you who've read the series or just don't care about spoilers: I didn't see that coming at all. Not that seeing it coming would even be possible. It wasn't that type of plot twist.
Lana's increased presence was very welcome to me. Some of my favorite parts of the book were due to her. What a champ.
The Barfable
It got more tolerable as the book progressed, but at its introduction Mia's mental health problems seemed more like a transparent PSA than an authentic plot development.
Maybe I should be used to this by now, but it drives me straight up crazy when Mia is so clueless about everything. I just want to shake her. J.P. being in love with her was so darn obvious. And conflicting, as I will dwell on later.
Ok so... this is maybe one of my biggest complaints that applies to the series as a whole. Why do I care so little about Michael? Is it my fault? Because Mia is unhealthily obsessed with him, and, from what I've seen, hard-core fans of the series are head over heels for the boy as well. But he's been included so infrequently in the series (apart from the first few books) that I just plain don't give a rip about their relationship.
The Weird
So, given what I just said about not caring about Michael, you'd think I'd be cheering on Mia+J.P. as a couple like nobody's business. I feel like I should be, too. I suspect that if I was a student at Albert Einstein, I would have the creepiest crush on J.P. that the world has ever seen. But, as a reader, I just feel conflicted. Who is this kid? He seems too good to be true. And his doggedness in leaving Mia's Friend Zone would normally seem sweet to me (and it kind of does, still), but I just can't bring myself to root for the poor boy. Find love, J.P. dear, but not with Mia. Okay.
I'm not sure why I wrote such a long review for a book I don't care much about, but I guess it's my way of making up for the fact that most of my PD reviews have been munchkins.
P.S. Lilly is stupid and I hope Mia tells her so in the next (and final) book. OMG I'M ALMOST DONE!!!!
July 9, 2016
So. Good.
Not sure if I'm on board with the 'bomb' Mia throw at the end.
Not sure if I'm on board with the 'bomb' Mia throw at the end.
March 9, 2021
3.5
Mucho (MUCHO) mejor que el octavo libro. Como lo predije: Mia creció y maduró bastante después del caos de la entrega anterior de la serie, y eso me hace muy muy feliz.
Este es de los libros más sólidos de la serie, me hace confiar en que el último va a ser muy bueno.
Mucho (MUCHO) mejor que el octavo libro. Como lo predije: Mia creció y maduró bastante después del caos de la entrega anterior de la serie, y eso me hace muy muy feliz.
Este es de los libros más sólidos de la serie, me hace confiar en que el último va a ser muy bueno.
August 11, 2015
More princess stuff! YES. I really enjoyed this one and got choked up a few times as well. Very interested to see where the story is headed. On to book ten!
May 31, 2015
Ooh, look, I have a review for this one! This is a strong book in the series. Mia really grows up here and starts taking more responsibility for her actions. And I liked her realizing that she SHOULDN'T write Michael, begging himto take her back.
I love the way her friends (I'm not including Lilly in that) are so supportive of her. I love the scene
Good to see a good depiction of depression, too.
However . . . while I do agree that it's good to move on and not mourn for your lost love forever (though it doesn't really feel like a forever breakup--that always makes it weird for me, trying to date other people when you still know/think someone else is The One), I kind of wish there'd been more of an "it's okay to be single" aspect of it. It felt like everyone was pushing for Mia to move on RIGHT NOW, when she'd just broken up with her longtime boyfriend. She doesn't have to date anyone!
Bumping this one from three to four stars.
Original Review
This was one of my favorites in the series. Mia's really growing up. I especially liked seeing her changing attitude toward Lana.
I love the way her friends (I'm not including Lilly in that) are so supportive of her. I love the scene
Good to see a good depiction of depression, too.
However . . . while I do agree that it's good to move on and not mourn for your lost love forever (though it doesn't really feel like a forever breakup--that always makes it weird for me, trying to date other people when you still know/think someone else is The One), I kind of wish there'd been more of an "it's okay to be single" aspect of it. It felt like everyone was pushing for Mia to move on RIGHT NOW, when she'd just broken up with her longtime boyfriend. She doesn't have to date anyone!
