Rating: 
Summary: Interesting but Flawed
Review: I came away from this novel feeling that it had trouble with its tone. While it is pitched as a humorous tale, the emptiness of the fashionable Xs and the emotional damage that the socialites do to their children thoroughly depressed me. I liked Nanny and her grandmother, and I cared very much about Grayer, Nanny's young charge, but I couldn't laugh at the story, even when the authors really seemed to want me to do so.McLaughlin and Kraus are not bad writers, and they do a good job creating characters, but a sense of despair looms over this whole novel and makes it a less appealing choice as summer/beach reading than other, lighter novels. I felt misled by the cover's description of the story, and I found myself worried and sad as a result of reading this novel instead of entertained. The Nanny Diaries isn't a complete failure by any means, but I can only recommend it with reservations. Don't read it at all if you are already depressed or if you are the kind of person who worries about fictional characters after the story ends! Mothers of small children like myself might also find many of the scenes in the book very troubling -- those socialite women in the book do a very good job rendering their poor little ones completely dysfunctional!
Rating: 
Summary: Having been a nanny, this book is so accurate...
Review: I was amazed at how quickly this book took me right back to the days of being a nanny for a wealthy family. The seemingly "outrageous stories" are so close to reality, it was alarming. The writers did a very accurate job of depicting life as a nanny. Though I did have some very positive experiences during my time as a nanny, I found myself actually feeling stressed as problems unfold for Nanny. I was brought back to issues that I myself had to deal with, and with uncanty similarities. I have talked to friends that have read this book, and they are amazed that any of it could be even close to reality. Unfortunately, much of it is. When my friends ask what my time as a nanny was like, I can refer them to this book.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read and Re-Read!
Review: Once you've read it, this is definitely one novel you will reach for again. Our main character, "Nanny" is as sharp as a tack; you will find yourself laughing at the thought of what she struggles NOT to say out loud. My only disappointment is at the end of the novel... without giving too much away, I have to say that I thought the manner of Nanny's departure was inconsistant with her spunky character. My heart bled for Grayer! That being said, I highly recommend this for a good summer read!
Rating:
Summary: If life is too overwhelming, this is a great escape....
Review: Sometimes we just need to curl up on the sofa and immerse ourselves into a read that provides enough distraction from our hectic lives. It's obvious from the beginning that this is not great literature but it IS purely absorbing. Frankly, I loved this book. And it made me reflect on the good and evil of child rearing: do we make the effort to be like Nanny or are we the abhorent "Mrs. X?"
Rating:
Summary: What was all the hype about?
Review: This book was talked about left and right, so I was eager to read it and find out what was causing all the commotion. While I did find myself laughing out loud at moments, overall I found the ending to be incredibly uneventful and the storyline to be slow at times. Maybe pessimism is the key word here? I expected this book to be funny, but it wasn't pleasant to feel like the book rubbed me the wrong way when I was done with it.
Rating:
Summary: Disturbing and funny at the same time
Review: Many reviews of this book make it seem like a light story that will make you laugh. Hidden between the lines are the clear and real message: America's wealthy "family values" set are phonies, for the most part. They aren't raising their own children and they treat others not of their SES like dirt. At one point, Nan is waiting to be relieved of watching Grayer to give her dissertation at NYU and when Mrs. X finally arrives, she waves off the importance of it all. This woman (and I've got to think she exists all over the US) is so egocentric that she honestly is consumed by the fact that the sun rises and sets for her. The only care she gives for her son is what schools he will get into (to further future SES) Many reviewers stated a disappointment in the denoument of the story. Let's be honest. It may not be the Hollywood revenge ending, but it's real. Mrs. X could potentially ruin all future job prospects for Nan in any field. She knew where to stop. I found it refreshing that she vented and erased, then only left a message wishing the parents would love Grayer and give him time instead of things. All of us could stop and think about that! The scary thing is that this was written based on the experience of these nannies. This is as real as it gets...and America's impoverished are blamed for poor child rearing...Read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Enough Action
Review: I was really disappointed with this book considering all the hype that was associated with it. For starters, it could have done without the first six chapters. I had no interest with her following around this bratty boy - at least not to that extent. You get the picture after one chapter. The interesting part did not even start until after halfway through and even after that I couldn't find enough interest to finish. I think the story is pretty predictable and I can't believe I waisted my time reading as much of it as I did.
Rating:
Summary: Not Diabolically funny at all
Review: I enjoyed reading this, but found it to be a remarkably sad commentary on disfunctional families, more than a satirical pastiche of nanny life. I'm not sure I would read it again, and I'm not sure that I would recommend others read it if you're looking for some dark comedy.
Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: What an book! The two authors have truely created a book with character, love, wisdom, and a wonderful story. As you follow Nanny through her journey witht the X family, the reader becomes enveloped in her struggles with Mrs. X, and her love and friendship that developes with Grayer. This book is impossible to put down, and should be a part of every book owner's collection!
Rating:
Summary: I can relate!
Review: I loved this book! I thought perhaps you might need to have been a nanny to appreciate some of the insanity or realize how emotionally involved one can become in someone else's life... but my husband laughed through it too. I especially appreciated the heart wrenching ending. So realistic, right down to getting [robbed]out of your last paycheck!
| 
