The Nanny Diaries: A Novel

by Emma McLaughlin

Paperback, 2003

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Collection

Publication

St. Martin's Griffin (2003), Edition: Reprint, 320 pages

Description

What do you do when you are a nanny to an obscenely rich Park Avenue matron named X? Mrs. X refuses to do anything for herself, including cook, clean, or take care of her four-year-old son. You are expected to do everything, including maintaining the mental health of said four-year-old, even while Mrs. X decides that it is time for a divorce. You'll have to bear up under the strain with wit and panache, even as the boundaries between your working life and your so-called private life blur, merge, and disappear. The symbiotic relationship between parent and nanny ensures that your life will be spent anticipating and fulfilling the needs of your charge and your employer. Have fun listening!.

Media reviews

The authors, NYU grads themselves, have filled the novel with humorous events allegedly based on their personal experiences.
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"The Nanny Diaries" is a sharply barbed comedy of manners; the denizens of New York's Upper East Side (and, by extension, their brethren in all other tony, overpriced, deadly dull neighborhoods in cities around the world) are its target.
With this hilarious, vicious satire of upper-class family life in Manhattan, McLaughlin and Kraus, ex-nannies who know of what they speak, position themselves as contempo Edith Whartons.
Although The Nanny Diaries is screamingly funny, it's also painfully sad. A very effective combination.
The heart of the matter remains perfectly pitched social satire, from the children's birthday parties (''We really had to put our heads together to top last year's overnight at Gracie Mansion'') to the kind of house where African, Venetian, Art Deco, Empire and Winnie-the-Pooh styles heedlessly
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collide.
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The Nanny Diaries, Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus's gimlet-eyed novel of dysfunction in the 10028 Zip Code, begins with what you fervently hope is a big fat lie: a "Note to Readers" insisting that while the authors worked as nannies for a total of more than 30 New York City families, the
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"characters are the product of the authors' imagination."
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User reviews

LibraryThing member stephmo
I realize that this book is essentially residing in the Doritos section of the book store while everyone mostly wishes to pretend that they only read Globe Artichokes, Organic Free-Range Chickens or Nine-Grain Toasted Wheat Berry Muffins. But you know what? There are days where I really do want
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Doritos. And I don't mean some sub-standard generic Nacho-Cheese-Flavored Corn Chip - if I'm going to eat junk food, I want a quality junk food (I don't want pretend junk food either - so keep your Guava Choco-Almond Crips to yourself). And that's what you'll get with the Nanny Diaries. A quality, name-brand, worth-the-calories, junk food read.

In terms of your chick lit, summer beach read, something to pass the time reads, The Nanny Diaries is a cut above most others. While the staples are all present - young ingenue about to make her way in big city, old guard establishment that will be examined though wide-eyed idealism and a best-friend with rough edges - this story seems to do a much better job of taking us through the familiar dance without it seeming so forced.

Nan is a surprisingly well-formed character for the genre. By this, I mean that she has reason for moving through the plot. Her actions also have consequence and her character suffers from mistakes of her own creation in addition to the expected meanness of others. Nan's story of accepting a job and staying on as Grayer's nanny to a self-involved Manhattan couple works only because she is more than a single-note character. Even Grayer, her charge, gets his turn at character growth. The lessons in the Nanny Diaries are not particularly deep (don't be a self-involved jerk pretty much sums it up), but that's okay. If you want life-changing, go to the Pomegranate Syrup Infused Roasted Rack of Lamb section of the literature isle.
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LibraryThing member Raven
The flaw in this book, I think, is that it can't decide whether it wants to be an exposé, the sort of book that always gets referred to as a "scathing indictment", of rich Manhattanite socialites and how they treat their children, and their children's nannies, or whether it wants to be a novel
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about the same topic. On balance, it's the latter: it has sub-plots, supporting characters, a subdued romance, lurking in the background of the A-plot concerning the protagonist's work as a nanny, and thus it's irritating that the tropes of the exposé-type book are kept up - the use of the names in particular, referring to the family as the "Xes" and the protagonist herself simply as "Nanny" seems affected.

