Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant was a very interesting insight into the ultra wealthy families of NYC. She also delves back into her own childhood stories and compares it to the world that she is currently working in. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in seeing how the ultra wealthy live and how the kids live. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC in exchange for a review.

I really enjoyed this memoir--for me it was a cross between the Nanny Diaries and a milder version of Educated, as the author contrasts her experience as a nanny with the poverty in her own childhood. Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC.

Wonderfully written and honest. Many readers will identify with the middle class struggle of salary, rent, food, and the looming college loan debt. Insightful and enlightening without a sense of judgement (except about her own life). A self- discovery story many can identify with.

Such a good read! I enjoyed reading Stephanie’s struggles and successes. There were some tough lessons taught during her lifetime. I found myself laughing at some of the situations she found herself in but I imagine she wasn’t laughing as they were occurring.

This book made me rethink some of my attitudes and outlooks on life, especially my role as a mother. A well written memoir!

NetGalley early release
Publishing date : August 6, 2024
Rating: 5 ⭐️

I’m not giving this book 5 stars because it kept me on my seat or because the writing was spectacular. I rated it 5 stars because I lived this life, just like her, and I thought the idea and her story were worth 5 stars. I’ve been there and done that and thought it was so relatable - if you’ve seen that lifestyle up close and personal, you know what I’m talking about. I was blessed enough to work for a HNF that treated me, and the rest of the staff, very nicely and respectfully, unlike some of Stephanie’s former bosses. But sometimes that’s the hand you get dealt and it sucks. I thought all her stories about her kids she watched over were precious and how she figured out what she wanted was beautifully written and expressed. It went much deeper than “nanny work” which I appreciated. Class is a very touchy topic that people don’t like to speak about and so I’m glad it got addressed in this book. I also got sent a free copy of this book from Madeleine Brown at sourcebooks so now I can reread it and highlight and mark up all of the wonderful parts I want to remember. Thank you!

I found i couldn’t really get into this book easily. I’m not sure it it was the nanny herself or the attitude of everyone around her. I’ve unfortunately lived in these circles and found it very difficult which may have also had an impact

Thank you to the author, Sourcebooks and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This memoir of a young woman who becomes a nanny due to financial constraints - and a certain curiosity on her part concerning the life of wealthy New Yorkers - is a fascinating read. The author comes from a poor family and believed the hype about a college degree equipping you for a life on an upward scale. Reality in terms of low-paying entry-level jobs hits hard, particularly given the debt she is carrying from her college degree, and she realizes that nannying is a much better-paid proposition. She contrasts her childhood with the lives of the children she cares for, and interesting is the realization that - no matter the socio-economic level - the main burden of raising children falls on the mother. Also interesting the author's dawning awareness of racism and inequality in the nanny industry, and the privilege that her white skin and college degree afford her in that arena. I loved the resolution of the author coming to know, and grow into herself, and I hope she continues writing.

This was a fascinating book about the life of a nanny is like on the Upper East Side. I found it incredibly interesting hearing about how it all worked and about the lifestyle of the kids she nannied. I liked the juxtaposition between Stephanie's experiences growing up compared to the kids she was nannying.

Stephanie Kiser moves to New York after college, hoping to make a career in writing and a life in the city of her dreams. But writing doesn’t pay the bills, so on her friend’s advice, she takes up nannying for the city’s elite. There she sees how the 1% lives, first with a reasonable family, but later with those with insane demands and incredibly lavish lifestyles.



As the subtitle indicates, the author shares her observation of how wealthy parents live in the context of her own upbringing. Once again, I didn’t read the summary thoroughly, because I was expecting something of an “exposé.” That’s there, but the chapters are sprinkled with memories from Kiser’s past. It took some getting used to, but after a while I understood what she was trying to do. It’s rough indeed: verbal abuse, poor education, near-poverty, mental illness. Doesn’t sound like fun.

The skill here comes in not devolving into self-pity. Instead, she shares her history to demonstrate how alien her situation was. The shock is evident, watching babies wear Prada and other name brands, only to spill grape juice on it all. The waste and the extravagance make her families a little crazy, and they pass on those actions and thoughts onto her. The kids are mostly fine, but unsurprisingly a little spoiled. That said, she develops fondness for her charges and learns about parenting.

