Like many of us, I tend to be drawn to books that seem to have strong parallels to my own life.
That’s what made me pick up All the Time in the World by Caroline Angell.
First of all, it takes place on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where I live. Secondly, the protagonist is a full-time nanny who isn’t quite sure what her next step will be. I’ve been babysitting since I was in middle school, and I did a lot of it when I graduated college and juggled other part-time jobs. Last year, I even had the opportunity to become a full-time nanny in NYC—an offer that was extremely hard to refuse.
The main character in the novel, Charlotte, has lucked out with the family she nannies for. They’re not like the horror stories you read about—they’re extremely wealthy, yes, but they treat her like a member of the family. She’s content to continue on this path despite having dreams of pursuing a music career in the back of her mind. She figures she has, well, all the time in the world.
Then, a tragic accident changes the course of both her life and the family’s.
Charlotte must decide between continuing on and adapting to the changes, or taking this as a sign to get back on track with the “real career” her peers try to convince her is the right move.
All the Time in the World features a unique blend of humor and heartbreak. Despite the million-dollar penthouse on the UES and the preschool tuition that rivals most colleges, the novel is strikingly relatable in many ways.
If you’re looking for a book that holds more meaning than a typical “beach read” but is just as satisfying, you’ve come to the right place.
Happy reading!
Colorfully Yours,
Haley
