It looks like a good book, but by page 30 or so they had used the F word many times. Just got kind of annoyed at it.

"Although I expected this book to be funny, having heard that it delves deep into the quirks of New York's wealthy elite, I was not prepared for the feelings of indignation, dismay and embarrassment it evoked as well. Beneath the simple story line - a twenty something college student works as a nanny to pay the rent - lays a minefield of human dysfunction. There is the mother who can't stand to touch or be with her child for more than a few minutes, and only then if he is completely clean; the father who routinely fails to show up for preplanned family events such as trips to Aspen, Christmas parties and dinner parties; the father's mistress who tries to enlist Nanny in her secret trysts; and the father's secretary who is always covering for her boss. And that's just the immediate family. Things get even more complicated and uncomfortable as Nanny's duties are expanded to include helping the wife shop, run errands and make restaurant reservations. What saves the novel from becoming just another tawdry soap opera is the skillful development of the relationship between Nanny and her 4-year old charge Grayer, and the healthy reality checks provided by Nan's (Nannny) outspoken and eminently practical family.

Like all young children, Grayer can be a terror. He bites, he kicks, he refuses to play nicely, and at first he can't stand the sight of Nanny who has come to replace his previous and much loved caretaker, Caitlin. However, as time goes on Grayer and Nanny hammer out a relationship and a routine they both can enjoy. However, as the tension builds between Grayer's parents, becomes clear that a meltdown is inevitable. What makes it almost unbearable is Grayer's vulnerability and Nanny's inability to protect him. Be prepared for humor laced with bitterness and sorrow as The Nanny Diaries proves that in the midst of abundance it is possible to starve from lack of love."
- Naia

I was very sad reading this book. The parents' lack of love for their child really got to me. Part of me wanted the nanny to stay, so that the boy would have someone around him who really cared about him, but I understood why she had to go. I didn't find this book to be funny-just too sad.

I know that they say that the book is 'diabolically funny' - but I actually found it really sad! Story about people who are just too busy with their own life to be parents!!

This was a really good book, but as a former part-time nanny, it hit a little too close to home.. (ack)

I really wanted to like this book. I probably would have if Nanny, the main character didn't play the victim in almost every situation. Nanny really needs to get a backbone. I thought she would finally get one by the end. But, it didn't happen. For the life of me, I cannot understand why anyone would put up with being treated in such a demeaning manner. Maybe if she had told the X's off and then called Child Protective Services to report their neglect of their son, I would have given the book a more favorable review.

I got this because I thought my daughter might enjoy being a nanny and it might be a book we could both read and discuss. Boy, was this an eye-opener for me! Just hadn't thought about this side of babysitting before I guess. Food for thought as a parent employer and potential employee in the nanny biz. Reality is in the eye of the beholder, I guess...

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 ParAvenue 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 important, 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.

A classic of modern ... literature?

One thing I've found with this book: if you go into it expecting a campy, fun, silly, over-the-top read (although I have no doubt some do treat their nannies thus), you have a better experience with the book than if you think it's something to take seriously.

So... approach this as something fun and light and enjoy away.

For me, just another reason for birth control!!! But no really, as a nanny, assistant, etc. you do really get a more than ample insight into personal business.

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Lots of fun!! I liked the movie too.

I know it's supposed to be funny. But I actually found it stressful reading this book. Only, although not as a nanny, I've worked for people that are this kind of self centered. The are utterly clueless about everything except their own personal desires. It's a good read, I'm curious about the movie. I never saw it.

good, although somewhat predictable

I loved this book. It classic Chick lit.

Great story line! Poor nannies, take allot from their employers. Great read!!! Characters were wonderfully described. I felt like I knew them.

Enjoyed this book very much. Couldn't put it down

Great book. Easy read.

A quick read book

What a great look into the lifestyles of the rich & famous. Wow do these ladies really think they are good mothers?

The life of a nanny...hmm, This book is not a actual chronical of a nanny's life by any means but it is entertaining!

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