Kiser also does a good job sharing her current personal challenges. She has an abortion, which changes her perspective and attitude. She finds it hard to relate to others and loses friends. And the demands of her job, one she never really chose, prevent her from moving onto better things. Sure, she makes a good salary, but she can’t pursue writing or find another job. She barely has time for herself, and she starts to question why she came to this city in the first place. She considers the meaning of money, of have/have not, and I liked her reflections on that topic.

As for equality, the most salient point is the heavy burden women bear in rearing children. Her views are based on solid evidence, watching the women in the families take on cleaning and changing diapers while the men do very little, even when both have jobs. In other matters of equality, it was enough for her to share the surprising lifestyles and expectations of the wealthy. Kiser’s style seems to rely too often on “tell, not show,” with a few blanket statements, but the book shines in the detail.

Good treatment of an interesting topic, mixed in with meaningful personal reflections. Absolutely recommended.

The title hooked me in. 100% as a mom of a toddler, I wanted to read this book.

The first part of the book also kept me hooked. Slowly, my interest wavered and even though I finished it, I found myself skimming many parts of the book.

I adore memoirs because they provide us with a perspective that we may not ordinarily have access to or even think about. This one had a lot of promise. How unique to have this perspective of a care giver to the wealthiest families.

But there wasn’t anything truly deep or riveting about this book. She told stories. They were easy to read and you don’t need to think about it much at all - making it perfect to read in the middle of the night when my toddler keeps waking up and needs to be rocked back to sleep.

Stephanie did have a moment (several times) where she acknowledged her whiteness and the privileges this gave her while nannying for uber folks. Was it an analysis? No. It wasn’t even her own awakening or her that noticed. Rather, the other nannies pointed out to her that the reason why one ultra rich mama would only talk to her was because of her whiteness while the rest of the nannies were women of colour. I don’t give Stephanie any credit for having this realization or brief awareness - it’s one that we should have anyway in our lives (that being said, it would have been absolutely terrible if she had not addressed her whiteness).

This isn’t a life changing read. It’s a comfy read. It’s light and amusing and frustrating and even infuriating. Some reviewers said they found the author to be whiny and self-pitying. I didn’t get that vibe exactly, I just read her as a young adult who was doing exactly what young adults do - make mistakes, live in the moment, find yourself.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Stephanie Kiser's memoir about becoming a nanny for some of the wealthiest families in New York is candid, funny, and unapologetic. The author highlights the significance of work-life balance while also coming to terms with the fact that sometimes you have to climb an uphill battle to find a job that brings you passion and feel worthy of.

I am a small-town girl and have always been fascinated by the fast pace of New York. Gossip Girl introduced me to the Upper East Side and the lavish lifestyles. So, when I read the synopsis, I had to pick up this book. Stephanie begins to detail her journey and how she ended up on a path to becoming a nanny for New York's elites. Like so many of us, it's easy to believe that after graduation finding a steady job with a good enough income can't possibly take that long. But the harsh reality is that a degree doesn't guarantee you a career in your set field. And because you have to pay rent and the bills you can't just sit around waiting for the perfect job to find you. So, Stephanie discovered the world of becoming a nanny. I was shocked at how well they pay, but as you read this memoir you begin to understand that money can't buy you approval and it can't buy you happiness.

Stephanie was completely new to nannying, but her degree was a big plus when it came down to getting hired by a family. Her first family was the perfect trial to make her believe that she could thrive in this career path. She was valued and got along with the children and family. But it came time to move on. Now that she could add this experience to her resume, higher offers should come in. This is where she began to really notice the differences between normal people and the super-wealthy. It was so easy to relate to her when she felt like nannying would make people judge her about her professional choices. She never wanted to be just seen as the help and she struggled with this especially when she would see interactions with her new employer and other nanny friends she made along the way. It's almost like because these wealthy families could pay a nanny, it gave them the right to boss people beyond normalcy and treat them with as much disrespect as they saw fit. And it became apparent how race was added into the equation. For example, she could drive the family cars to take children to play dates or even school, but a nanny of color had to jump through hoops just to be denied that same privilege. Sure the life of luxury impressed Stephanie like I'm sure it would do for most, but it takes a toll on you both physically and mentally. Her journey helped her realize that wanting to have a job that impresses people or that validates your status isn't worth it. And she totally understands that you have to pay the bills, but you have to value yourself to be valued.

