The Carrie Diaries

So let me start by saying, if you're looking for a book that mirrors the new CW TV show, The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell is not the book for you.  However, if you're looking for a nice easy summer read that leads into the epic Sex in the City series this is a perfect read!  It is loosely related and includes most of the characters, but this is one story that has not been seen on TV. 

We follow Carrie Bradshaw during her high school years.  Carrie is a senior with her core group of friends.  This story has it all: boys, love, betrayal, family and of course friendship. It was nice to see Carrie before she became CARRIE, but at times it was difficult to imagine the character we've all grown to love on HBO as ever being the Carrie in The Carrie Diaries.  Yes, we're introduced to her budding writing career and it is nice to see that the future sex columnist is one of the only virgins left in her high school but there are so many times where I find myself yelling at the book because the strong and capable Carrie Bradshaw as a teen seems weak and timid and slightly annoying.  That being said, it is still a good prequel to the show we all know and love.  A good easy beach read, just don't look for any profound twist and turns or coming of age breakthroughs.