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    The Nanny Diaries
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    The Nanny Diaries
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    The Nanny Diaries
    Audiobook (abridged)4 hours

    The Nanny Diaries

    Written by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

    Narrated by Julia Roberts

    3.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    Read by Julia Roberts

    Based on the real-life experiences, the inside story on the real lives of the rich and privileged from the women who know all the secrets - the nannies.

    The Nanny Diaries deftly skewers the manner in which America's over-privileged raises les petites - as if grooming them for a Best of Show competition. A poignant satire, it punctures the glamor of Manhattan's upper class to tackle head-on the truer state of backstairs Park Avenue.

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

    When the X's marriage begins to disintegrate, Nanny's nearly impossible mission becomes maintaining 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.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateFeb 5, 2002
    ISBN9780553755367
    Unavailable
    The Nanny Diaries
    Author

    Emma McLaughlin

    Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus are the New York Times bestselling authors of The Nanny Diaries, Citizen Girl, Nanny Returns, and the young adult novels, The Real Real and Over You. They are the cofounders of TheFinishedThought.com, a book coaching firm, and work together in New York City. For more information visit EmmaAndNicola.com.

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    Reviews for The Nanny Diaries

    3.5/5

    73 ratings67 reviews

    What did you think?

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 3/5
      ON April 22 2004 I wrote:

      Well it seemed like such a nice book i decided to read it allthough I have other books which are waiting for me to be read for quite some time now. Oh well I really wanted to read this one.I am on page 170 so have read more than half.I like it.After a while when Handsome Hotty came in the picture I thought "o no is this now going to be more of a romance chick lit book" but that was not the case.
      I started just before I went to bed and could not lay it down this morning.And as of now I am going to stop being on the computer , and make my self a cup of coffee and lie down in the sun in the garden and pick up this book where I left it.(instead of doing home chores which is actually quit neccesary ;-) )well thats your fault lovemylife lol'

      gotoblamesomebody

      And on Friday, April 23, 2004 I kept on going ^-^


      Well this was a very quick read.I enjoyed reading this. (see my update on my first journal) The only thing i did not like was the end.No revenge, and how did she put up with those people I do not understand.Poor kiddo.Thanks for sending this to me.I am sure i will find someone else who wants to read this book.I read this book pretty fast, considering I am not English.In 2 days.What shall i read now ?
    • 4/5
      I bought it thinking it would be cute and entertaining. I was crying by the end of the book. It really made me think about how much love and attention children-and everyone else-need.
    • 3/5
      During summers when I was in college, I did a lot of babysitting. One summer, I filled in for a family with three children between au pairs. This experience was eye-opening to me. Never before had I been asked on a babysitting job to take the dog to the vet, do laundry, or make a salad for the parents to eat when they arrived home. I also wasn't accustomed to getting paid a weekly rate, regardless of the number of hours I put in. It was also the first time I'd had an eight-year-old charge tell me I was her best friend and run to me when she learned her parents were sending her back to the school where she had been teased about her weight the year before rather than another school where, she was convinced, she would have been accepted with open arms. She was probably putting too much faith in this new school thing anyway, but the fact that it was me she threw her arms around for comfort, it was my shirt she cried into in front of her parents...that was a little awkward for me.

      This family was nothing like the ultra-wealthy families in The Nanny Diaries, but the similarities stood out to me.

      The second experience I've had with nannies was when we lived in Silicon Valley. I would take my daughter to the park and we would be the only mother-child pair surrounded by nannies and their charges. I remember the one nanny whose employers made her give the four-year-old twins she watched snacks every fifteen minutes because apparently the children were underweight. She would basically shove granola bars in these kids' mouths while they were playing with their toys. They wouldn't even look at her while she fed them. They clearly weren't hungry, but she would be reprimanded if the kids didn't eat. Then there was the woman I knew who had a full-time nanny and a backup nanny, and she was a stay-at-home mom. I wasn't really close friends with her.

      When we first watched the movie version of the book, my husband kept saying, "That has to be an exaggeration!" and I kept saying, "Maybe, but it's not that far from reality if it is."

      And then there's my third experience with nannies, and that's as a parent. I don't really consider the caregivers I hire to be nannies. I generally hire them for just six hours a week (three hours two afternoons a week). But according to this book, they are nannies, and I fit into the Type B category of nanny-employers, the mom who's with her kids all of the time and just wants a couple of afternoons a week off. Seeing these categorizations made we squirm just a little bit, as did the authors' rather negative descriptions of the parent-tot music classes and the instrument lessons the children take. I do music classes with my kids, and my daughter has played the flute since she was four. I'm not anything like Mrs X about these things (and I'm certainly not doing them to help with kindergarten admissions), but it still hit a little too close to the mark for my comfort.