Bumping this one from three to four stars.
Original Review
This was one of my favorites in the series. Mia's really growing up. I especially liked seeing her changing attitude toward Lana.
December 18, 2018
When I started to read this book I was worried that it was going to be another story full of whining and moaning from Mia, much like books 4 - 7, but thankfully it wasn't. There were some things which I liked about this book: the absence of Michael, who I always thought was unsuited for Mia; the absence of Lilly, who Mia should learn to stand up to; the story about the diary of Mia's ancestor, which was quite interesting; the subplot about Kenny - hilarious!; Mia realising that pining over Michael was going to get her nowhere; and Mia becoming friends with Lana, and her realisation that Lana isn't horrible, just shallow. Overall, this has to be one of the most realistic Princess Diaries books ever! I'm actually looking forward to reading the last book. I have to admit that the character of JP seems to be quite 2D at some points. But this didn't spoil the book too much, and it was an enjoyable read.
October 25, 2016
*3.5 stars*
So close to finishing the main series and reading Royal Wedding! So excited! Mia is finally growing up and I just love her.
So close to finishing the main series and reading Royal Wedding! So excited! Mia is finally growing up and I just love her.
September 18, 2025
“Sometimes in life, you fall down holes you can’t climb out of by yourself. That’s what friends and family are for—to help. They can’t help, however, unless you let them know you’re down there.” 💥🥀👠
now THIS is the best book of the series. i say that with complete confidence! it could not get any better than this.
as someone who is currently studying to become a school counselor, this book really hit different for me. mia is dealing with some very serious emotions here, and it was really nice to see her slowly begin to find herself again.
also the fact that there was a bit of a mystery going on here? fantastic. AND SO MANY PLOT TWISTS THAT LEFT ME GASPING! this book was so much fun. can’t wait for the next one!
now THIS is the best book of the series. i say that with complete confidence! it could not get any better than this.
as someone who is currently studying to become a school counselor, this book really hit different for me. mia is dealing with some very serious emotions here, and it was really nice to see her slowly begin to find herself again.
also the fact that there was a bit of a mystery going on here? fantastic. AND SO MANY PLOT TWISTS THAT LEFT ME GASPING! this book was so much fun. can’t wait for the next one!
October 7, 2021
I still don’t trust him...
[REVIEW]
I wasn’t as frustrated with this book as I was with Princess on the Brink. I was just more…confused. The Princess Diaries is known for it’s chaotic plots and unexpected twists, but this was…something else. While I did understand everything by the end, I felt mostly lost reading this.
MY THOUGHTS ON...
WHAT I LIKED:
•I liked how supportive and patient Tina was of Mia. She’s the kind of friend you can rely on being there for you when you’re at your worst. Tina invited Mia to binge watch movies, encouraged her to keep going to school, and never told Mia to “get over” her breakup with Michael. Getting to see their friendship was very sweet! Looking back, I’ve realize Tina was always a better friend than Lilly (I’d say “Sorry, Lilly”, but honestly, I’m so done with her. Lilly accused Mia of being self-absorbed in this book, but let’s be real—Lilly hardly ever listened to Mia’s concerns throughout the series).
•One thing that never gets old for me are all the references to the Disney adaptation of The Princess Diaries. I always laugh when Mia roasts the movies, talking about inaccurate they are to her real life. She doesn’t even reference Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, or even Disney. You just know they’re the movies based on how she describes them!
•I did like the discussion of sexism and double standards, specifically during that reveal about her ancestor Amelia. It didn’t surprise me that Grandmere was against making Genovia a democracy. What did bother me was how Mia’s dad reacted. I’m glad Mia called him out on it, though, saying he would’ve taken Amelia seriously if she was a man. Hopefully he’ll come to his senses in the next book!
CRITIQUES:
•I wasn’t sure where the plot was going for a while. First there was the plot of Mia getting therapy. Then there was the whole subplot of Mia becoming friends with the high school mean girl Lana. THEN there was this whole investigation Mia was doing on one of her ancestors. THEN there was the anonymous website that was spewing hateful things about her called ihatemiathermopolis.com. THEN there was the whole thing with Mia and J.P. starting to have romantic feelings for each other. THEN...you get the picture. I felt like there was too much happening, and that this should’ve been narrowed down to a couple of subplots.
