Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant is a glimpse into another life. Family, work, and friendship are at the heart of Stephanie Kiser’s novel. I really enjoyed this look into the world of the Upper East Side. As a midwesterner, most of the assumptions I had about rich mothers seems to be true. Most are not really “mothering” but passing the job off to others. Being a mother is the hardest job and I think Kiser makes that clear when sharing her experiences as a nanny.

I really enjoyed this book (outside of the limited political talk surrounding 2016). The reflections of social class were really interesting and I was especially intrigued reading about the treatment of nannies that are not white. The COVID revelations were really heartbreaking to read about. I cannot imagine what it would have been like to be in New York for the pandemic.

Kiser’s writing style was warm and easy to read. I look forward to seeing what else she puts out in the future!

I would add - trigger warning: abortion.

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS (non-fiction), Sourcebooks, and NetGalley for this ARC!

Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!

This was a fun read following Stephanie in her career changes. The focus evolves around joining into the new York City Nanny world. We learn more about the hierarchy, racial discriminations, pay and so much more. We also see how Stephanie bonds with the families and connects with the children. Loved watching her progression into the nanny world and also when she recognizes its time to leave.

Wanted: Toddler's Personal Assistant, by Stephanie Kiser, is an eye-opening peek into the lives of Upper East Side families who rely on nannies and staff to function. I loved the name dropping and all the omg anecdotes. A memoir that reads like an updated Nanny Diaries. Highly recommend!!

An interesting, well written book the inside lives of very wealthy New Yorkers, as told by the author, who works as a Nanny.
Though other books have been written regarding the inside lives of the wealthy, and there are no surprising themes the reader isn't already familiar with, the book is well written and entertaining.
One underlying theme is what happens when people put off pursing their passion/calling in order to make a living.

Stephanie Kiser moved to NYC to be a writer but her entry level salary just isn’t paying the bills. However, nannying for the richest of the rich will, so welcome to life on the upper East Side.

The money and the perks are good but the twelve hour days and the knowledge of what really happens in some of the homes (not so much hers, Kiser has great placemats, mostly) takes the shine off the jobs, even as she comes to love the children and her employers.

Interesting book. Lots of name-dropping, which is always fun. Also a lot of comparison between the lives of the kids she is nannying compared to the life she led growing up…they are certainly very different. I enjoy these glimpses at different sorts of lives, and I liked this, despite the bad title. Recommended.