3.5 stars

I gave this book 3.5 stars because it was a cute book- the kind you can read during a reading slump not because it was terrific, but because it was very light and didn't really demand your complete attention. 

things I liked- the book was very humorous and fun, you loved to hate some of the characters in this story, while still managing to feel bad for them as the story unraveled. Though we didn't really get to know each of the characters in depth (understandable, seeing as this is a pretty short book), they were all likable (not in the sense of who they WERE, but in the sense of how they were portrayed). 

things I disliked- the ending felt a little sudden and unresolved to me (though I suppose this might be the way these things really happen in reality) but my main problem was the romance- on one hand, I understood it was a little vague because the focus is on the child's relationship with his nanny, but still- I mean, we didn't even get his NAME. I didn't understand how this relationship came to be, and while I get the main point, I think these gaps in the story did more harm than good- there could have been other ways to relay the message. 

Anyway, read it and let me know what YOU think!

Georgie xxxxxx

I like this book about as much as i like The Devil Wears Prada. Maybe a little bit more. They are very similar. I really came to care a lot about 4-year-old Grayer and it made me sad for real kids like him.

(Review written on August 21, 2014.)

Wanted:
One young woman to take care of four-year-old boy. Must be cheerful, enthusiastic and selfless--bordering on masochistic. Must relish sixteen-hour shifts with a deliberately nap-deprived preschooler. Must love getting thrown up on, literally and figuratively, by everyone in his family. Must enjoy the delicious anticipation of ridiculously erratic pay. Mostly, must love being treated like fungus found growing out of employers Hermès bag. Those who take it personally need not apply.

Who wouldn't want this job? Struggling to graduate from NYU and afford her microscopic studio apartment, Nanny takes a position caring for the only son of the wealthy X family. She rapidly learns the insane amount of juggling involved to ensure that a Park Avenue wife who doesn't work, cook, clean, or raise her own child has a smooth day.

When the Xs' marriage begins to disintegrate, Nanny ends up involved way beyond the bounds of human decency or good taste. Her tenure with the X family becomes a nearly impossible mission to maintain the mental health of their four-year-old, her own integrity and, most importantly, her sense of humor. Over nine tense months, Mrs. X and Nanny perform the age-old dance of decorum and power as they test the limits of modern-day servitude.

My Review:

The X's and friends don't see the people that sacrifice everything including their own personal lives and families to ensure that these people sitting on cushions can continue looking down their noses at employees they consider below them meant to be unseen and unheard.

The X's and others aren't equipped to take responsibility for anything including their own children and can't see beyond the color filling their bank accounts.

The psychological turmoil these people cause their children by introducing and removing nannies and caretakers from their lives as easily as they do their husbands, wives and lovers is something you can't help but shake your head over.

You see the sense of disconnect between parent and child, the neglect, the complete sense of self centered selfishness that the X's are corrupted by as they push their children onto poor unsuspecting servants who despite their level of experience in the field really have no idea just how bad some of these people really can be.

Eventually it begins to wear on and test Nanny's defenses, her patience, and her morals. I liked that Nanny tried to stick with it for little G but in the end a person can only endure so much before you hit a wall. 

I really like how Nanny went out at the end because you think 'way to go, good for you.'

I was happy that after being so tolerant the entire time that Nanny finally spoke up.  I mean really. Someone needed to say it.

The Nanny Diaries was a book I wasn't sure I would like at first but once I started it couldn't put it down until it was finished. 

Its also a story that confirms my opinion that many upper crust people in society shouldn't breed.

My Rating:

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These book all have meaning to me in a crazy way!

The five non-fiction books are amazing to read and the fiction is just as amazing also. All these books are a must read if you have not read them!

Starting with:

                                       The Pursuit of Happyness By Chris Gardner 

  I have seen the movie with Will and Jaden Smith and I thought it was really touching. Then I decided to read the book and my heart was full of all emotions. My heart broke at all the terrible things, Mr. Gardner had to suffer. I  salute him for not giving up on his dreams and for being a single dad and finding a way to take care of Chris Jr. 

