The Nanny Diaries: A Novel
by Emma McLaughlin, Nicola Kraus | Literature & Fiction |
ISBN: 0312278586 Global Overview for this book
ISBN: 0312278586 Global Overview for this book
3 journalers for this copy...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sent today via media mail to ksloan23 in the Wish List Tag game. Enjoy!
Received a few days ago. Thanks, I look forward to reading it.
It was pretty average. Got more interesting about halfway through. May read the next one, Nanny Returns, if I can track it down.
Posting Today.
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.