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thecozybookclub's review against another edition
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Read by Heidi H for book club
heidijoy's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jessraven's review against another edition
5.0
By far one of the most entertaining books I have ever had the pleasure to read, The Nanny Diaries takes its reader on a whirlwind adventure through the life of Nan, a child development student at NYU, and caretaker of various upper-class New York families' children. This story in particular focuses on her stint as Grayer X's nanny, and my, oh my, is it a wonderful ride!
First of all, if you have ever had the pleasure of taking care of a child before, this book should absolutely be on your "must read" list. It perfectly demonstrates how easy it is to get attached to a wonderful little person, and what it's like to watch them grow - as well as what it's like to, eventually, have to let them go.
A commentary on the role of nannies in raising privileged children, The Nanny Diaries shows readers that, behind the wide smiles and glistening jewelry and perfectly polished silverware, not all is always well behind a wildly expensive apartment's closed doors. It brings to light that children with wealthy parents often end up neglected and, as a result, a tad broken. Money really cannot buy happiness, especially when you're a three-year-old who wants, more than anything in the world, for your mother to just sit down and watch Sesame Street with you instead of heading off to the spa, or for your father to come home every once in a while.
Thus, the neglected role of the parent falls on the nanny's shoulders. And, unsurprisingly, when you spend so much time with a child who is otherwise ignored by the people in his life, it's easy to develop a strong bond. The authors of The Nanny Diaries were incredibly clever in how they orchestrated this; not only does Nan get attached to Grayer, but the reader does, as well. You feel for him when his father leaves without saying goodbye; you want to be there, taking care of him when he gets sick; you find yourself muttering about "what a positively horrid bitch" his mother is every time she "spatulas" him away from her and refuses to give him the attention that he deserves. The authors have Grayer leave his handprint on the reader's heart as well as Nan's, which makes it that much easier to get deeply absorbed in the story.
Thankfully, there are side characters who help to ease the tugging at one's heartstrings the main plot tends to do. Nan's friends, Sarah and Josh, along with her flamboyant grandmother and parents, provide hilarious commentary on Nan's deep investment in her "temporary" nanny job, helping to remind the readers that she really can't stay with Grayer forever. Eventually, she'll have to stop stressing over Grover nightlights and "Goodnight Moon" and move on with her life.
There is also "Harvard Hottie", more often referred to as H.H. - an extremely attractive young man that lives in the X's building. The budding romance between Nan and H.H. (whose real name readers apparently don't learn until the sequel) was one of the book's most well written qualities. From the hilarious moments, like Nan being caught in the elevator clad in a horrible Teletubbie costume at Halloween, to the tender moments, like late night phone calls with words of advice, the reader will be undoubtedly rooting for these two. Chapters featuring their relationship are a nice change of pace from bathtime and booster seats.
All in all, this was a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I felt like I was present during all of Nan's ups and downs (particularly her race to complete term papers on time), and Grayer has nestled his way permanently into my heart. Readers won't want to put this book down - much like caring for a child, you just never know what's going to happen next, or what might come out of their mouths. I give this book a strong five star rating, and can't wait to get my hands on the sequel!
First of all, if you have ever had the pleasure of taking care of a child before, this book should absolutely be on your "must read" list. It perfectly demonstrates how easy it is to get attached to a wonderful little person, and what it's like to watch them grow - as well as what it's like to, eventually, have to let them go.
A commentary on the role of nannies in raising privileged children, The Nanny Diaries shows readers that, behind the wide smiles and glistening jewelry and perfectly polished silverware, not all is always well behind a wildly expensive apartment's closed doors. It brings to light that children with wealthy parents often end up neglected and, as a result, a tad broken. Money really cannot buy happiness, especially when you're a three-year-old who wants, more than anything in the world, for your mother to just sit down and watch Sesame Street with you instead of heading off to the spa, or for your father to come home every once in a while.
Thus, the neglected role of the parent falls on the nanny's shoulders. And, unsurprisingly, when you spend so much time with a child who is otherwise ignored by the people in his life, it's easy to develop a strong bond. The authors of The Nanny Diaries were incredibly clever in how they orchestrated this; not only does Nan get attached to Grayer, but the reader does, as well. You feel for him when his father leaves without saying goodbye; you want to be there, taking care of him when he gets sick; you find yourself muttering about "what a positively horrid bitch" his mother is every time she "spatulas" him away from her and refuses to give him the attention that he deserves. The authors have Grayer leave his handprint on the reader's heart as well as Nan's, which makes it that much easier to get deeply absorbed in the story.
