The Nanny Diaries

Abridged
Author: Emma McLaughlin , Nicola Kraus
Narrator: Julia Roberts
Genres: Fiction
Publisher: Random House (Audio)
Date: August 2004
Length: 4 hours, 40 minutes
Ratings:
  • Book Rating: 4/5
Formats:
  • CD
  • iPod

Overview

"The Nanny Diaries is an absolutely addictive peek into the utterly weird world of child rearing in the upper reaches of Manhattan's social strata. Cowritten by two former nannies, Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, the novel follows the adventures of the aptly named Nan as she negotiates the Byzantine byways of working for Mrs. X, a Park Avenue mommy. Nan's 4-year-old charge, the hilariously named Grayer (his pals include Josephina, Christabelle, Brandford, and Darwin) is a genuinely good sort. He can't help it if his mom has scheduled him for every activity known to the Upper East Side, including ice skating, French lessons, and a Mommy and Me group largely attended by nannies. What makes the book so impossible to put down is the suspense of finding out what the unbelievably inconsiderate Mrs. X will demand of Nan next. One pictures the two authors having the last hearty laugh on their former employers. "

Reviews (20)

A good chick flick (disc)!

Written by Flakdog from Redlands, CA on July 12th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 4/5

This was enjoyable but sad too; that this could be (probably is) the way of some nanny lives. Narration was great. I just wanted to say to Nanny, "Punch her a good one", at times!

Kept my interest

Written by Kelly Abad on October 18th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 4/5

I really enjoyed this book! Julia Roberts was the reader and kept my interest. She used some voices that I wouldn't have placed with the character (if I had read the book myself) but it was overall a great book. I listen to audiobooks during my commute to work and I brought this one to my office to keep listening.

Nanny Diaries

Written by Christin Wasiloski on July 20th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 4/5

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and intend on purchasing the unabridged version to add to my library. The ending’s a little rough for me, since it doesn’t tie up all the loose ends, though it’s totally realistic. It’s got the same feel as the Devil Wears Prada, but we learn little about the Nanny’s personal life. It was quite enjoyable.

The Nanny Diaries

Written by Arlene on April 23rd, 2007

  • Book Rating: 4/5

This was a very bittersweet book. Julia Roberts did a wonderful job of reading it. Highly recommended.

Driveway Moments

Written by Mackenzie Thomas from San Antonio, TX on August 23rd, 2006

  • Book Rating: 5/5

I loved this book! I found myself laughing out loud many times during this book. Very well read by Julia Roberts. I ended up having many "driveway moments" where I just sat in the driveway once home just to listen to the next event!

Pretty Interesting

Written by dlct on April 6th, 2006

  • Book Rating: 3/5

Fast-paced and fun, the tales of Nanny (annoying name) make one incredulous at the stupidity, short-sightedness, and selfishness of the wealthy. Several times I expected this girl to grow a spine and quit. The fact that she put up with so much was irritating and perhaps a bit beyond belief. No one needs tuition THAT badly! The tale is well-written, populated with good, solid, believable characters and the relationship between Nanny and her little charge is sweet and touching. There's a lot of unbelieveable situations and shopping, but then I don't live in New York City and no one I know is quite so label-conscious and snooty. The narrator's reading adds to this story. Altogether not too bad.

not what I expected

Written by KD on December 24th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 3/5

I had always heard that this book was brilliant and funny. I didn't find it very funny, I found it mostly sad and pathetic. I did enjoy the story overall, there were some moments that were excellent, , and Julia Roberts did a nice job reading it. But it's not worth going out of your way to listen to.

Nanny Diaries

Written by Angela Jones from Robeline, LA on November 25th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This was an okay book to listen too it keeps your interest. It was just a story about a nanny and the relationship she had with a particular client. I fell in love with the child and hated the uppity parents. It makes you realize what is important in life.

Nanny Diaries

Written by Anonymous on August 11th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 1/5

This is probably a good book in the written form, but is very boring to listen to. Julia Roberts narrates it and her voice is nice to hear, but that is the only thing I liked. I didn't even finish the story because it was so dull and lacked any kind of plot to keep you interested.

A sad commentary

Written by didis on June 6th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 3/5

I thought this was going to be a comedy, but it was a crying shame. Listen to this only if you think that children are expendible. The book was well written and Julie Roberts did a great job of narrating, but I just wanted it to end.