Candace Bushnell

Tells the story of Manhattan columnist Carrie Bradshaw's high school years, her relationships with her peers, and how she became a writer.

The Carrie Diaries

This isn’t the Carrie Bradshaw you know.

If you’re a fan of the TV series (let’s be real, that’s why this book exists), don’t expect a prequel to the socialite-writer we met on HBO. Instead, we get a version of Carrie with sisters, a father (but no mother), and a knack for Julia Child-level cooking—all things the show flat-out contradicts.

It’s not a bad book, but strip the last chapter and change a few names, and it’s just another ‘80s coming-of-age story set in Connecticut.

Liana

This isn’t the Carrie Bradshaw you know.

If you’re a fan of the TV series (let’s be real, that’s why this book exists), don’t expect a prequel to the socialite-writer we met on HBO. Instead, we get a version of Carrie with sisters, a father (but no mother), and a knack for Julia Child-level cooking—all things the show flat-out contradicts.

It’s not a bad book, but strip the last chapter and change a few names, and it’s just another ‘80s coming-of-age story set in Connecticut.



Jamieson

Look, The Carrie Diaries is never going to win any literary awards for being a valuable exploration of teen culture, but it was a fun book. And I enjoyed reading it for it's entertainment value. 

I've never seen one episode of Sex and the City ?? And I have only seen one or two of The Carrie Diaries but it didn't really matter. This stands alone without those other influences. 

It basically follows Carrie Bradshaw, a school senior who's dealing with typical teenage drama - boyfriends, school prom, mean friends, dysfunctional families and the looming, uncertain future. When she starts school, a blast from the past in the form of Sebastian Kydd ( the HOTTEST boy in senior year ) turns up to ruin her life, and that's basically the story

 One thing I think really stood out is that, even though the drama was ridiculous and cliche, the dynamics and the aesthetic of the school and how the people and the groups interacted felt realistic. I liked that it transcended typical teenage / highschool stereotypes generally portrayed within books such as these and insisted upon the integrity and value of each person - it did not victimise or vilify one group or clique, but rather highlighted the hypocrisy and flaws of each. I liked that the faults of the protagonist and her friends were pointed out, alongside those of the "popular girls". I often find it disappointing how contemporary books dehumanise and vilify "pretty girls" generally because they are. Actually, that same concept was analysed and critiqued in The Carrie Diaries and for that I'm appreciative.

The book had a unique voice and well-rounded host of characters which I felt really fleshed it out and made it more than just a contemporary high-school romance. Carrie's voice was domineering, but she was not flawless. I liked that she was challenged by both friend and foe for her behaviours and that she was not presented as being ultimately errorless. It was really refreshing, especially in this genre which I think typically has bland protagonists who possess little or no faults. 

The plot was fast moving, and it was easy reading - but not absorbing. The problems of the characters were really, really trivial. The characters issues were very white, fairly wealthy teenage which was fine, but not particularly engaging. It did deal with the topics it tackled well, though I felt it left the lgbt storyline hanging a bit which was disappointing - I would have liked to see it go alot more places. But other stories, including feminism, the repression of female sexuality and slut-shaming and the challenge between femininity and agency were well written. It was clear Candace Bushell places a great importance on writing gender politics and explorations and I suppose it is what she did best here. 

It's a shame the writing is basic and bland, because if it'd been a bit more exciting, maybe a little more rich this book would have been better. I also which the characters had been fleshed out alot more, especially some of the central supporting characters. 

(view spoiler)[ ALSO ! On a side note I was so happy Sebastian didn't end up with Carrie and he wasn't glorified because he was so shitty !! and I was so scared he'd get forgiven and have a cute romance w/ her and I was like NO  (hide spoiler)]

Overall, this was a really fun read and I liked it, but it wasn't outstanding. I think for a contemporary romance though, it was really well done. Contemp. romance is a genre I usually actively avoid so that I liked this at all is amazing. 



ANYWAY ! I'm guessing the show and the book are reaaally different. Because everyone who watches the show LOVES Sebastian, but in the book he's ? not nice and he's not portrayed to be a good person sooo.

Talia Dominguez 

so I finally Finished reading this book and I really liked it! At first i thought that it was going to be just about that sebastian kidd. I didn't really liked that guy! she should have fallen in love with George! now He is a nice guy, he helped alot through her crisis and even with her writing. even though she just liked him as a friend she also had some good girl friends !aside from that lali girl, how could she do that to carrie ??!! like what is wrong with her! she has to be loyal to friendship! I guess that s how life is!! it' s also kool how carrie was still a virgin haha!!

