Rating: 
Summary: Incredible wit and insufferable parents!
Review: This book is almost too witty for it's own good, but it's a thoroughly enjoyable read! The first few pages led me to suspect that Nanny, the heroine of this modern morality play, might be just a little too sensitive and a little self-absorbed to be taken seriously. But as it picks up speed, Nan wins you over with her grace under pressure, her devotion to her young charge and the rebellious spirit that allows her to simply survive employment for a family that has too much money, too many individualistic priorities and absolutely no consideration whatsoever.Nanny is a college student that is recruited by Mrs. X to be a part-time caregiver to young Grayer. Normally the use of "X" as a pseudonym would turn me off, but here it's a justifiable defense tactic in that the authors, Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus have worked as nannies; and both prefer to prevent any possible linkage to their former employers. In fact, they preface the book with a more explicit disclaimer of possible real events or characters than is usually found in novels. That's a good thing, because if Mr. and Mrs. X truly walk (or limo) through the streets of New York, civilization as we know it is doomed! Grayer is not unlike most four year old kids that I've met. He can be utterly charming in one moment and a tyrannical hellion the next. And as you move through the story, he will win your heart and sympathy just as completely as he does Nanny's. Consider the fact that his most precious possession is one of his father's well worn business cards. He can't go anywhere without it! His parents are another story altogether. Mrs. X is a woman who has worked her way up from mistress to second wife, and is now in danger of becoming an ex-Mrs. X. Somewhere along the way, she managed to confuse the definition of part-time caregiver with that of indentured servant, but no matter. She has other things to be concerned with, things like organizing Mr. X's parties, shopping for herself and maintaining her current social and marital status. Note the absence of "spending time with Grayer" in that list of concerns. Mr. X is simply too busy with his business and the potential next Mrs. X to be more than a shadowy presence, whose son might not recognize him without his omnipresent cell phone adorned ear. The story moves from autumn to summer with Nanny's job description being augmented with duties ranging from minor errand running, to attending a society Halloween party in full Teletubbie regalia, Christmas shopping for the X's other employees, to accompanying the family on vacation. If Nanny hasn't won your heart by the Halloween party, her informed speculation regarding her own Christmas gift (fueled by the knowledge of what the other "help" is receiving) and the ultimate reality of it will. There are also play dates that succeed and play dates that leave you wondering like the baking session featuring a manic, barely dressed mother on a coke-fueled high. Throughout the book, Nan gives the reader the benefit of her own intelligent observations as well as the comebacks and questions that she would "really" like to offer to the X's. It makes for a great story that will win you over completely! I don't know if Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus have plans for a sequel or whether their next endeavor is something altogether different, but I know that I'm eagerly awaiting anything else that they might write in the future.
Rating: 
Summary: not recommended
Review: I could see how this book could be appealing to some, especially former or current Nannies. It's a fast read, parts of it are funny (I suppose), and parts of it were sad. Great beach blanket book for some! However, I found that personally, I didn't relate to Nanny, Grayer, Mr or Mrs X, or any of the characters in the book. I did not find that the book was "a page-turner" or particularly well written. And, finally, I didn't feel like I acheived anything when I completed the book. With most other books that I've read, I've felt a sense of completion that was lacking here. However, to be fair, I purchased the book thinking that it would be funny and sad, but mostly funny. Unlike the New York Times quote on the cover, I did not find this book to be "Diabolically Funny." In fact, no part of this book made me laugh out loud or even smile. Serious or funny, the Nanny Diaries is my least favorite book that I've read this year.
Rating:
Summary: I loved it!!
Review: The book was funny but sad also because to think its probably based on experiences from the authors lives. I highly recommend this book. I couldn't put it down. Just the other night I stayed up till 3:30 in the morning to finish it. And when I did I wished there was a sequel. lol. As a reader I sympathized with Nanny, loved Grayer, and had mixed feelings for his parents. At times the novel is outrageously funny and at other times it is upsetting. After I had finished the book I had wished I had bought it instead of just getting it from the library.
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down.
Review: It was such a shame that I read it in 2 days because once I was done with it, I missed reading it.
