Synopsis: Mia has hit an all time low: Lilly isn’t talking to her, someone is posting horrible things about her on ihatemiathermopolis.com and thanks to Grandmere she’s got to address two thousand of America’s most powerful businesswomen. Oh, and Michael, the love of her life, has dumped her. But despite what the press seems to think, Mia has more on her mind that recruiting a new Prince Charming. Like solving a 400 year old mystery that could mean BIG changes for Genovia. But is Mia really ready to throw away her tiara – especially if it means destroying a dynasty? And what difference does any of it make now Michael’s gone?

Review After nine bestselling books revolving around Mia Thermopolis, it’s amazing that Cabot is still coming up with original and interesting plot lines, but she’s pulled it off again. Mia’s having a tough time. Her boyfriend Michael has broken up with her and disappeared to Japan, Lilly isn’t talking to her and Lana, Mia’s long time enemy, suddenly wants to hang out with her. That’s not to mention Grandmere, who wants Mia to give a speech to a powerful women’s group, and Mia having to cope with the unusual therapist her father’s sending her too. It’s all too weird, and Mia has fallen into a deep depression. Just when she thinks things couldn’t get worse, Mia uncovers an old family secret, a long-forgotten diary of a teenage princess of Genovia. It could be just the thing to help Mia write her speech—but it might also change the fate of the Renaldos forever...so what should Mia do? T

his book shows the reader that Mia is growing up, and just as she is changing, things are no longer staying the same in her world, such as her friendships and boyfriends. She’s learning to cope with difficult situations and it’s good to see the character adapting to circumstances in this way. It also ensures a clear differentiation between this and the other books which came before it. It’s nice to see Mia’s maturity developing, as it feels very real. She’s got real problems to deal with, and Cabot manages to deal with the issue of depression humorously yet sensitively. She doesn’t make light of the situation at all, and for others feeling the same way, a depiction of Mia being this way could be very comforting. There’s also a good meaty plot twist for readers to get their teeth into, as Mia holds the fate of her family in her hands.

 All in all, this is another enjoyable read, fully setting up the premise for the last instalment of the Princess Diaries series, which is due out next year.

2008-03-14