When was the last time you read a Nancy Drew Mystery novel? May is Nancy Drew Month and in honor of her 85th birthday, I reread #1 The Secret of the Old Clock which was first published in 1930.
I credit Nancy Drew for my love of reading. When I was a girl, libraries did not put Nancy Drew mysteries on the shelves. I’m not sure why but I used my allowance and babysitting money to purchase the books. I spent many nights reading under the covers with my flashlight. And, when I became a children’s librarian, I made sure to keep the shelves stocked with Nancy.
What is it about Nancy Drew? Most of my friends have fond memories of reading Nancy Drew mysteries and of living vicariously through her adventures. The books are filled with clues, secrets, and messages. I love the vocabulary. Have you used one of these words or phrases lately?
- beyond the scope
- decipher
- sleuth
- culprit
- villain
- excursion
- wafting
- embark
- chum
- something’s afoot
I’m a bit late to the Nancy Drew celebration but it’s not too late to join the fun. Rebecca Flansburg at Frantic Mommy shared her collection of Nancy Drew books and Valerie at Jump Into a Book is encouraging Nancy Drew fans to share photos of their favorite Nancy Drew Books on twitter, Facebook, and Instagram with the hashtag #DrewToYou.
At one time I had two complete sets of Nancy Drew books – the originals from the 1930’s and the editions from the 1960’s. Unfortunately, my mother gave them away while I was at college. (This has created hoarding tendencies with my own children’s books and toys but that’s another story). I am in the process of collecting these editions again.
I did a bit of online sleuthing and discovered the Nancy Drew Sleuths which is an organization which fosters the legacy of Nancy Drew. I am proud to say that I am their newest member! They actually hold conventions which are held in different locations based on the featured book of the year. One is being held in Toledo, Ohio this weekend where Mildred Wirt Benson wrote books 1-7 and 11-25 in the Nancy Drew series under the infamous pen name, Carolyn Keene. The Toledo Library is being honored as a literary landmark. You can read about it here. Nancy Drew has been updated over the years and the racial stereotypes have been removed. I am going to read and compare the old with the new versions to see how a series changes and adapts to specific times.
Did you read Nancy Drew mysteries when you were young? Did you save your copies?
Do you have a favorite?
Why do you think that Nancy Drew has lasted for 85 years?
If you are interested in learning more about the Nancy Drew series you might enjoy:
Girl Sleuth – Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her by Melanie Rehak (Harcourt Books)
The Lost Files of Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keen (Grosset and Dunlap) (interesting stories and memorabilia about the Nancy Drew series).
The Nancy Drew Cookbook – Clues to Good Cooking by Carolyn Keene (Grosset and Dunlap)
If you have a collection of Nancy Drew books, post them in Instagram, Facebook, or twitter with #DrewToYou.
A nice tribute to a writer who can be credited for triggering many readers’ love for reading.
I read Nancy Drew in French, although she was not Nancy but Alice. The stories were the same (I checked years later in the USA) but a few details had been modified to fit a French readership. Nevertheless the books were also among my favorites when I was a little girl who read voracioulsy.
Carolyn Keen has certainly also inspired many writers in terms of creating series to maintain a loyal readership.
Although the stories have a vintage feel, Nancy’s independent and curious mind can still speak to contemporary girls.
Thanks for listing other books about her, too.
Hi Evelyne,
Thanks for sharing your views from the perspective of a French girl. I wonder why they changed Nancy’s name to Alice instead of something more similar like Nanette? Did your daughters read them?
Claire, you are truly a kindred spirit. When I began writing for children I searched out Nancy Drew to get an idea of why she has managed to stay alive for so long. I prefer the 1960 editions (She did just fine without any romance and stereotype worries.) My collection also disappeared and my mother maintains her innocence. I still suspect that she sold them at a yard sale. My favorite is the Hidden Staircase. Thanks for the fun post today.
Hi Trine,
It is interesting to read the books after so many years. They begin with action and each chapter ends with a cliff hanger so I still feel compelled to read on.I also like the sixties versions. I wonder how popular these books are with today’s young readers who have so many more choices?
I adored Nancy Drew. My books (I had my own yellow set and my Mom’s blue set) were, alas, lost in some more of my parents. I remain sad, but have only replaced the first six. We’ll see if my daughter likes them when she’s a bit older.
Hi Jen, Only one of my three daughters became a Nancy Drew fan. The others were more interested in fantasy than mystery. I’ve been picking up copies at used book stores and yard sales. It will be interesting to see if your daughter likes the series. There are updated revisions, computer games, graphic novels and more. I’m going to check them out and see how the new compares with the old. Thanks for stopping by!
Weren’t those wonderful moments when you were in one of her novels? I should look at them again to see if they stand the test of time. So glad you posted about Nancy Drew.
I spent many hours immersed in Nancy Drew books. I choose to read mysteries which I know comes from my Nancy Drew days.
Weird that they didn’t shelve Nancy Drew books, but I don’t know if my library did or not. My brothers had a few Hardy Boys that I sorta read, don’t think I read Nancy until later, and then only a few. I know I didn’t buy any, but think I read a few either from the library or from a friends loan who loved to read. I was too active as a kid to want to sit still long enough to read a book. What a shame your Mom tossed yours. Living in Ohio, it’s a shame the Toledo Library Story was promoted. Happy Belated Nancy Drew Month.
Hi Sandy, I’m not sure if all libraries didn’t shelve Nancy Drew books or just my local library. I think the librarians didn’t think series fiction was real literature. The original author lived in Ohio and set the books there. I think the Toledo Library has an extensive collection now and the first editions which is why they were being honored. If you get to Toledo you should go check it out and let me know what’s there.
I used to love the Nancy Drew books when I was a kid 🙂 This post has brought back some great memories 🙂
Popping by on the A to Z Road Trip
Debbie
http://www.myrandommusings.blogspot.com
Hi Debbie,
Nancy Drew set in motion my life long love of reading mysteries. Thanks for stopping by!