Thankfully, there are side characters who help to ease the tugging at one's heartstrings the main plot tends to do. Nan's friends, Sarah and Josh, along with her flamboyant grandmother and parents, provide hilarious commentary on Nan's deep investment in her "temporary" nanny job, helping to remind the readers that she really can't stay with Grayer forever. Eventually, she'll have to stop stressing over Grover nightlights and "Goodnight Moon" and move on with her life.
There is also "Harvard Hottie", more often referred to as H.H. - an extremely attractive young man that lives in the X's building. The budding romance between Nan and H.H. (whose real name readers apparently don't learn until the sequel) was one of the book's most well written qualities. From the hilarious moments, like Nan being caught in the elevator clad in a horrible Teletubbie costume at Halloween, to the tender moments, like late night phone calls with words of advice, the reader will be undoubtedly rooting for these two. Chapters featuring their relationship are a nice change of pace from bathtime and booster seats.
All in all, this was a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I felt like I was present during all of Nan's ups and downs (particularly her race to complete term papers on time), and Grayer has nestled his way permanently into my heart. Readers won't want to put this book down - much like caring for a child, you just never know what's going to happen next, or what might come out of their mouths. I give this book a strong five star rating, and can't wait to get my hands on the sequel!
bsolarz's review against another edition
1.0
This wasn't a very good book in my opinion. It had it's moments but these were rare. The book seemed to be never ending and, I kid you not, this book took me 6 months to read. I hate not finishing a book so I had to finish it and when I finally did, I went into a bookstore the next day and saw the sequel and thought, "No way am I buying that!".
Definitely not something I want to read again.
Definitely not something I want to read again.
allisondenae's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book fine. It is similar to "The Devil Wears Prada". It is not spectacular, but it is not horrible either. Just eh. Read if you like a quick, easy, mindless read.
book_concierge's review against another edition
1.0
What a waste of time. The writing is only so-so. The characters are gross exaggerations/sterotypes. I read it when it was all the rage, but I didn't like it and don't recommend it.
amalipulan's review against another edition
1.0
I don't know if anyone actually like this
Spoiler
It takes great patience to read this. I mean, really, it explain things step by step.swoodward727's review against another edition
4.0
very funny, sometimes it was kinda slow thought. but it was very funny. 8/10 if you need a light read check this out thanks
lola_mayan07's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
labunnywtf's review against another edition
2.0
Ugh.
I saw someone here compare this book to The Devil Wears Prada. I've also seen the complaints about DWP, but honestly, I liked that book. The protagonist had an actual mission when she took the job. She had to stick with it because it would lead her to real job opportunities. We've all been in jobs that look good on the resume but sucked the life out of you. That was what I enjoyed about DWP.
There is NOTHING enjoyable about this book.
It seems the author(s) want us to sympathize with them for their horrendous treatment at the hands of seemingly endless amounts of vapid socialites who, accumulated, became Mrs. X. I didn't. I found her so utterly unlikeable, I couldn't come up with an ounce of sympathy. The only person in this novel who deserves sympathy is Grayer. And as someone who violently dislikes other people's children, there wasn't a lot to go around.
There's not enough breaks to this book. It's just one dramatic story after the other, and before long, your head starts to hurt. Luckily this is a fast read, so that could be considered a saving grace.
I give this two stars, because I'm one of those people who will snoop through your medicine cabinet and glance at your mail. But I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who doesn't.
I saw someone here compare this book to The Devil Wears Prada. I've also seen the complaints about DWP, but honestly, I liked that book. The protagonist had an actual mission when she took the job. She had to stick with it because it would lead her to real job opportunities. We've all been in jobs that look good on the resume but sucked the life out of you. That was what I enjoyed about DWP.
There is NOTHING enjoyable about this book.
It seems the author(s) want us to sympathize with them for their horrendous treatment at the hands of seemingly endless amounts of vapid socialites who, accumulated, became Mrs. X. I didn't. I found her so utterly unlikeable, I couldn't come up with an ounce of sympathy. The only person in this novel who deserves sympathy is Grayer. And as someone who violently dislikes other people's children, there wasn't a lot to go around.
There's not enough breaks to this book. It's just one dramatic story after the other, and before long, your head starts to hurt. Luckily this is a fast read, so that could be considered a saving grace.
I give this two stars, because I'm one of those people who will snoop through your medicine cabinet and glance at your mail. But I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who doesn't.