•There were moments Mia’s therapist was spot on, and other times I got frustrated about some things he said that a therapist should NEVER say. One example is when the therapist called Mia “darling” when they first met. Even though that was only one time, that didn’t sit right with me.
•The whole subplot with Lana. The fact that Mia befriended LANA WEINBERGER out of blue??? I’m sorry, but there’s NO WAY Lana would befriend Mia without wanting some kind of personal gain. Yes, people change, but I’m not buying Lana’s sudden sympathy and friendliness (this was one thing I agree with Lilly about in the book). If Cabot really wanted to make it more convincing, the change should’ve started earlier, and been more gradual. If it’s revealed that Lana is using Mia in the next book, I won’t be surprised. If not, then I’m going to be confused and honestly frustrated why Cabot suddenly decided to change Lana’s character.
•Speaking of questioning people...This isn’t a critique of the book, but I do want to bring it up. I *still* don’t trust J.P. He was very sweet with Mia throughout this book, and I liked how he comforted her when she started crying over Michael. AND YET...he’s giving me subtle Hans-of-the-Southern-Isles vibes (from Frozen). J.P. is just TOO perfect. He’s sweet, he’s charming, and he makes Mia laugh, which are all great traits! But ever since that hug and kiss (IN FRONT OF MICHAEL) the eighth book, I think it’s all an act. What he could possibly want from Mia, I’m not sure.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I did like this a little bit more than the previous book. However, I still got confused and frustrated with many of the characters. But I am interested enough in seeing what’ll happen to Mia and everyone else in the next book.
[REVIEW]
I wasn’t as frustrated with this book as I was with Princess on the Brink. I was just more…confused. The Princess Diaries is known for it’s chaotic plots and unexpected twists, but this was…something else. While I did understand everything by the end, I felt mostly lost reading this.
MY THOUGHTS ON...
WHAT I LIKED:
•I liked how supportive and patient Tina was of Mia. She’s the kind of friend you can rely on being there for you when you’re at your worst. Tina invited Mia to binge watch movies, encouraged her to keep going to school, and never told Mia to “get over” her breakup with Michael. Getting to see their friendship was very sweet! Looking back, I’ve realize Tina was always a better friend than Lilly (I’d say “Sorry, Lilly”, but honestly, I’m so done with her. Lilly accused Mia of being self-absorbed in this book, but let’s be real—Lilly hardly ever listened to Mia’s concerns throughout the series).
•One thing that never gets old for me are all the references to the Disney adaptation of The Princess Diaries. I always laugh when Mia roasts the movies, talking about inaccurate they are to her real life. She doesn’t even reference Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, or even Disney. You just know they’re the movies based on how she describes them!
•I did like the discussion of sexism and double standards, specifically during that reveal about her ancestor Amelia. It didn’t surprise me that Grandmere was against making Genovia a democracy. What did bother me was how Mia’s dad reacted. I’m glad Mia called him out on it, though, saying he would’ve taken Amelia seriously if she was a man. Hopefully he’ll come to his senses in the next book!
CRITIQUES:
•I wasn’t sure where the plot was going for a while. First there was the plot of Mia getting therapy. Then there was the whole subplot of Mia becoming friends with the high school mean girl Lana. THEN there was this whole investigation Mia was doing on one of her ancestors. THEN there was the anonymous website that was spewing hateful things about her called ihatemiathermopolis.com. THEN there was the whole thing with Mia and J.P. starting to have romantic feelings for each other. THEN...you get the picture. I felt like there was too much happening, and that this should’ve been narrowed down to a couple of subplots.
•There were moments Mia’s therapist was spot on, and other times I got frustrated about some things he said that a therapist should NEVER say. One example is when the therapist called Mia “darling” when they first met. Even though that was only one time, that didn’t sit right with me.
