Suzanne A. (suzieqzie) reviewed Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her on + 20 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
An interesting look at the history of the authors of Nancy Drew and the culture of her followers. A bit slow at first, then picks up toward the middle. An easy read for a Nancy Drew fan and anyone interested in real women authors' early opportunities.
Diana M. (booklady4) -
Helpful Score: 2
A fantastic, thoroughly-written history of the creation and persistence of everyone's favorite female detective. A must-read for ND fans.
Deborah S. (debstoiber) reviewed Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A well researched look at the authors behind the original Nancy Drew novels dating from the 1930's to the 1970's. This book gives insight as to how the characters were created (including Bess, George, and Ned) and why the Nancy Drew series is still a beloved classic for young adults.
The novel also gives insight as to why the publishers decided to re-write the novels in the late 1950's and 1960's.
There is also mention of the other children's serial novels written by Syndicate and the fight of the company owner's to keep all the ghostwriters anonymous.
The only recommendation I would have to improve the book would be to list all the original novels in a summary at the end, with perhaps who was comissioned to write the basic novel (and original outline). If you have not read the Nancy Drew books in a while, it may be a bit confusing to remember all 50+ titles and the order in which they were published.
The novel also gives insight as to why the publishers decided to re-write the novels in the late 1950's and 1960's.
There is also mention of the other children's serial novels written by Syndicate and the fight of the company owner's to keep all the ghostwriters anonymous.
The only recommendation I would have to improve the book would be to list all the original novels in a summary at the end, with perhaps who was comissioned to write the basic novel (and original outline). If you have not read the Nancy Drew books in a while, it may be a bit confusing to remember all 50+ titles and the order in which they were published.
Shirley P. (booknookchick) reviewed Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her on + 117 more book reviews
I enjoy the writing styles of non-fiction writers like Hampton Sides and Erik Larson, and the author of Girl Sleuth does not disappoint.
Following the timeline of when and how the character of Nancy Drew was created and became the endurable icon she has, readers will learn about the lives of the women who became the publisher and ghostwriter for the Drew series.
An added plus was the background of what was expected of women in society throughout the decades and their struggle for equality.
Following the timeline of when and how the character of Nancy Drew was created and became the endurable icon she has, readers will learn about the lives of the women who became the publisher and ghostwriter for the Drew series.
An added plus was the background of what was expected of women in society throughout the decades and their struggle for equality.
Bren V. (BrenVid) reviewed Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her on + 10 more book reviews
Although the first books of her were unusual for a "girl" to be solving mysteries... the later on Nancy Drews were so fitting to today's girls..
I love the books growing up... so did my kids.... what a great history ..
I love the books growing up... so did my kids.... what a great history ..
Suzanne B. (suzbeard) reviewed Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her on + 87 more book reviews
Read the first five chapters. Kind of interesting to see how people lived back then, but did not hold my interest too long because it became boring and droned on.
