The
Princess Diaries, Volume II: Princess in the Spotlight ,
by Meg Cabot (Read by Anne Hathaway)
Every little girl probably dreams of being a
princess at one time or another, but for Mia Thermopolis the
dream is a reality, and it is more of a nightmare than a dream
come true. In this second book of The Princess Diaries,
Mia Thermopolis continues to adjust to her newly discovered
status as the heir to the throne of a small European principality.
Because she is to be a queen someday, her Grand'Mere, the
current Queen of Genovia, is subjecting Mia to a crash course
of "princess lessons". It's tough enough being a
teenager without having to learn about royal etiquette and
protocol. Mia's life is further complicated when her mother
becomes pregnant and plans to marry Mr. G, Mia's algebra teacher.
A disastrous interview on national television, a disagreement
with her best friend and a series of mysterious electronic
love letters all complicate this delightfully appealing young
girl's life.
Meg Cabot's Princess in the Spotlight
is an enchanting addition to her extensive body of work. Mia
is a thoroughly likeable character who experiences all the
demeaning and difficult circumstances of being a teenager.
All the romantic and glamorous experiences she has as a princess
in training are balanced by enough stressful and embarrassing
situations to keep her character sympathetic. Of course, with
Anne Hathaway as the narrator, listeners feel as if they are
communicating personally with the real Princess Mia of movie
and television fame. Her winsome voice is infused with enthusiasm
as she takes listeners through her days of high school classes,
family encounters, royal balls and teenage angst.
This is a superb audio book for a wide range
of listeners. Although teen and preteen girls will most readily
identify with the main characters, older listeners will also
find them delightful and the plot intriguing. Cabot laces
the dialogue generously with humorous comments and observations
while Hathaway delivers the lines with excellent comedic flair.
Mia's self-deprecating manner endears her to all. This audio
book is perfectly enjoyable and highly recommended.
Ruth
Mormon
1/11/08
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