The Nanny Diaries

Title: The Nanny Diaries
Author: Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus
Publishing Date: 2002

Co written by ex- Park Avenue nannies, Emma Mc Laughlin and Nicola Kraus, The Nanny Diaries divulges the fanatic practices of childcare within the socialite-clad ranks of Manhattan society. Nanny, an NYU senior struggling to make rent, takes on the demanding task of caring for the X family’s spoiled four-year-old son, Grayer. Nan’s patience is pushed to the limit as she endures 16 hour shifts following Mrs. X’s finicky rules and inexhaustible demands.

Nan must do everything from bathing and dressing Grayer, to escorting him to prestigious play dates, dance, swimming, karate, piano and French lessons. His gourmet meals must be specifically sanctioned for “maximum digestive ease” which basically excludes anything that isn’t low-fat, organic or soy. Carbohydrates are strictly prohibited before bedtime and the cardinal rule for Park Avenue children must be adhered to: There is absolutely NO FOOD OUTSIDE THE KITCHEN… EVER!!!

In addition to a nanny, Mrs. X has also acquired a personal slave. She has Nan running her trifling errands; preparing lavish gift bags and consulting with caterers because her schedule is “utterly swamped”. Yes, Mrs. X’s days are overwhelmingly busy. Her calendar perpetually reads: shopping, attend dinner party, host dinner party, recuperate at Bliss, shopping, shopping and… shopping. These self-absorbed Park Avenue “housewives” would never think of working, cooking, cleaning or raising their children- after all, what are nannies are for? The extent of their parenting includes 1.) Naming the child 2.) Giving birth 3.) Hiring a nanny.

As Nan’s affection for Grayer begins to grow, she realizes that she may be his only hope of receiving the proper love and attention that he needs. Should she relieve herself from this madness and quit, or stay for the sake of a four-year-old boy who so desperately needs her?

First of all, I do hope that these tales were indeed “loosely inspired” as the authors so claim. Otherwise, we should all be very, very worried about the future of these children and altruistically aspire to be nannies. Well, that or alert child services. The Nanny Diaries does an excellent job of embracing the lackluster lives of these narcissistic women who have the audacity to call themselves good mothers. Nan’s dry and sartorial sense of humor is entertaining, but for some reason you don’t feel quite as sorry for her as you should. Nan’s relationships with characters other than the Xs are somewhat confusing and left me with a detached feeling. I thoroughly enjoyed the bit where she boldly addresses that furtive Nanny Cam. The general tone of the story isn’t as comical as I had expected, but it works out fine. It’s just sad that some parents are so self involved and clueless of their child’s suffering. I’m looking forward to the movie coming out this September.

Recommendation:
If you’re a fan of The Devil Wears Prada, I think you’d really enjoy this book as well. The storylines are somewhat similar; the main character is burdened by the outrageous demands of her impeding boss, but is forced to withstand the mistreatment for a higher cause.

Average Rating: 8.7/10

Rating System:
Plot Development: 9/10
Character Development: 7/10
Originality: 10/10
Format: 10/10
Complexity: 9/10
Humor: 7/10