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A complete guide to the Bridget Jones books

In case you want to read the stories that inspired the hit film franchise…

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know Bridget Jones. 

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The loveable character was made famous by Renée Zellweger but she originated in the Bridget Jones books by Helen Fielding. 

Whether you’re a fan of the film adaptations that star Renée (as well as Colin Firth and Hugh Grant) or you’re a book-lover looking for a series to delve into, here’s what you need to know about the Bridget Jones books. 

a still from the film adaptation

What are the 4 Bridget Jones books?

There are four Bridget Jones books: Bridget Jones’s Diary, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and Bridget Jones’s Baby.  

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In what order should you read Bridget Jones‘ books?

This is a tricky one! The books were published in the following order: 

  • Bridget Jones’s Diary (1996)
  • Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (1999)
  • Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2013)
  • Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016)
a still from the film adaptation

However, the fourth book’s events take place years before the events of the third book… 

So, if you want to read Bridget’s complete story in chronological order, you should read them like this: 

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  1. Bridget Jones’s Diary
  2. Bridget Jones’s Baby
  3. Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason
  4. Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy

What are the books about?

bridget jones books - book 1

01

Bridget Jones’s Diary

What originally started as a satirical newspaper column by Helen Fielding evolved into the humorous and relatable novel: Bridget Jones’s Diary

The book follows Bridget, a single woman in her 30s, as she chronicles her chaotic life through diary entries. 

With witty reflections on her weight, career, and relentless attempts at self-improvement, the heart of the story is Bridget tackling the ups and downs of modern relationships. Her charmingly flawed nature shines as she juggles a flirtation with her caddish boss, Daniel Cleaver, and an awkward connection with Mark Darcy, a reserved family friend.

Bridget Jones the Edge of Reason book cover

02

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason

This sequel delves deeper into Bridget’s ever-quirky life and is set shortly after the events of the first book. 

True to the spirit of the original, The Edge of Reason delivers a hilarious and insightful take on modern womanhood, exploring themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery while embracing life’s imperfections.

bridget jones books - book 3

03

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy

This poignant yet humorous book portrays Bridget as a widowed mother of two, navigating the unfamiliar waters of parenting and dating in her 50s. 

With her classic self-deprecating humour, Bridget struggles to balance modern technology and her romantic life with school pickups.

The upcoming fourth Bridget Jones film is based on this book. 

bridget jones books - book 4

04

Bridget Jones’s Baby

Set before Mad About The Boy, this prequel finds Bridget unexpectedly pregnant and unsure of the baby’s father. 

With her signature wit and chaotic charm, she navigates the trials of impending motherhood, from awkward medical appointments to her endearingly hilarious attempts to manage two potential dads… 

Spoiler: The movie adaptation of this book is vastly different; Hugh Grant did not want to reprise his role as Daniel Cleaver, so a new character for Patrick Dempsey to play was added. 

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