That said, if this is taken as a novel, it is in no way a bad one. It's smart and witty, the protagonist is likeably caustic, and the child is believably drawn - an ordinary child, loveable and occasionally infuriating. His parents are edging towards caricature, but that's more forgiveable in a novel, I feel - this is, of course, a well-worn formula, and Mary Poppins needs proper fairy-tale antagonists. I think it drags too long - the last fifty pages could comfortably be dropped without taking away from the ending - and it isn't consistently paced - but like I said, it's in no way bad. It reads well, and smoothly, and doesn't in my mind qualify as chick-lit. It's too sharp for that.
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LibraryThing member edesvousges
Readability Factor: Easy
Predictability Factor: I suppose it wasn't very predictable because I was so infuriated by the ending. Sososososo freaking mad about the ending. The romance, however, was too easy and predictable. To be honest, I'm not sure what this novel was really about. A nanny? A child?
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A romance? I'm still not clear.
Couldn't Put it Down Factor: Four stars (out of five).
Recommend it? Nosiree. Don't waste your freaking time. If you want to know how it ends, shoot me an email. My guess is that the movie has a much better ending than the book. How else would they even get the funding to film it? It was really THAT bad. I'm still stinging.
Overall Rating: Two stars. Cleverly-written, but an unprecidented waste of my time as someone getting closer to death every day.
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LibraryThing member helensdatter
Loved this book, especially the little boy. Disliked the conceit of calling the heroine "Nan" or Nanny, this rendered her unreal and unbelievable. Likewise Mr and Mrs X - they were cardboard cutouts because of their lack of name. Very touching glimpses into the lives of other domestic servants -
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highly qualified, badly treated etc.
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LibraryThing member LaurenGommert
This won't hold everyones attention but being a nanny I found the book not only hilarious, but strikingly accurate as well! Anyone who nannies, or uses a nanny (particularly if you use a nanny!!), should read this book. I found myself laughing at loud as the main character found herself in
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ridiculous predicaments caused by her rich and ridiculous employer. Still, despite the humor, the book truly grasps the connection made between a nanny and child- deep and delicate bond that can't be understood by anyone else!
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LibraryThing member kissmeimgone
Extremely funny book that I just couldnt seem to put down. I recommend this warm, heartfelt book to anyone.
LibraryThing member marialondon
I read this book out of curiosity: A book so high in bestseller lists had to be (at least) interesting...or so I thought.

After finishing the book, I found it interesting to read some of the reviews written about it: the low-rating reviews talked about a mean-spirited, un-funny, sad & basically
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boring book. True up to a point. The high-rating reviews talked about an extremely funny, sad but also tender, true-to-life book. Also true up to a point. In my opinion, the "Nanny diaries" fits none of the 2 above categories: you surely know by now that it's an expose on Upper-East-Side NY life, about parents horribly neglecting their children & essentially delegating their parental responsibilities completely to nannies. Since these kinds of parents do exist, it's interesting to read about them. But the book tends to take the point too far.

People in the book, after a certain point, seem like caricatures of themselves. Even Nanny, who is portrayed as far too perfect, especially compared to Mrs X who is portrayed as far too horrible: in real life people tend to have their pluses & minuses, even horrible people like Mrs X...The book shows no nuances, whatsovever.

The writers are out to prove a point, & in the beginning, yes, the book is funny & insightful. But after the point is proven (more than proven) the book gets boring & repetitive. By the end of the book, I was feeling cheated- where was the humour of the beginning? where was the sarcasm? only bitterness (& helplessness) was left....and yes, sadness about a very bad situation: but this sadness could be shown through much more realistic events. The ending comes abruptly, as if the writers had just lost steam & wanted to get the book out of the way.

The "Nanny Diaries" is based on a good idea, & contains some good, funny, sarcastic writing (especially in the beginning). Once you get past the good, opening parts, there's not much there.
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LibraryThing member chaostheory08
This is a Reading Good Books review.

Confession: I’ve known of The Nanny Diaries but only this past month have I watched the movie and read the book. And I have to say, I loved both. (I’m not a huge Scarlett Johansson fan but I am of Chris Evans.) Both were funny and fascinating at the same
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time.

This was extra fun for me because I spent some time in New York and the place where I was staying was a few blocks away from Park Avenue, the main setting of this novel. Everyday, I walked Museum Mile and Central Park and I see nannies with their charges pushing strollers, wiping little faces, and toting around diaper bags. In fact, the address “2nd and 93rd” was mentioned towards the end and I had to laugh. I knew that area well.

But enough of NYC and me. The book is about Nanny, a twenty-something whose job is to take care of the children of Park Avenue moms. Her newest charge is Grayer, a sweet and energetic four-year-old. Mrs. X is Nanny’s new employer and Grayer’s mom. The book documents Nanny’s experiences and observations from her first day to her last day with the Xes.

