Nanny Returns

Susan Bennett slips naturally into the role of Nan in this sequel to The Nanny Diaries . Nan, a former nanny, has been drawn back into the problematic life of her now teenage charge, Grayer, while simultaneously juggling a stressful job, a more stressful home renovation, and a faraway husband. Bennett perfectly conveys Nan’s determination to do everything right and fix everyone’s lives—and her consequent anxiety and guilt. Bennett creates a variety of believable characters from Hispanic maids to upper-class socialites, but some of her voices within the same category aren’t as clearly defined: for example, Mrs. X’s shallow socialite friends tend to blur together. Overall, however, Bennett’s narration is excellent: she draws the listener into the story, revealing the characters’ emotions and flaws and keeping the pacing brisk and entertaining. An Atria hardcover (Reviews, Oct. 5). (Dec.)