I was so intrigued by Stephanie's experiences and seeing her perseverance. It was by no means easy for her either personally or professionally but she kept on even when quitting would have been easier. She learned to stand her ground and value her worth. Her experiences stood out and made me think how so many of us admire the rich and the famous, but if we lived in their world it would at least for me feel so draining because of the expectations and the constant feeling of having to keep up with the next best thing. I keep saying it but this book is so relatable because we all want to have a career that allows us to provide for ourselves and even our loved ones and how being treated with respect in the workplace is truly valuable. And it makes me have even greater respect for all the nanny's, caregivers, and assistants in the world.

This book was part memoir, part social commentary on the division of wealth in our country, and I thought it was all fascinating.

Stephanie Kiser grew up in a poor area of Rhode Island but made it out through her talent in basketball and a good (but costly) education. After an exciting move to New York City to begin living her dream as a television and film writer, Stephanie realized that she could not afford to take a low-paying entry-level job, live in New York, and pay off her student loans- unless, that is, she decided to nanny for the ultra-rich families of Manhattan.

I enjoyed reading about the crazy things Stephanie witnessed with the families she was around, but I especially enjoyed seeing her grow into herself and realize the most important things in life.

Thank you to NetGalley, Stephanie Kiser, and the publisher for this eARC.

I absolutely loved it! Super interesting story and the author has a great voice!

Thanks for the review copy.

I loved the contrast of the stories of Stephanie’s childhood compared to the lives of the children she cares for. Stephanie tackled important topics, such as socioeconomic status, work/family balance for women, and more.

Ebook received for free through NetGalley

An interesting read I’m glad I came across. Offers and interesting look at different lives and I enjoyed the perspective.

Stephanie Kiser’s *Wanted: Toddler's Personal Assistant* is a hilarious and heartfelt look into the whirlwind that is parenting, particularly when you’re navigating the toddler years. This debut novel is as chaotic and charming as the little ones it’s inspired by, offering a refreshing and relatable take on the everyday struggles and joys of raising a tiny human.

The story follows Kate, a frazzled but determined mom, who is trying to juggle her demanding job, a marriage that needs attention, and, most importantly, her high-energy toddler, Noah. As Kate finds herself constantly running on fumes—balancing playdates, work meetings, and the never-ending pile of laundry—she jokes that what she really needs is a personal assistant for her toddler. What follows is a humorous exploration of what happens when life’s demands become a bit too overwhelming, and the idea of outsourcing toddler duties seems less like a joke and more like a necessity.

Kiser’s writing is sharp and witty, capturing the essence of modern motherhood with both humor and honesty. Kate’s internal monologues are filled with dry humor and candid reflections that will resonate with any parent who’s ever felt like they’re one tantrum away from losing it. Whether it’s the absurdity of trying to negotiate with a toddler or the exhaustion of sleepless nights, Kiser portrays these moments with a warmth and authenticity that’s both comforting and hilarious.

The novel’s pacing is brisk, much like the life of a parent, with one chaotic event flowing into the next. Kiser does an excellent job of balancing the humor with more tender moments, particularly in Kate’s interactions with Noah. Despite the challenges, the deep bond between mother and child is evident in every scene, reminding readers that even in the most exhausting times, the love and joy of parenting are worth every sleepless night.

One of the strengths of *Wanted: Toddler's Personal Assistant* is its relatability. Kiser doesn’t shy away from the messiness of parenthood—the frustration, the guilt, the constant feeling of being pulled in multiple directions. But she also celebrates the small victories, the moments of pure joy that make it all worthwhile. This balance is what makes the book such a satisfying read; it’s not just about the laugh-out-loud moments (though there are plenty of those) but also about the quieter, more introspective parts of parenting that often go unspoken.