It was like an extended “day in the life of Nanny”. Each chapter is a different episode. A diary, of sorts. Nanny tells the reader about her different experiences with Grayer. And also, the horrors of working with the Xes. Having watched the movie before reading the book, I had the image of Laura Linney as Mrs. X in my head. It made it easier to connect with her, as neurotic and impossible Mrs. X seemed off the page. Do people like that exist for real? I often wondered, as I was reading, what Mrs. X really thought of Grayer. And of Nanny. What was going on in her head as she relaxed at a spa while her kid is off somewhere with hired help? The way she came across as cold and self-centered outraged yet intrigued me at the same time.

It was also great to know that the authors were former nannies themselves. Now, I wonder if this is what they really want to say to their former employers. Haha! The stories never got boring. Yes, some were repetitive but it came across as setting up a routine for Nanny and the reader followed along with her. Grayer is such a sweet kid. And I honestly felt sorry for him at times. All he wanted was his mommy. Sure, he liked Nanny but he knew she would go away eventually. And the one person who should’ve been there for him was never there. Poor kid.

Now, if I had to compare the book to the movie, I have to say I preferred the movie. Not because of a certain actor. I just felt that the movie had a more satisfying ending. It was still narrated by Nanny but it gave a bit of a leeway to explain what happens to Mrs. X after Nanny leaves their family. I would’ve wanted to see more “episodes” from the book translated to the screen but I could see how it would become redundant.

Then, shortly after watching the film, I saw the book’s sequel Nanny Returns on sale at my local Ralphs. Yes, I picked it up and I cannot wait to read it!

Rating: 4/5.

Recommendation: I admit, if not for Chris Evans, I wouldn’t have watched the movie. But I’m glad I saw it because it pushed me to finally read this book. It’s light and funny. And if you’re like me – I love New York to pieces – then you’ll enjoy this too.
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LibraryThing member amodini
The "Nanny diaries" is about a nanny (well, duh !), who is called Nanny throughout the book, her employer Mrs.X and her son Grayer. Mrs. X is the original size 2 ice maiden, and thaws only at the extremities, and only for her son and her philandering husband. Nanny wishes to quit faced with such an
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cold employer (pun intended), but stays on because of the 4 year old Grayer. Initially hostile, Grayer is a genuinely sweet kid. Nanny is a 21 year old at NYU, sharing a tiny apartment with a room-mate and the room-mate's hairy boyfriend (who often sleeps over).

The book is funny to the point where I'm laughing out loud at places. But it is also emotional and moving; certainly got my heartstrings twanging. A good read, although it does end rather mildly.
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LibraryThing member LAKobow
I had to stop reading this book after about 75 pages. While I enjoyed the concept and the story, the writing is just not up to par. There are inconsistencies in the writing, the dialog was lame and unrealistic, and the names were uncreative (the main character is named Nanny? come on). Also, the
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4-year-old, Grover, apparently needs to be pushed around in a stroller, but manages to speak like an adult. I enjoy fluff like this from time to time, but I couldn't force my way through this one.
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LibraryThing member StoutHearted
This book is a modern-day "Agnes Grey," depicting the trials and humiliations of a poor, young woman who takes up caring for the wealthy elite's children. There's a contrived love story thrown in for extra measure, but it only serves to break up the intensity of the X's bad behavior. Mr. X burns
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through trophy wives and couldn't be bothered to care for his son. Mrs. X is determined to stay thin, young, rich, and Mr. X's current wife. Where does that leave her son Grayer? Spoiled with material things instead of love, the little boy makes sure to make his nanny's life hell, until he realizes that she's the only one who really cares about him. The novel succeeds in stirring up indignation, much like Anne Bronte's novel of the past.

The titular nanny is named Nan, to show she is the "everywoman" of nannydom. The point of the authors, being, is that the events happening in the novel, horrifying though they are, are based on the true-life bad behavior they have themselves observed in the upper echelons of Manhattan life. The X's come off as ghoulishly cruel and self-centered, but that's teh face they decided to show off for the "help." These characters may have more than one side -- we get a small glimpse of Ms. X's sparingly -- but the novel remains focused on the unreasonable treatment of nannies.

An enjoyable novel, if not consistent to the end. Shines best with tales from the trenches.
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LibraryThing member kryianna
This book was suggested to me as a representative chick lit novel. As a novel, I was quite disappointed. The naming of the characters threw me off the entire way though the book. With "Nan" working for the "X" family, every time either was mentioned it brought me out of the book. I just need more
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creativity with names, I guess.
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LibraryThing member angelhair45
Just finished The Nanny Diaries. Good, quick read. Not my favorite, but I'd recommend it, especially to those who like chick lit or those who have been a nanny. It is based on real life experiences the authors had as nannies living in New York City.