•The whole subplot with Lana. The fact that Mia befriended LANA WEINBERGER out of blue??? I’m sorry, but there’s NO WAY Lana would befriend Mia without wanting some kind of personal gain. Yes, people change, but I’m not buying Lana’s sudden sympathy and friendliness (this was one thing I agree with Lilly about in the book). If Cabot really wanted to make it more convincing, the change should’ve started earlier, and been more gradual. If it’s revealed that Lana is using Mia in the next book, I won’t be surprised. If not, then I’m going to be confused and honestly frustrated why Cabot suddenly decided to change Lana’s character.
•Speaking of questioning people...This isn’t a critique of the book, but I do want to bring it up. I *still* don’t trust J.P. He was very sweet with Mia throughout this book, and I liked how he comforted her when she started crying over Michael. AND YET...he’s giving me subtle Hans-of-the-Southern-Isles vibes (from Frozen). J.P. is just TOO perfect. He’s sweet, he’s charming, and he makes Mia laugh, which are all great traits! But ever since that hug and kiss (IN FRONT OF MICHAEL) the eighth book, I think it’s all an act. What he could possibly want from Mia, I’m not sure.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I did like this a little bit more than the previous book. However, I still got confused and frustrated with many of the characters. But I am interested enough in seeing what’ll happen to Mia and everyone else in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2008
Okay, I have to say it was not her best. My favorite part was when Michael finally emailed her. I have to say that I really just didn't like how she agreed with Michael about breaking up. I expected him to come back, or take her abck, in this book. I have to say it was a let down for me. I hope Michael comes back, I liked him.
September 4, 2018
Connecting Mia with her Genovian history was a refreshing addition to this installment of the Princess Diaries. I also enjoyed seeing Mia's relationship with Lana begin to transform. What I missed though was Michael! J.P. is a snake and I can't wait for Mia to figure it out!
May 7, 2020
In my opinion, this book was very surprising. I mean, there where things that I knew were true and some things that I knew that were going to happen, but the course of it was completely unexpected. Who would have said that Lily would create a website called, literally, ihatemiathermopolis? I know that she kind of lost her boyfriend to Mia, but it was just very very not nice. At first, she was Mia’s number one best friend, and then, turns into her worst enemy. And her friendship with Lana was probably the most unexpected thing. But I really liked it. I really enjoyed Mia “fighting her demons” and getting better from depression. Now she has J.P, Tina, Boris, LANA...even Miachel is her friend now. And I am sure that her dad and grandmére will come along. I don’t know if I would have done the same(about the will), but I guess it was the right thing for Mia to do. She has grown a lot since the start, and I can’t wait to read the last book and see how everything is going to sort out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2022
Reread on June 8, 2022: Yay, constitutional monarchy (hey, it’s better than an absolute monarchy). Boo, J.P. (SUCH a loathsome creature). I'm still in mourning over the Michael romance breakup and Lilly friendship breakup. Please respect my grief in this trying time. Also: Mia getting a therapist was looong overdue. Read via library/audio (narrated by Clea Lewis).
October 17, 2025
Man, At first I wanted to throw the book done but I didn't DNF it. I am thankful that I didn't stop reading it.
I liked the book, cuz dude there's romance, a little bit of psychology.
I don't know, but I already knew the ending of the book. And when I reached about half, my bad habit kicked in and I looked at the last page.
But , still was very enjoyable.
I liked the book, cuz dude there's romance, a little bit of psychology.
I don't know, but I already knew the ending of the book. And when I reached about half, my bad habit kicked in and I looked at the last page.
But , still was very enjoyable.
January 7, 2019
I feel like the book addressed depression and mental health really weirdly - it just felt forced. Lilly continues to be annoying and Mia is still whiny. But there is some character development and I'm really hoping that the characters' voices will continue to mature.
November 8, 2025
Much better than the last book! Mia is still a little stupid, but in an endearing way rather than an annoying way (most of the time). This one was back to being funny, it had a very satisfactory ending, and I like that a certain other character is getting a more interesting arc now.