The supporting characters add depth and variety to the story, from Kate’s well-meaning but occasionally clueless husband, who is trying to be supportive in his own way, to her group of mom friends who provide a much-needed support system. Each character brings their own perspective on parenting, adding to the rich tapestry of experiences that Kiser explores.

While the novel is primarily a comedy, it also touches on the real struggles that come with being a working parent, particularly the challenges of maintaining one’s identity and relationships outside of motherhood. Kate’s journey is one of finding balance, learning to ask for help, and accepting that it’s okay to not have everything under control all the time.

*Wanted: Toddler's Personal Assistant* is a delightful read for anyone who has ever experienced the rollercoaster that is parenting a toddler. Stephanie Kiser has crafted a story that is both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching, capturing the highs and lows of parenthood with authenticity and heart. Whether you’re a parent, a soon-to-be parent, or just someone who enjoys a well-told, humorous story, this book is sure to entertain and resonate. It’s a reminder that, even on the toughest days, you’re not alone in the chaos—and sometimes, all you can do is laugh.

This book not only presents you with the reality of working as a nanny in the upper east side, but the clash of the very different upbringing the author had compared to the kids she cares after. The difference between classes is sometime inhumane and is rightfully described in this memoir. The patriarchy does not I applaud the fact the author, acknowledges she is, within the nannies, privileged, she gets treated differently because of the way she looks, because she is caucasian and educated.
Also this book includes the repercussion the pandemic had for the staff and caretakers of these households.
I expected funny stories about the kids and I got them, but sometimes the pace would seem to slow its pace whenever we got Stephanie's childhood stories, don't get me wrong, they are definetely important to show the differences and how her vision of the world is constructed but the placement just didn't do it for me.

Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down. Everyone loves to read about the life with the 1%. Kids dresses at $495, rooms filled with toys when the kids are never there. One has to begin to question if having every second of every day filled, is the answer to success in adulthood. There’s even a hierarchy in the nannies. Talk about a tough crowd. This book will make a great movie. Kiser made a great nanny. And some of her employers were not ruthless. When one has bills to pay, like student loans, an almost six-figure salary helps quite a bit. But does being a personal assistant to a toddler make it worth it. Either way you look at it, it makes for an entertaining read.

This was a very good read. Hard at times, because some parts hit very close to my own experience as a nanny, and all of the resentment about class that can build up from seeing small kids with better things than you'll likely ever have. I understand why some other commenters seem to feel like the book was not what was advertised, and that is a fair comment. However, for me this made the book better and deeper.
I like how critically she writes; not necessarily of the children or families she worked for, but of the system and the problems that plague both the lower and upper upper classes. Nobody really gets a pass, including the author herself, and I can appreciate that in a memoir.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.



Note to publisher: In addition to my review on Goodreads and my blog, I plan to include this book in my "best of summer" post on instagram @ireadwhateveriwant towards the end of August/beginning of September.

This book is an example of "art imitating life"...for a real story it reads like fiction, which keeps the reader turning the pages. It is an honest account of a young woman caught up in the same situation that many recent college graduates find themselves in--a lot of debt and not enough high-paying jobs. fortunately she had the skills (or was nimble enough to develop them) to be a nanny. Although the job seemed never ending, it did provide her with a salary for her to subsist on and as she writes the reader realizes that she was gifted with more than just money. The two major families in her professional nanny life provided her with the love of children, the respect of her employers, and as it turned out, stories to write a book. She is brutally honest in the contrast of her life in Providence RI with those of her families, but also pointing out the similarities. This is the story of mega wealth and its excesses, but pointing out the goodness of the two families that she was lucky enough to choose to bring into her life and some of the unfairness (especially during covid) of other families and fellow nannies. It is a story of friendship of two unlikely girls who through thick and thin (eventually) find the value and acceptance of each other. If you want to see how the 1% live this would provide a great read. (I wish that in 20 years Ms. Kiser would write a follow up on what happened to the children in her care to see how they are coping with real life.)