Rating: 
Summary: Nanny's Aggravating Masochism almost Outweighs Entertainment
Review: Here's a brief summary of this novel: nanny = angel, parental units = soul-sucking creatures from he**.The Nanny Diaries is a quick read and pretty incisive in its muckracking of the world of nannies and domestic help.
However, the novel becomes so dogged in its "nannies good, parents bad" depiction that it almost turns the reader off. After the nanny becomes a virtual personal assistant to her charge's mother the reader is forced to ask: "What's keeping you there?" The nanny's insistence that she stays out of concern for her poor little rich charge is both tiresome and annoying. And it's not as if there's not a certain cachet to working for uber-rich New Yorkers. Give me a break.
But the novel is often clever and certainly amusing, if more than a touch over the top. Diaries is one of the best beach reads this summer, just don't expect too much depth.
Rating: 
Summary: Made me feel like Super Parent
Review: This book was easy to read well paced and funny, yet at the same time distressingly sad. I read the book in 24 hours flat, but the images of poor little Grayer stayed with me longer. The Nannie Diaries is an interesting commentary not on the way the rich raise their children, but on the way a lot of Americans raise their children. So many people see them as acutraments to the lifestyle and not real living beings who need and want their mommies and daddies soooo much.
Another interesting issue raised by this book is the old time honored cliche, money can't bring you happiness. This family was so out of touch with reality and eachother it didn't matter, what they wore, drove ate or lived. I loved the comparison between Mr. and Mrs. X and the down to earth rich family they had dinner with one night. The kids ate at the table with the adults for Godsakes. I love that. Great fun book over all.
After I finished the book ( swear I didn't ignore my kids while reading), I hugged each one and thanked them for giving me the best job in the world. Their Mom.
Rating:
Summary: Funny, but kinda sad too
Review: I was pleasantly surprised when I first started reading this book. I didn't expect a whole lot in the way of good writing, especially considering all of the mass attention it received. Actually, I think the writers made a great first effort, and I look forward to seeing more from them. However, I was in no way expecting to feel slightly depressed from the book. But ultimately that's how it left me. Although you can laugh at the ridiculous female characters, the poor little rich kid just breaks your heart.
Rating:
Summary: An engaging read
Review: Almost a five only because I couldn't understand why Nanny stuck around for Mrs.X's abuse. That aspect of the novel could have used some development, I thought, because Grayer's "cute" side rarely showed through.
Although this is a work of fiction, it raises some interesting questions about childcare, mothering, and the social expectations of nurturing. Nanny says something to the effect that no one ever acknowledges raising children is HARD WORK. The assumption is that child care is a pleasure (with low wages).
That said, though, I finished the book in less than 48 hours myself, because I truly felt for Nanny. She is someone I would like to have lunch with. And, the story was entertaining. I laughed out loud during the Halloween party scene. Hilarious!
Rating: 
Summary: not a novel
Review: The is one long rant. It seems to be based on a Dickension format of an angelic protagonist finally overcoming the mistreatments of others--yet there is no meaningful resolution at the end. The problem is that while the book depends on the outrageousness of the Xs' behavior for its interest, the characters have no credibility. The characters are cartoons, not human. I felt like I was reading a TV show. Poor writing!
Rating:
Summary: Poorly written
Review: The authors definitely hit a nerve with the timing of this book. We're always looking for new and different ways to expose the foibles and shortcomings of the super-rich. The book offers a unique look into this world, but I mostly found it to be poorly written. It's no better than the type of prose one might read in the typical creative writing class. Save yourself the money and borrow this one from a friend or the library.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent
Review: Comical, great story, wonderful work of fiction. I have no doubt that there are many families in America like the X's. In fact, as a Nanny, I can vouch for the fact that most of the upper east side of New York City needs severe psychiatric help. I recommend The Nanny Diaries to everyone. But, with caution. You should not finish this novel believing this is an accurate portrayal of life as a nanny. This is worst-case-scenario, bad-enough-to-write-a-novel-about.
Rating:
Summary: Like a bad accident, it's hard to turn away
Review: This book was a page-turner and I enjoyed getting a bird's-eye view into the secret lives of well-heeled NY socialites. However, as a working parent who has hired nannies, I found that the book punctuates a sad statement about today's parenting and how we treat those who care for our cherished children. The authors make many overt and subtle comments about societal values. Yes, you will laugh at Nan's many passages but, overwhelmingly my heart went out to the child character in this family. Forget the Nanny, forget the X's, forget the endless lessons and schools...what happens with these neglected children? Remember, the story was inspired by real experiences. I like Nan's story which was at times funny in absurd way but, it was eclipsed by the sadness I felt about the way those situations are apt to turn out. You'll go home and hug your child!
Rating:
Summary: Interesting
Review: This is an interesting treatment of a very normal topic. Not bad at all.
Rating:
Summary: Read on a plane, when there's nothing else better to do
Review: I read the Nanny Diaries while trapped on an endless 12 hour flight. Unfortunately, it was the only book I brought to read on the plane. I actually read all of the Nanny Diaries, but that was only after reading the in-flight magazines two times over. Yes, the Nanny Diaries is an easy read. However, that doesn't gloss over the fact that the writing style of the two authors is largely amateur and cliche. I was often tempted to pull out a red pencil and edit the novel myself! As a reader, I found the secondary characters, especially her boyfriend "H.H, to be completely one dimensional. Her "Harvard Hottie" was the token love interest who had zippo personality.
I am also wondering if the editors of the book failed to ask the authors to fill in the names of the characters; thus resulting in the ridiculous names like: Nanny, H.H, Mr. & Mrs. X, and Ms. Chicago. I would have to equate the Nanny Diaries with an afterschool TV special. The characters and plot were so formulaic, I began to wonder which "How to write your first Novel" guidebook the two authors were following step by step. If you are looking for some excellent writing with a satirical look at the New York uppercrust--read Tom Wolfe's "The Bonfire of the Vanities." One last remark: The excessive use of capital letters and exclamation mark to indicate Grayer screaming made me want to buy earplugs....
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