Nan, in her early twenties, goes to work for the wealthy X family to help put herself through college, and is shocked by their antics. Between raising the X's son Grayer, keeping on top of her studies, moving house and ensuring Mrs X's day runs smoothly, it's a wonder Nanny ever finds time to hang out with the gorgeous HH on the sixth floor. With divorce on the cards, Nanny finds herself caught up in the X's embittered world of power plays, lies and deceit. As communication rapidly breaks down,will Nanny be able to maintain the mental health of Grayer, despite the onslaught of Personal Problem Consultants, macrobiotic nutritionist and bilingual meals?
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Amazon Review
The Nanny Diaries is an absolutely addictive peek into the utterly weird world of child-rearing in the upper reaches of Manhattan's social strata. Cowritten by two former nannies, Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, the novel follows the adventures of the aptly named Nan as she negotiates the Byzantine byways of working for Mrs X, a Park Avenue mommy. Nan's four-year-old charge, the hilariously named Grayer (his pals include Josephina, Christabelle, Brandford, and Darwin) is a genuinely good sort. He can't help it if his mother has scheduled him for every activity known to the Upper East Side, including ice-skating, French lessons, and a Mommy and Me group largely attended by nannies. What makes the book so impossible to put down is the suspense of finding out what the unbelievably inconsiderate Mrs X will demand of Nan next. One pictures the two authors having the last hearty laugh on their former employers. --Claire Dederer
Review
"A national phenomenon." -"Newsweek""" "Diabolically funny." "-The New York Times" "[Nanny is] Mary Poppins channeling Dorothy Parker." -"Time""" "Impossible to put down." -"Vogue" "McLaughlin and Kraus...[have a] carefully calibrated sense of compassion and delicious sense of the absurd." -"Entertainment Weekly"
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
If you've ever worked as a nanny or even worked with children this book is an absolute must. Discard anything you are reading now and pick it up. It's a long awaited classic. The co-writers have created a genuine female voice which puts those to shame those who think a woman in her early 20's has little to offer - it's also an absolute scream, an entertaining read from cover to cover. I'm an English woman who worked as a nanny in Westchester County when I was 18 and this book brought it all back home.It's perfect in every way - it shows New Yorks privilaged class up, as the disfunctional fragrant bunch that they are. I only wish I had the strength that the central character "nan" has - I'm sure that the authors have embellished a little, as this nanny manages most situations with apolomb and although we hear her very real reactions to hilariously unacceptable behaviour from the mother of her charge she always keeps her cool. In reality many nannies probably lost their cool as well as smoking far too much and sneaking out to diners at 2 am to bare their souls to equally somnolent counterparts. This is like a glance at the old yearbook for me, a real blast from the past. To the authors: thanks for reminding me that what I learnt back then was worthwhile.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Don't think of this as a Bridget Jones style book at all, just because it's written as a diary by young women. Not that Bridget isn't great, but this is wonderful and completely different- you'll know if it's your kind of thing by the end of the extremely funny prologue.
It's a great look at the world of the miserable super-rich, and you will definitely find yourself wanting to smack Mrs X for her supercilious little notes, however sorry you may end up feeling for her. The little boy is written with real tenderness, and the story is funny, heartwarming and really painful by turns. This is just solid, popular good reading and incredibly enjoyable. Indulge!
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
If I didn't know that the two authors had worked for New York families, I wouldn't have believed that such a world could exist. Hopefully, the extremes of behaviour are exaggerated - although sadly, they probably are not. I lurched between laughing and feeling my eyes filling up. How can any parent possibly be so unknowingly nasty to their 'beloved' child? I found myself swearing at the charming Mrs X, unable to believe that Nan could put up with so much. At first I found this lack of retaliation a bit unconvincing, but in reality, if your livelihood depends upon you forever capitulating, then capitulate you will.
A great read, that I finished far too quickly, wishing there was much more.
A great read, that I finished far too quickly, wishing there was much more.
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3.6 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Very Disappointing
Having been a nanny I was interested to read this quasi real life experience. Yes, these people DO exist. However, the main character, Nanny, was infuriating. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Penpen
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Nanny Diaries
The Nanny Diaries is about a young lady called Nan, who is in her final year of college. To earn a living whilst studying she chooses to do some part time nannying. Read more
Published 15 months ago by 8330leigh
5.0 out of 5 stars
Who'd be a nanny?
A portrayal of self-absorbed New Yorkers at whose merciless beck and call 'nanny' finds herself. Julia Roberts' voice and good writing create several hours of enjoyable listening. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Footpresser
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
I finished this book a few days ago. I thought it was very well written and I really felt for the heroine who worked as a nanny for an obnoxious,wealthy, materialistic Manhattan... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Vivienne Kelly
5.0 out of 5 stars
Eye-opening!
The story of (the aptly named) Nan, and how she comes to work for the obnoxious and wholly sef-centred Mrs X as a nanny to her son Greyer, was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Read more
Published on 31 Oct 2010 by madaboutbooks
1.0 out of 5 stars
Wanted it to be good...
Was a great idea for a story, but guess it just wasn't my style. Found it very boring and struggled to finish.
Published on 22 Dec 2009 by Nat
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great feel good book!
Firstly this isn't usually the sort of book I would pick up, but having said that I could hardly put it down after the 3rd Chapter. Read more
Published on 28 Jan 2009 by saggy of London
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very good read
Nan has a tricky relationship with her employer, Mrs X. A non-existant relationship with Mr X. But she loves their little boy to peices. Read more
Published on 10 April 2008 by Kate S-B
4.0 out of 5 stars
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended to the metropolitan mummies and daddies and the mother/father-soon-to-be. Can't really put it down, funny, yet touching and feel so sorry to little Grayer, he... Read more
Published on 26 Feb 2008 by Ip W. C. Maggie
3.0 out of 5 stars
First against the wall. Please.
Good book, definitely enjoyed it, but I'm still feeling a bit disturbed after finishing it. If people as horrific and overpriviledged as those who hire Nanny in the book really... Read more
Published on 18 Jan 2008 by Commander Primate
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