The book is a fictionalized account of one young
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woman, a senior in college, and her year of being a nanny for a family living the high life on Park Avenue. The book is funny, but is also heart wrenching at times. I was a nanny when I was younger, but I am lucky to say I never experienced things like the book describes. It's so sad to think there are parents out there who really don't spend time with their kids they just pass them from one care giver to the next.

Nanny (yes her name is Nanny, confused me at first too) works for a family who live in some other world it seems. They demand perfection from Nanny and yet are completely irresponsible themselves. They have no respect for her or her schedule and treat her like she should kiss the ground they walk on. I spite of all their faults their son is adorable, and loveable which is why Nanny doesn't quit but tries to stick it out. It just breaks your heart that his parents don't seem to care about HIM ( just his image) and you can't help but wonder how these kids will turn out.

There are lots of funny antecdotes, and some romance, but at the end you will want to go give any of the kids in you life a big hug and spend some time with them.

Final Verdict : 3.75 out of 5 stars
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LibraryThing member CityLove
I have read this three times already. I giggle and root for the main character every time! This is a must read.
LibraryThing member Bookmarque
This book was unreal. I know that Mrs. X is an amalgam of many women the two authors worked for, but even if each only exhibited one of the awful traits this woman does, she is unfit to breed. Mrs. X does absolutely nothing by herself. At the end of the book she is talking about buying a 2-room
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studio up a few floors so she can get away for some “me time”. This woman’s life is nothing but “me time”. If she ever had to do a single thing on her own, she would collapse into a gibbering mass of cellulite-free flesh.

I can hardly believe that people like this exist. She and her husband expect the child is something on order. Something they can put away into a box when they grow tired of it. That their son is an it with no thoughts or feelings. It would serve them imminently right if he grew up to be a psychopath. They take absolutely no pride in any portion of raising their son. It’s completely sick. I would have told off these people inside 5 minutes of knowing them.

But Nanny is desperate and she really does like the kid. It’s not his fault his parents are heartless monsters and that he’s had twice as many nannies as his age. All in all, though, he’s not portrayed as a bad kid. He’s going to be seriously fucked up though.

I felt no sympathy for Mrs. X when Mr. X was discovered to be cheating on her. What did she expect? Mr. X cheated on his first wife with her and she expects him to change? Not gonna happen. I would have been less protective of the bitch though and let her see it right up close. No hiding the truth from the Mrs. for me.
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LibraryThing member CarlaR
I honestly could not get into this book. I was bored the entire time reading it, therefore grateful that it didn't take me too long to read it.
LibraryThing member hockeycrew
This book is adorable, entertaining and fun. At the same time you feel horrible for the X's kid Grayer. It's a fun light read for anyone who has ever met an overdemanding parent.
LibraryThing member carmarie
This book had me wondering who the crazy mother was! You really wanted the nanny to finally speak her mind and have a life of her own. I really enjoyed this book. Easy read!
LibraryThing member DSDragon
I liked this book over all, but there were too many F-words for my taste.
LibraryThing member keackley2004
Hilarious! As a long-time babysitter, I can definitely relate to this book. Thank God I have not had a family this bad, but I have some stories of my own.
LibraryThing member hannahosh
Felt like I was spying on the secret world of New York nannies. Granted it was a fictionalized account, but you can't help but feel the authors really used a ton of personal experience to write this book. Heart breaking ending, that kind of left some of the story hanging, but a fun read overall. I
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was afraid it would end up like "The Devil Wears Prada" and just put the heroine in horrible situation after horrible situation, but the authors knew when to stop beating up the main character.
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LibraryThing member skrishna
I thought this book was quick and enjoyable. I really wish Nanny had actually been able to go off on the mother though, I really wanted to give her a piece of my mind!
LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
Disturbing tale of a family (or the appearance of a family) and the small child caught in the trap of wealthy, selfish, childish adults who can't get it together enough to truly care for him - seen from the nanny's perspective. Funny but ultimately heartbreaking.
LibraryThing member taromilk
This book definitely doesn't live up to the hype. I find myself having a hard time staying awake while reading this book. The overall story is cute and I like the ending but it's not one of my faves.
LibraryThing member chewbecca
This book took me two days to read and absolutely INFURIATED me. I never, ever, ever, EVER, want to know a New York socialite with children. I might be forced to do them bodily harm.

Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

2002-03-13

Physical description

320 p.; 5.5 inches

ISBN

0312291639 / 9780312291631
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