Reviews

Delightful, and incredibly funny. The mentions to pop culture, politics and world issues make it the first book I will gift my nephews as soon as my sister has children.
Seriously. I loved this. It's so entertaining, the protagonist is absolutely hilarious and the author makes great job of characterizing these people.
Even if you are an adult, I would still recommend this has a light, entertaining read about teenagehood and occasionally Marx.

emmabeckman's review against another edition

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5.0

LOOK I’m giving this book a full five stars because it’s a classic and I love it and it’s a great wholesome book for young readers and it’s way better than the movie.
HOWEVER I will admit that there are a few instances of very Americentric/anti immigration sentiments that really date it to a less progressive time in the early 2000s that would be frowned upon in literature today. I feel that Meg Cabot is really trying to use these sentiments to show how Mia is unprepared for a life of diplomacy, but they are definitely not necessary elements and could be removed. Overall though, I don’t think they detract too greatly from the value of the book as long as they are understood in the context of the time that this book was written. There are many other progressive elements in this book, especially surrounding the strength of the main character, that can still make her a good role model for girls today. I would still recommend this book to young readers today, but I would make sure to initiate a conversation about what elements of the book do not represent the importance of equality.