May 29, 2021
Mia made some relatively sane decisions in this book. Though she remains blissfully oblivious of everything that is going on around her, she does seem to have gone through a little character development. I'm liking Meg Cabot's new style of ending the books in a way that leaves us wanting more, and I can't wait for Royal Wedding! It's the only thing that's been motivating me to read since Third Time Lucky.
September 7, 2025
Overall it was an okay book but nothing more than that. I'm pretty sick of Princess diaries and luckily I only have two books left to read.
I think the depiction of depression was absolutely horrible, depression is in fact mental illness and very dangerous. It isn't something you should take lightly and you definitely shouldn't throw that word around without knowing what it is. I'm sure the author is very aware about what it is and what it does to people, BUT she failed to put that into words. Depression isn't when you and your boyfriend decide to take a break and you feel down afterwards (because who wouldn't feel sad about that?) and I got so annoyed when it was so obvious that she used "depression" to get sympathy for the main character. You can get depressed because of a breakup, yes, it's definitely possible. But it's absolutely normal to feel down the days after it happened.
Mia continues to appear whiny and immature, Lily is a horrible person and J.P appears to be even more annoying with his uncomfortable stalker behaviour, and basically the only thing I liked with this book was the relationship with Mia's former enemy Lana Weinberg and the development in that aspect plus Mia stepping up a bit in the end. But she's still very annoying. And she's suppose to be older than me. Geez. Meg Cabot is smart for sure, because now Mia can have her happily ever after with Michael without these complications mentioned in the previous books. Plus it's so stereotypical and it bothered me a bit (because why tell young girls that you have to transform and become hot because otherwise nobody wants you), the flat chested ugly girl with the unbearable hair FINALLY has her glow up while she's eating meat and stopped being a vegetarian and now FINALLY "grew up" and is hot so all the boys steal glances of her while they're passing by.
I think the depiction of depression was absolutely horrible, depression is in fact mental illness and very dangerous. It isn't something you should take lightly and you definitely shouldn't throw that word around without knowing what it is. I'm sure the author is very aware about what it is and what it does to people, BUT she failed to put that into words. Depression isn't when you and your boyfriend decide to take a break and you feel down afterwards (because who wouldn't feel sad about that?) and I got so annoyed when it was so obvious that she used "depression" to get sympathy for the main character. You can get depressed because of a breakup, yes, it's definitely possible. But it's absolutely normal to feel down the days after it happened.
Mia continues to appear whiny and immature, Lily is a horrible person and J.P appears to be even more annoying with his uncomfortable stalker behaviour, and basically the only thing I liked with this book was the relationship with Mia's former enemy Lana Weinberg and the development in that aspect plus Mia stepping up a bit in the end. But she's still very annoying. And she's suppose to be older than me. Geez. Meg Cabot is smart for sure, because now Mia can have her happily ever after with Michael without these complications mentioned in the previous books. Plus it's so stereotypical and it bothered me a bit (because why tell young girls that you have to transform and become hot because otherwise nobody wants you), the flat chested ugly girl with the unbearable hair FINALLY has her glow up while she's eating meat and stopped being a vegetarian and now FINALLY "grew up" and is hot so all the boys steal glances of her while they're passing by.
July 19, 2008
There are some books I read where I wrestle with my conscience: to list it on GoodReads, or not? And so far I've always come down on the side of listing them all, even though they may not all be books I want to cop to reading. I'm listing this one and not putting it in my update feed. Maybe it'll sneak under my Smart Friends' radars, because I read this and I feel a deep shame for that fact.
Somehow I've managed to avoid the Clique/Gossip Girl/A-List types, but this series has sucked me in and won't let go. Part of it is that I do have parents at the library who ask if a series is appropriate for their kids of varying ages, and this is one of the books they ask about--because their 9- or 10-year-old daughters watched the first movie and want to read the books, but when does it take that turn for the Older Teen? (Answer: a couple of books ago.)
Mia is battling a major depression after breaking up with her boyfriend, and the resulting disinterest in everything makes her whine a lot less about every other aspect of her life. But even without her incessant whining, this drags. We only get through about two weeks of minutiae: who's dating whom, X mad at Y, and lengthy IM sessions with what might be the most annoying Protagonist's Sidekick on the face of the planet.
