Princess in Waiting

Cabot, Meg

ISBN 10: 0807215627 / ISBN 13: 9780807215623

Published by Listening Library, Westminster, Maryland, U.S.A., 2003

About this Item

4 useful and sturdy audio cassettes withdrawn from the library in the hard plastic protective container. A dust jacket sits under the plastic. Some shelf wear to the covers. This edition is unabridged.

Seller Inventory # AUDIONov29VI16

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Princess in Waiting
• Publisher: Listening Library, Westminster, Maryland, U.S.A.
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0807215627
• ISBN 13: 9780807215623
• Binding: Audio Cassette
• Condition: Good
• Book Type: Audio Cassette audio book

About this title

Synopsis

The Barnes & Noble Review
Meg Cabot continues the hilarious adventures of Mia Thermopolis, a very ordinary teenager whose life takes an extraordinary turn when she learns she's the heir apparent to the throne of a small European country. In this third installment of The Princess Diaries, Mia's self-deprecating wit, self-absorption, and adolescent angst are as entertaining as ever as she struggles with the realization that despite being a princess, she isn't guaranteed any fairy-tale endings.

Mia discovers yet another branch on the royal side of her family tree when she meets her cousin, Sebastiano, an up-and-coming fashion designer. Mia worries that Sebastiano might want her dead, since he's next in line to inherit the throne, she's not yet willing to toss him aside -- his dress creations are not only exquisite, they are perfectly tailored to bring out the best in Mia's flat-chested, big-footed physique. Life is looking better on other fronts as well, for Mia finally has a boyfriend. Unfortunately, it's Kenny, her study partner, good friend, and fellow classmate, whereas the real love of her life is Michael, the brother of Mia's best friend, Lilly. But not only does Michael seem clueless about Mia's affections; it looks like he has a girlfriend.

While bemoaning her inability to compete for Michael's affections, Mia spends her time trying to avoid Kenny's kisses, pondering the best way to break up with him even as she wonders why he hasn't asked her to the big Christmas dance. Adding to Mia's stresses are her upcoming final exams, her mother's incessant morning sickness, the usual unwanted media attention, and the ongoing torments of her fellow classmate and nemesis, Lana.

While Mia's sometimes simplistic view of life remains intact and her adolescent shallowness is often apparent, she also shows an evolving maturity as she prepares for her royal role under Grandmere's overbearing guidance. But never fear, the seriousness is kept in balance with plenty of fun, tons of laughs, and several amusing disasters. And, if Mia isn't careful, she might even get that fairy-tale ending. (Beth Amos)

Review

The fourth volume in Meg Cabot's popular Princess Diaries series, Princess in Waiting begins in the tiny country of Genovia, where 14-year-old Mia, the unlikely royal, is on winter break trying not to bite her fingernails. Being a princess and fighting for the installation of parking meters is tough, when all you really want to do is go back to your regular life in New York City and see your dreamy boyfriend Michael. Of course, Mia is soon back in the city, trying not to fail Algebra II and trying to stay afloat in a sea of self-doubt. Could it be true that she is merely a "massive reject" covered with orange cat hair? For that matter, is finding her missing lucky Queen Amidala underwear as important as finding her secret talent? Mia's frank, funny diary entries range from "Things to Do" lists ("Stop obsessing over whether or not Michael loves you vs. being in love with you"); lists of the valuable lessons of romantic heroines ("3. Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice: Boys like it when you are smart-alecky."); transcripts of instant-messaging rounds with Michael; to poems ("Like the Millenium Falcon in hyperdrive/ our love will continue to thrive and thrive") and general irrational tirades. Whether or not Mia ever achieves her much-sought-after "self-actualization," teens will enjoy reading her over-the-top, up-to-the-minute-hip diary. (Ages 12 and older) --Karin Snelson