      I can see Mrs X's fear about the closeness between her son and the nannies, too. I have similar trepidation and ambivalence about my kids' relationships with non-parental caregivers. In theory, I want them to be close to other adults, and I certainly want them to feel excited and happy to be with their caregivers. But I don't know...I feel just a little weird if they like their sitters a whole, whole lot. I feel like I must not be doing my job very well if they don't prefer me over all others. And of course they do prefer me over all others and just happen to love their sitter, too. I just feel a little jealous. I suppose if I actually were as uninvolved and self-centered as Mrs X, I might feel even stronger jealousy, along with resentment and fear around this closeness.

      Overall, though, I thought this was quite a fun little book. It was a quick read, but well-written (although the copy-editing in the last two chapters was a little hit-or-miss, to the point that I actually had to re-read a couple of sentences to try to catch the meaning through the typos). The depth of the relationship between Nanny and Grayer was heartrendingly clearer than in the movie.

      Nanny's friends were a little flat, as were her parents, but the characters the authors spent lots of energy on were more well-rounded, like Nanny's grandmother, Grayer, and Mrs X. The Harvard Hottie was a little too good to be true, though. This guy just never seemed to mess up. Even when Nanny got annoyed at him, it was her fault for misinterpreting an otherwise caring and thoughtful remark from him. I found that a little irritating.