If you've been reading this series all along and have been enjoying it, there's nothing I can say to dissuade you from picking this one up, too. But if you're trying to quit, go for it. At the end of the book, very little has changed in Mia's life. Any major changes hinted at will have to be explored in the next volume, because this one ends just short of where the plot could (but probably won't) get interesting.
Somehow I've managed to avoid the Clique/Gossip Girl/A-List types, but this series has sucked me in and won't let go. Part of it is that I do have parents at the library who ask if a series is appropriate for their kids of varying ages, and this is one of the books they ask about--because their 9- or 10-year-old daughters watched the first movie and want to read the books, but when does it take that turn for the Older Teen? (Answer: a couple of books ago.)
Mia is battling a major depression after breaking up with her boyfriend, and the resulting disinterest in everything makes her whine a lot less about every other aspect of her life. But even without her incessant whining, this drags. We only get through about two weeks of minutiae: who's dating whom, X mad at Y, and lengthy IM sessions with what might be the most annoying Protagonist's Sidekick on the face of the planet.
If you've been reading this series all along and have been enjoying it, there's nothing I can say to dissuade you from picking this one up, too. But if you're trying to quit, go for it. At the end of the book, very little has changed in Mia's life. Any major changes hinted at will have to be explored in the next volume, because this one ends just short of where the plot could (but probably won't) get interesting.
March 16, 2021
Picking up right where #8 left off, this book shows Mia growing up and realizing who her true friends are. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
ETA 7 years later: Princess Mia continues the rejuvenation of the series that began in PD #8, building on its strengths to tell a compelling story while maintaining the series’ signature humor. Cabot does a great job showing Mia’s descent into depression, as well as her recovery. She also FINALLY addresses the fact that Lilly is pretty much the worst friend of all time (though I wish she would have spent more time on the schism in the friend group, instead of just throwing people onto various sides and calling it a day).
The book finally let Mia’s relationship with Lana evolve, which I thought was a very deft touch (and definitely added humor through all the interactions between Lana and Mia’s friends). And it really brought home something Cabot has been deftly developing for most of the series – that Mia is no longer the awkward social pariah she was at the beginning of the series. It’s been a joy binging this series and seeing Mia develop into an awesome young woman, while laughing along the whole way.
One thing that really disgruntled me, and it’s in the very first diary entry – Michael is made out to be a complete savage when Mia is talking about seeing Beauty and the Beast on Broadway. There’s a fine line between “boys’ll be boys and he’s not into it” and him snickering, complaining during the show, constantly leaving to play on his phone, and just generally being a disgrace. I get Cabot wanting to show the contrast between Michael and Mia/JP, but making him out to be so utterly contemptible is not the effect I think she was going for. I took a star off purely for ruining a perfectly good love interest like that.
ETA 7 years later: Princess Mia continues the rejuvenation of the series that began in PD #8, building on its strengths to tell a compelling story while maintaining the series’ signature humor. Cabot does a great job showing Mia’s descent into depression, as well as her recovery. She also FINALLY addresses the fact that Lilly is pretty much the worst friend of all time (though I wish she would have spent more time on the schism in the friend group, instead of just throwing people onto various sides and calling it a day).
The book finally let Mia’s relationship with Lana evolve, which I thought was a very deft touch (and definitely added humor through all the interactions between Lana and Mia’s friends). And it really brought home something Cabot has been deftly developing for most of the series – that Mia is no longer the awkward social pariah she was at the beginning of the series. It’s been a joy binging this series and seeing Mia develop into an awesome young woman, while laughing along the whole way.
One thing that really disgruntled me, and it’s in the very first diary entry – Michael is made out to be a complete savage when Mia is talking about seeing Beauty and the Beast on Broadway. There’s a fine line between “boys’ll be boys and he’s not into it” and him snickering, complaining during the show, constantly leaving to play on his phone, and just generally being a disgrace. I get Cabot wanting to show the contrast between Michael and Mia/JP, but making him out to be so utterly contemptible is not the effect I think she was going for. I took a star off purely for ruining a perfectly good love interest like that.
