I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The cover and the plot synopsis (young woman becomes nanny for upper class family and somehow finds herself) led me to think this would fit squarely in the chick lit category, a genre which I am not too fond of. However, it ended up being a well-written and compelling immigrant story. I liked that Grace, the protagonist, was from Trinidad as I have not read very many, if any, stories about immigrants from this area and their unique experiences. I did have a few quibbles with the book. I would have liked Grace to be a stronger character who didn't just go with the flow and let life happen to her. On the other hand, maybe her characterization was a realistic portrayal of someone of her age (barely 18) and station (immigrant literally dependent on others for her survival). I also thought the ending was a little too neat and tidy. Overall though, this is a book worth reading if only to see the world through a new and fresh set of eyes. Started out enjoying this book about a young girl who leaves Trinidad and comes to New York, ending up as a nanny. I liked how it was gentler than "The Nanny Diaries" which was so mean spirited. But then I kept waiting for something to happen and finally began to wonder why she even wrote the book. Nothing much happens. I stopped on page 250 of 334 because I had other things I wanted to read so much more, I just didn't care to go on.Mary Jones in book club agreed with me, but the others enjoyed it more than we did.She also often writes in a vernacular which is REALLY DIFFICULT to understand. And I usually don't mind those things. I also thought some things were wildly unrealistic, such as the time she's out clubbing, dressed really sexy and ready to go, but her date puts on the brakes when he finds out she's a virgin and he wants her first time to be special. Really? I mean c'mon. I think the guy is even married, so what else was he going out for?Okay so I finished it. Nothing special.
What do You think about Minding Ben (2011)?
Really nice story. I never thought of the lives of the "childen minders"...aka nannies.
—maddy
Sounded much better when I was reading the book jacket than it actually was.
—DolphinO
could not get on the same page with the narrator perhaps another day
—nickiewick
Good book, but kind of an abrupt ending.
—mitchdely
