The Nanny Diaries: A Novel

by Emma McLaughlin, Nicola Kraus | Literature & Fiction |
ISBN: 0312278586 Global Overview for this book
Registered by wingglade1wing of McLeansville, North Carolina USA on 1/12/2009
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3 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by wingglade1wing from McLeansville, North Carolina USA on Monday, January 12, 2009
Picked up from the free shelf at the used book store a few days ago. This was so popular a few years back, I thought it might be worth adding to Mt. TBR... From the book flap:

Wanted:
One young woman to take care of four-year-old boy.
Must be cheerful, enthusiastic and selfless-bordering on masochistic
Must relish sixteen-hour shifts with a deliberately nap-deprived pre-schooler
Must love getting thrown up on, literally and figuratively, by everyone in his family
Must enjoy the delicious anticipation of ridiculously erratic pay
Mostly, must love being treated like fungus found growing out of employers Hermes bag.
Those who take it personally need not apply.

Who wouldn't want this job?

Struggling to graduate from NYU and afford her microscopic studio apartment, Nanny takes a position caring for the only son of the wealthy X family. She rapidly learns the insane amount of juggling involved to ensure that a Park Avenue wife who doesn't work, cook, clean, or raise her own child has a smooth day.

When the Xs marriage begins to disintegrate, Nanny ends up involved way beyond the bounds of human decency or good taste. Her tenure with the X family becomes a nearly impossible mission to maintain the mental health of their four-year-old, her own integrity and, most importantly, her sense of humor. Over nine tense months Mrs. X and Nanny perform the age-old dance of decorum and power as they test the limits of modern-day servitude.

The Nanny Diaries deftly skewers the manner in which America's over-privileged raise les petites over-privileged-as if grooming them for a Best in Show competition. Written by two former nannies, this alternately comic and poignant satire punctures the glamour of Manhattan's upper class.

Journal Entry 2 by wingglade1wing at McLeansville, North Carolina USA on Sunday, October 7, 2012
I remember that, when this book was released, it was touted as an expose' of sorts, giving middle America a glimpse into the world of rich Manhattanites as seen by their help. I've had this book on my shelf for several years and have just now gotten around to reading it. I found it entertaining but not shocking.

This is the story of a nanny and one family that she serves for about 10 months. The narrator, whose name is Nanny, goes to work for Mr. and Mrs. X and their son Grayer, in the fall. She is witness to the parents' neglect of their child, insensitivity and outright cruelty to their household employees, and the indiscretions and marital strife the couple suffer.. The story is told with humor and wit, and the relationship between Nanny and Grayer is touching. I only found the ending dissatisfying, but I imagine that real life would leave the characters about where they were left in the novel. Life goes on for everyone...

Reserved for ksloan23 in the Wish List Tag game - hope to mail it this week.

Journal Entry 3 by wingglade1wing at Greensboro, North Carolina USA on Thursday, October 11, 2012

Released 11 yrs ago (10/11/2012 UTC) at Greensboro, North Carolina USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Sent today via media mail to ksloan23 in the Wish List Tag game. Enjoy!

Journal Entry 4 by ksloan23 at Colby, Kansas USA on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Received a few days ago. Thanks, I look forward to reading it.

Journal Entry 5 by ksloan23 at Colby, Kansas USA on Monday, October 29, 2012
It was pretty average. Got more interesting about halfway through. May read the next one, Nanny Returns, if I can track it down.

Journal Entry 6 by ksloan23 at Colby, Kansas USA on Monday, November 5, 2012

Released 11 yrs ago (11/5/2012 UTC) at Colby, Kansas USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Posting Today.

Journal Entry 7 by Isabel-Batteria at San Juan, Puerto Rico USA on Wednesday, December 26, 2012

This book enjoyed a brief stop in San Juan, Puerto Rico, before continuing its travels. It came in GoreyDetail's Based on the Book Box I received just last week.

I will keep this one in the box without reading it.

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