      And I was kind of grossed out when they shared the tub of ice cream. I mean, sure, kiss a guy, but share ice cream from the same container? Yuck! That's almost as bad as sharing a toothbrush. *shudder*
    • 3/5
      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...
    • 4/5
      It's a good take on what life can be like for a personal assistant to a moneyed individual. I know that I NEVER would want to be one. Nicely written book. The chapters flow seamlessly.
    • 4/5
      Cute read. Love the wit.
    • 4/5
      A few memorable moments, but overall, it failed to satisfy. Even the end, which was primed for a final, all-out verbal war between nanny and employer, fell flat as the conflict never came to a head. Not memorable.
    • 3/5
      I was disappointed with this book. I imagine the story is an accurate portrayal of what it's like to be a nanny on Park Ave, and I laughed a bit at parts. However, I didnt think it was as funny or sarcastic and it was made out to be. The writing was just ok, and there were times when it was a struggle to keep reading. Just an alright read.
    • 5/5
      This was my 2nd go-around with this book. (I've been in the mood to reread books lately.) It's been YEARS since I've read this book and I think my first go-around with it, I must have finished it in a day or two. Rereading it again just reminded me how GOOD it was. The writing is deliciously sarcastic without being too distracting. I remember when I read it the first time, I was actually considering being a part-time nanny. I was still in college and needed an income. I loved working with kids and thought being a nanny would be fun. Luckily (or unluckily?) I ended up being a teacher. Hmm? I love how this book gives us an inside look into the behind-the-scenes life of what the social life is like on Park Avenue. Even though I know it's exaggerated and fictionalized, I appreciate its raw & unforgiving honesty. Definitely a must-read!
    • 4/5
      This book is for anyone who has ever had kids, worked with kids or seen a child when they are in their element (good or bad!). There are so many laugh out loud moments with this book that your sides will begin to ache. While at the same time you will be rolling your eyes at the parents, crying with Grayer and groaning at all the things Nanny agrees to put up with. The ending is a bit disappointing, especially as it leaves some threads untied but overall a very enjoyable read.
    • 3/5
      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 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!
    • 5/5
      While Nan's predicament may not be that of the average college student, her personality and emotions are very relatable. I became as attached to her small charge as she was, felt her utter despair and exasperation when Mrs. X had pushed just one too many of her buttons and fell completely in love with H.H.(A.K.A. Harvard Hottie) just as she did. This is a can't-put-it-down, read-with-a-box-of-tissues-handy favorite of mine and anyone with a sense of humor and love for children will love and enjoy it as much as I did.
    • 2/5
      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 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.
    • 1/5
      Sprightly narrative (first person, present tense) contains enough matter for a magazine piece but should really not have been packaged as a novel. Incident succeeds incident, furnishing abundant scope for indignation throughout the academic year during which this nanny assignment continues, but nobody learns or grows: neither the insufferable employers, nor the narrator (whose family and friends have warned her by Christmas not to be such a doormat), nor even the little boy.
    • 5/5
      loved reading this book - it was a great story and would make a great beach read this summer
    • 5/5
      Extremely funny book that I just couldnt seem to put down. I recommend this warm, heartfelt book to anyone.
    • 3/5
      (abridged audiobook read by Julia Roberts): College senior Nanny takes a job as - you guessed it - a nanny for Grayer, the son of the extremely wealthy Mr. and Mrs. X. The Xes turn out to be every nanny's worst nightmare: rich, snobbish, and completely self-absorbed. It's actually strikingly similar to The Devil Wears Prada, except that I actually had sympathy for the narrator here. There's a child involved, so she really can't just quit. Nanny is actually quite graceful and professional in the face of such torment. The use of aliases like "X" and "Nanny" is an interesting device, making it sound more like nonfiction, except that everyone else in the book has a regular name. I don't know that I'd seek out other books by these authors, but this one was decent.On the audio version: Roberts is an okay narrator, but it took me a while to get into the groove of her slightly too-fast monotone.
    • 3/5
      Funny and entertaining little book. I enjoyed it.
    • 4/5
      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 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.
    • 3/5
      I got this in a free bag of books, otherwise I would never have read it. It's another "airplane read", but not a very good one. The authors should have kept to a single genre, e.g. social satire, romance, or psychological realism, because they don't have the skill to pull off a combination. Nanny is a complete invertebrate and nearly all the other characters lack dimension. The love interest is too sketchy and the little boy Nanny is taking care of is too sad--you know he's headed for an adolescent crash and burn.
    • 4/5
      Witty and entertaining, though frustratingly unjust. It was quite a page-turner and an allover good novel. The characters were static but very engaging. The ending though was disappointing and somewhat abrupt. There was very little closure, which I personally can't stand in a book.
    • 4/5
      Substance: "The authors have worked, at one time or another, for over thirty New York City families, and this story was inspired by what they have learned and experienced." I believe it. Such a sad tale of ostensible grown-ups using children as "accessories" to their lives. The 18-year-old nanny (a bit young to be graduating from NYU that year?) is characteristic of all the care-givers and teachers who seem to be more concerned about children than their parents are. Nanny's own family is a hoot, especially Grandma (Auntie Mame lives!), and her friends are a welcome if somewhat idiosyncratic relief from the High Income and Status world of her employers.Style: First-person narrative, very appropriate. Straight-forward and clear writing. Emotionally engaging.
    • 3/5
      I read Dedication first, then attempted Citizen Girl (gave up on cause of personal quirks), and it was only then, that I read the Nanny diaries. Other than naming the main character, who is a nanny, Nanny, I enjoyed the book. Its definitely worth a read.
    • 5/5
      "The Nanny Diaries" is the fictional story of Nan, a grad student at NYU working as a nanny. Wickedly funny, the novel has pure laugh out loud moments as well as heart-breaking ones as Nan gets deeper in the Manhattan world of Mr. and Mrs. X while taking care of Grayer, a lovable but difficult child. I absolutely loved the witty and simple style, and the fact that it never bores. From the moment I read the first pages I was hooked on it and couldn't put it down until the end, only to leave me wishing for more.
    • 3/5
      I really enjoyed this book but would have hated working for the couple that the nanny worked for. I wouldn't have kept as quiet as she did! Really quick read.Back Cover Blurb:In between looking after four year old Grayer and running a thousand errands for Mrs X, his rich, uptight Manhattanite mother, Nan is trying to have a life. There's college, shopping, her friends, her cat George. And the gorgeous Harvard boy from the sixth floor.....But the X family's dramas keep intruding - visits from Mr X's predatory mistress, catastrophic family outings and, as a final straw, the case of the marriage-destroying panties. As Divorce looms, Nan realizes how attached she's become to the X's underloved son - and how nannying has become more than just a job.
    • 2/5
      funny sometimes. but bad writing. b.a.d. sadly realistic ending. from my mid-california understanding of the world of manhattan :)
    • 3/5
      The Nanny Diaries is written from the perspective of “Nan” the Nanny. Come now, couldn’t you think of something a little less obvious? This of course, is second only to the evil mother, “Mrs. X.” Apparently, the author thought this would be a clever way to make it seem like Mrs. X really existed. I however, would have much rather enjoyed reading about Mrs. Goldingsternman, or Mrs. Heathrightcliff… or whatever silly name. But, Mrs. X? It just irritated me. Nevertheless, aside from the terrible names of the characters, it was a fun easy read. Although I thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing about my own “nanny-days,” I felt there was much lacking in the story. I always hunger for dynamic characters that grow and change and surprise me. These characters were predictable the whole way through. I give this book a 2.5 out of 5, (but I’m still going rent the movie!)
    • 2/5
      The Nanny Diaries started strong. The mean character is amusingly blunt and witty, and the beginning of the book is filled with comical commentary on the habits and thought processes of Manhattan mothers. Unfortunately, from there it goes downhill. As the book progresses, the main character loses her spunk. She loses her spunky insight and replaces it with baffled timidity. The genre transforms from humor to drama, and the authors weren't successful in stirring my sympathies. I would recommend reading the first two chapters and not bothering to finish the book.
    • 3/5
      This book just made me sad for the little boy who was ignored by his father and a pawn for his mother. And sad for the nanny who had to say good bye to him, without getting to say good bye.
    • 4/5
      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 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.