                                         Eat, Pray, Love By Elizabeth Gilbert

I had read the book, before watching this movie. This book became a little guide for me. I have even highlighted and wrote in this book (I know blasphemy.) But I really enjoyed what Liz had learned. Plus, Richard from Texas was the type of person I would love to have as a friend (sadly he past away.)

                                        The Happiness Project By Gretchen Rubin

This book is also, a fun little guide for me (and yes another blasphemy.) I wrote and highlighted in this book as well. I found this to be helpful on trying to get my life just a little bit better. It is full of fun things that we can try.

                                       Faitheist By Chris Steadman

This is a wonderful insight on how a young man who became a Christian and discovered he is gay and how hard it was for him to come out. Chris went through hell and he came out on top and even though he became an atheist, he broke the mold on how an atheist is suppose to act around religion. Chris works along side with Christian  people with no problem. He is someone that people should look up too. I loved that he stood up for himself and for others no matter who they are.

                                   Walk In Their Shoes By Jim Ziolkowski

With this book it was full of adventure and the need to help people. Jim had started his own non-profit after he quit working for GE. He had little money and little help, but he got some people behind him and built three schools in Africa, Brazil, and India during his first year. He had more help and expanded his non-profit to amazing heights. I enjoyed the hard work that Jim had done and inspired me some how to help people with little things.

                                           Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

I have to admit that I was a little hesitant to read this book, but once I did I was taking away. I enjoyed every bit of this book, the bravery it took for Melinda to finally speak up and have something done. Melinda is hated when she enter her freshman year, she lost her friends, and became a target for some kind of hate from people who didn't know her. All because they got busted at a party during the summer, which Melinda didn't mean for it to happen. I felt bad for her and my heart broke when she was close to telling, but she backed down. This is a lesson that everyone should learn from.

                                             Little Woman By Louisa May Alcott 

This is my all time favorite book, I love the story and the characters. Each girl had brought something different to the story. The oldest and wises Meg, the tomboy and writer Jo, the sweet and quiet Beth, and the youngest and dramatic Amy. I could see a little of myself in each of them. Marmee is a wonderful mom and she is strong. These girls had been through ups and downs, but in the end there is always happiness in the March family. I want to read this forever

                              The Nanny Diaries By Emma Mclaughin and Nicola Kraus

This story is something that every parent needs to read. I do mean every parent it's the what not to do that they need to focus on. Rather you are a wonderful parent or not, everyone needs to pay attention. This story shows what poor Nan and Grayer have to go through. Mostly Grayer, he was treated like a pawn in his parents never ending game of acting like children themselves. They are the type of people that should not have children. I got pissed during reading, but it showed me on what not to do, if or when I have children of my own. 

                                The Time Traveler's Wife By Audrey Niffenegger

This was a beautiful love story and I could not put it down once I got going. Poor Henry wanting a day without traveling and Claire for worrying about her husband. The fact that these two meet when she was six and he in his late thirties is weird, sweet, and slightly creepy. But, this is still an amazing love story. I just want to read this forever as well, just amazing!

                    Psych "A Mind is A Terrible Thing To Read" By William Rabkin

What a surprising huh? I love this book, and the show. I found myself laughing so hard when I read this book. I found this to be entertaining and to help me find humor in my writing and in real life. Shawn and Gus are an epic duo and are the complete opposite of Sherlock and Dr. Watson. I would love to see these four come together for an epic adventure. With Shawn's amazing "psychic powers" and Gus's amazing smelling nose. They again solve a murder along Lassiter and Juliet, there is so much that can go wrong when Shawn and Gus are around them. I will be sad to see them go, this is Psych's last year so :(

All these books have meaning to them and what I learned from each one of them is priceless! I also have two added bonuses which are:

     P.S. I Love You By Cecelia Ahern 

The sweetest, heartbreaking, and feeling feels book ever!

Where The Heart Is By Billie Letts

For just being the cutest story ever!