The Carrie Diaries is the coming-of-age story of one of the most iconic characters of our generation. Before Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw was a small-town girl who knew she wanted more. She's ready for real life to start, but first she must navigate her senior year of high school. Up until now, Carrie and her friends have been inseparable. Then Sebastian Kydd comes into the picture, and a friend's betrayal makes her question everything. With an unforgettable cast of characters, The Carrie Diaries is the story of how a regular girl learns to think for herself and evolves into a sharp, insightful writer. Readers will learn about her family background, how she found her writing voice, and the indelible impression her early friendships and relationships left on her. Through adventures both audacious and poignant, we'll see what brings Carrie to her beloved New York City, where her new life begins.

Nope. Just no. So much energy wasted on this one.

Robin M Cabana

I just loved this glimpse of Carrie Bradshaw as a teenager. She's already got a passion for writing and a quirky fashion sense, but this Carrie is a bit different than the one on the TV show. She's close to her family and comes from a very small town. Lots of drama erupts during her senior year among and around her close group of friends. I'm glad the story doesn't end as neatly as most YA novels seem to, but Carrie still discovers who she wants to be and gets a good start on getting there. Lots of teenage angst, early 80s memories and laughs, too.

Siobhán

Original Post

I am in love with the Tv Show Sex and the City. Its my all time favourite show. I had never read any of Candace Bushnells novels. I didn't think i would enjoy them as many of the reviews for the Sex and City novel says the book isn't as good as the show. So I never bothered buying. However, I see this on Amazon one day and it sounds like my kind of thing. I am so glad I order it. I wasn't disappointed in the slightest.

The Carrie Diaries follows Carrie Bradshaw as a teenager in her senior year of high school. I loved her. She reminds me so much of the tv character. She is wacky and funny. And has her head screwed on properly. Ok. so there is drink and drugs mixed in. However at the time this is set, 1979/80 that was a pretty common thing to do back then I think. She is a very strong character and doesn't let anyone boss her around. Her and her friends are a bunch very different people. They all bring something unique to story line. Maggie is the emotional one. The Mouse (Roberta) is a brainy one, Walt is the interesting one who has a secret. Lali is the one you want to slap.

The plot is very fun and yet deals with alot of serious issues as well. From grief to sexuality. It covers alot of issues. The big issue that is focus on is Boys. Well, with Carrie there is only two boys that take in interest in it. Sebastian, the new kid in school, bad boy. He is really sweet and caring towards Carrie at the begining of their relationship. However things turn bad when Sebastian and her best friend Lali start spending way too much time together. Then there is George. I really like him. He was sweet and cute and an all round nice guy. I am hoping that in the second novel that him and Carrie become more than friends.

My favourite part of the book is the very end. The set up for the next installement it just Perfect. I don't want to give anything away. However, if you are a sex and the city fan you are going to just love the last line in book. 

Overall, well as you can see by my rambling on. I loved this novel. Its fresh, funny and really quick to read. So if you are a fan of the TV show or the original book then I suggest to pick this up.

Kourtney

I enjoyed getting to know more about a character I love. I found this book hard to put down and it reminded me so much of myself back in the day! Here's hoping there's a follow up so we can see how her relationships evolved with Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte! Although I can't see that book being written for a young adult audience...

Jessica 

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  The world is full of people who all want the same thing, and you have to do a little something extra to make them remember you.


In the prequel spin off series of Candace Bushnell’s now-iconic novel Sex and the City and its main character Carrie Bradshaw, readers can expect a fluffy, stylish, intelligent and thoughtful coming of age story as Carrie experiences quite a lot of firsts in her teenage years.

Everything that one has come to expect in Bushnell’s work is more than present in this first installment–The Carrie Diaries delivers and is a delightful read for everyone, including those who have never watched or read Sex and the City.

It’s important to note, as well, that this is a prequel to the novel and not the show. And it’s also nothing like the prequel show that the CW aired a few years back. You know the CW and its “adaptations”–is it even fair to call them such? Phew, that was a lot to say and bordering on bitter–but I needed to remind everyone such details before beginning my review.

Before the City, before the Bradshaw audiences know and love, this leading lady was just like everyone else in a suburb in Connecticut. The Carrie Diaries is full of realistic plots, humourous moments and a whole lot of questionable styles from teenagers in the 1980s. 

Continued @ BOOKEDJ.

Ashley shackelford

Doreen Zhao

The Carrie Diaries is the coming-of-age story of one of the most iconic characters of our generation. Before Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw was a small-town girl who knew she wanted more. She's ready for real life to start, but first she must navigate her senior year of high school. Up until now, Carrie and her friends have been inseparable. Then Sebastian Kydd comes into the picture, and a friend's betrayal makes her question everything. With an unforgettable cast of characters, The Carrie Diaries is the story of how a regular girl learns to think for herself and evolves into a sharp, insightful writer. Through adventures both audacious and poignant, we'll see what brings Carrie to her beloved New York City, where her new life begins.

The Carrie Diaries

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