A little historical background: For those American-raised, I think we are all familiar with the popular cartoon Scooby Doo. The plot structure goes something like this: (1) Crazy antics and shenanigans abound. (2) Scooby-Doo and The Gang unmask the villain. (3) As he gets taken away by the authorities, the villain shakes his fist at the Gang and mumbles "Those darn kids!".
I didn't realize this until (much, much) later in life, but this basic plot structure repeats in every single episode of Scooby Doo. Every. Single. One.
Fast forward to The Nanny Diaries. I am about midpoint in the book when I realize the following keeps repeating: (1) Nanny is placed in awkward situations by the various people she has chosen to be in her life. (2) Nanny allows said people to take complete advantage of her. (3) Nanny goes home and ceaselessly complains to family and friends about her woeful situation.
This happens in every single chapter. Every. Single. One.
As a child, I loved Scooby Doo. There's something subconsciously comforting about the predictability of it all. But what might have worked for Scooby Doo, doesn't work for The Nanny Diaries. By the 8th iteration of the same theme, it got old, very very old. Because of these limitations, The Nanny Diaries quickly became a frustrating reading experience.
Plot weaknesses aside (and that's a VERY large aside), The Nanny Diaries does have its merits. McLaughlin and Kraus offer a peek (however shallow) at the exclusive world of Upper East Side Manhattanites. One gets a voyeuristic kick from this airing of dirty laundry of a population who go to great lengths to avoid having their dirty laundry aired. Also, as I am currently writing this review roughly 30 blocks south of Mrs. X's fictional apartment, I can attest to the authenticity of the authors' depiction of place and time. It is obvious, these two are insiders, they speak from experience.
I'm sure that this book will remain a must-read for care-givers and nannies, but for the rest of the population, you have been warned. I wouldn't discourage anyone intent on reading the book (I don't regret it)... but don't be surprised if you find yourself pining for the simpler days of Scooby Doo.
I didn't realize this until (much, much) later in life, but this basic plot structure repeats in every single episode of Scooby Doo. Every. Single. One.
Fast forward to The Nanny Diaries. I am about midpoint in the book when I realize the following keeps repeating: (1) Nanny is placed in awkward situations by the various people she has chosen to be in her life. (2) Nanny allows said people to take complete advantage of her. (3) Nanny goes home and ceaselessly complains to family and friends about her woeful situation.
This happens in every single chapter. Every. Single. One.
As a child, I loved Scooby Doo. There's something subconsciously comforting about the predictability of it all. But what might have worked for Scooby Doo, doesn't work for The Nanny Diaries. By the 8th iteration of the same theme, it got old, very very old. Because of these limitations, The Nanny Diaries quickly became a frustrating reading experience.
Plot weaknesses aside (and that's a VERY large aside), The Nanny Diaries does have its merits. McLaughlin and Kraus offer a peek (however shallow) at the exclusive world of Upper East Side Manhattanites. One gets a voyeuristic kick from this airing of dirty laundry of a population who go to great lengths to avoid having their dirty laundry aired. Also, as I am currently writing this review roughly 30 blocks south of Mrs. X's fictional apartment, I can attest to the authenticity of the authors' depiction of place and time. It is obvious, these two are insiders, they speak from experience.
I'm sure that this book will remain a must-read for care-givers and nannies, but for the rest of the population, you have been warned. I wouldn't discourage anyone intent on reading the book (I don't regret it)... but don't be surprised if you find yourself pining for the simpler days of Scooby Doo.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