It's a great, fast read, always wanting to know what else the Nanny's boss is going to do or say. I'm praying for a sequel.
Rating: 
Summary: I expected much more
Review: After all the buzz on this book, I was expecting to be blown away. I was expecting the next Bridget Jones' Diary. Wow, was I disappointed. There are so many more worthwhile books out there. Do yourself a favor, and check this one out of the library if you must read it. This book is, at best, just alright. I can say that it was mildly entertaining and an easy read. The characters were a little sketchy, and I felt I had nothing invested in them. I literally didn't care what happened to them, and by the end I had to force myself to finish the book. Dialogue was a little stiff, scenes should have been thought out some more. Nanny is in a tough situation, but her solution is easy - she simply chooses not to end it all. I didn't have a lot of respect for her. I also didn't believe her attachment to the child was enough to deal with all of the .... she gets from Mrs. X. Again, while not a terrible book, it was a disappointment. Check it out from the library and save your money.
Rating:
Summary: Seriously hilarious
Review: I just finished reading The Nanny Diaries and I wish it hadn't ended!! As an elementary school teacher, I have met plenty of parents, some as uninvolved and clueless as Mr. and Mrs. X. This book says everything I always wished I could say to those parents and expresses every feeling I ever felt when dealing with their wonderful, attention starved, children. The book is so clever and witty, I found myself laughing out loud numerous times. After reading over my shoulder on a recent plane trip, my husband is now reading The Nanny Diaries and also enjoying it. The ending is rather abrupt, but appropriate (given the character of the Xes). I hope you enjoy the book! We have!!
Rating:
Summary: Could've been better organized
Review: Although the subject is good, the organization of the book is rather irritating. It jumps from issue to issue and leaves an inferior ending. I should've borrowed it or checked it out of the library instead of purchasing it.
Rating:
Summary: Ick.
Review: There are too many well-written, interesting, wonderful books in existence to waste your time with this one. True, the uber rich, completely self-involved, Upper Manhattan parent exists and should be exposed, but it could/should have been done with more character development, humor and angst. I found little to enjoy here.
Rating: 
Summary: Revenge is best served cold
Review: This book is quite disturbing. Although I heard a lot about it and knew what to anticipate I did not expect to be so troubled by its content or to spend so much time thinking about the incidents and characters described (not that these characters deserve it). This is truly no great masterpiece and sometimes it is even quite banal; another weakness is the fact that it seems the writers used all of the enraging incidents they personally met or heard about and put them all in this book (well, at least this is what I would LIKE to think... or am I comforting myself? Is there really such a creature as Mrs. X...) Yet, as much as I reassured myself during the reading that "this cannot be true" I am sure there are many houses alike and the hype surrounding this book is justified if only in getting a lot of public attention on exactly the issues raised in the manuscript.
The book is very readable and I think that there is no one that can say he did not feel some sort of rage and anger towards the X's ... ... even if it is a planned reaction - one that the book is clearly intended to achieve. Nanny has no back bone? True; however, if she did, I guess we would not have had a book and purpose of the story, as I understand it was to tell us not specifically about Nanny but more about the X's characters. In spite of the seemingly easy nature of the book it seriously relates to important subjects - our objectives in having children (other then holding your husband, the Mrs. X way), actual time we spend with them, our own achievements and wants in life, etc. and the number 1 controversial issue - how to raise children.
To those who suffered like me from the revenge-less ending - revenge is best served cold - I am sure that Mrs. X, or her likes did not enjoy reading this book. I hope that by writing this best seller the writers can have their small revenge on all the Mrs. X's they have worked for.
Rating:
Summary: A Hilarious, Leisurely Read!
Review: I read this book in three days. Once you start it it is hard to put it down. I found myself laughing out loud at the inconsiderate requests of Mrs. X and the smart retorts of Nanny. This is a perfect read if you are stressed out from work or school and looking to unwind with a good book for the weekend. Once you see how badly Nanny's employer treats her, anything you are facing will pale in comparison! Definitely worth the purchase price. This book would make a great movie!
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