Princess Mia - Meg Cabot
February 29, 2008
Mia deals with depression, which is described and handled well, particularly for a series that doesn't have to be more than pure froth.
Library copy
The household has been sick, and life has been stressful, and Meg Cabot is a guaranteed spirit-lifter for me. Eleven years on I have a great deal of respect for this book and for Cabot as a writer. Try writing a popular book for the YA market that addresses depression in a realistic way, normalizes therapy, whips up some girl power, and is also fun and funny. Women writers never get the respect they deserve, but let me say again: Cabot pulls off a difficult feat with aplomb. And she totally sticks the landing.
Of course, as a romcom there must be a happy ending, and as the book's action takes place over two weeks, there isn't enough room to deal with all the issues on a likely timeline, but Cabot manages to produce an ending that is happy enough and likely enough for a series about a normal american high school girl who turns out to be the only heir to the throne of a small European monarchy.
The author has my highest respect.
2/6/19