December 5, 2015
I like Lana! She's actually pretty cool when she's being nice :D
Also Mia is fashionable now!
I don't really understand what this Domina Rei thing is, but it seems pretty important. Also I'm wondering why Grandmere wasn't accepted into it before.....
Why is Lilly being such a jerk?! Sometimes I really hate her!
Except I didn't just realize it :P
So Mia made an impulsive move. She announced that she found a note from Amelie in her portrait from the 1600s, her ancestress, that Genovia is actually supposed to elect a prime minister.
What I want to know is why nobody has bothered to move or check on this portrait in 400 years. How hasn't it turned to dust yet?
JP? Eeeh we'll see....
I still prefer Michael, even though he's like "let's just be friends for now".
Whatevs!
Anyway, moving on (even though I've already read the next one. I'm one step ahead of this review! I had to find out what happened so I moved on quickly to the next one! That review is coming next)
Also Mia is fashionable now!
I don't really understand what this Domina Rei thing is, but it seems pretty important. Also I'm wondering why Grandmere wasn't accepted into it before.....
Why is Lilly being such a jerk?! Sometimes I really hate her!
Except I didn't just realize it :P
So Mia made an impulsive move. She announced that she found a note from Amelie in her portrait from the 1600s, her ancestress, that Genovia is actually supposed to elect a prime minister.
What I want to know is why nobody has bothered to move or check on this portrait in 400 years. How hasn't it turned to dust yet?
JP? Eeeh we'll see....
I still prefer Michael, even though he's like "let's just be friends for now".
Whatevs!
Anyway, moving on (even though I've already read the next one. I'm one step ahead of this review! I had to find out what happened so I moved on quickly to the next one! That review is coming next)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2019
At this point I dislike the plot and (mildly) all of the characters, but I am very entertained. I finished this one in less than 24 hours.
December 19, 2020
this one felt way more grown up and not nearly as whiney
February 4, 2020
2.5 stars. I said I was going to stop at the last book, but here I am. Torturing myself because I felt too close to the end of the series not to finish it.
Mia and Michael are officially done. Broken up with the love of her life, Mia doesn't know what to do with herself. She can't find the energy to get out of bed nor face the people at school where she knows they'll ask her about Michael. Not only that, but she doesn't have her best friend, Lily, to lean on anymore.
I know Mia was sorting through her breakup with Michael throughout this book, but man. MAN. She truly seems to lack a basic understanding of people and how things work. JP is consistently hanging around her and wanting to be close with her, but she always remains insistent that he doesn't like her. Now, I know that when you're in the thick of something like that it can be easy to miss, but despite her Tina and others constantly telling her that JP liked her, Mia never seemed to sit down and think about whether that was true or not. Please, just sit and think for a moment child.
There were other moments and things she did that she never seemed to get exactly why people were upset with her. Mia had thought enough time had passed that she could just move on as if nothing happened. For some people, that may work, but she should have known that wasn't going to work in this instance. Apologize for goodness sake.
I did like one moment towards the end though that did end up giving me a bit of hope for Mia and what she could become in the next two books.
Mia and Michael are officially done. Broken up with the love of her life, Mia doesn't know what to do with herself. She can't find the energy to get out of bed nor face the people at school where she knows they'll ask her about Michael. Not only that, but she doesn't have her best friend, Lily, to lean on anymore.
I know Mia was sorting through her breakup with Michael throughout this book, but man. MAN. She truly seems to lack a basic understanding of people and how things work. JP is consistently hanging around her and wanting to be close with her, but she always remains insistent that he doesn't like her. Now, I know that when you're in the thick of something like that it can be easy to miss, but despite her Tina and others constantly telling her that JP liked her, Mia never seemed to sit down and think about whether that was true or not. Please, just sit and think for a moment child.
There were other moments and things she did that she never seemed to get exactly why people were upset with her. Mia had thought enough time had passed that she could just move on as if nothing happened. For some people, that may work, but she should have known that wasn't going to work in this instance. Apologize for goodness sake.
I did like one moment towards the end though that did end up giving me a bit of hope for Mia and what she could become in the next two books.
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