I just finished reading Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her by Melanie Rehak. When I was young, I was a big fan of girl sleuth series (although, I always thought I was more of a Trixie Belden girl myself). I have to say that I’m pretty impressed. This book traces the history of the character of Nancy Drew and all those who were behind the books. I always thought that Harriet Stratemeyer was really Carolyn Keene, but Rehak’s research proved me wrong. Stratemeyer was actually responsible for about half of the original series. Rehak also talked about the editing of the series throughout the decades, providing examples of book cover changes and excerpts. It was a fascinating look at the series and women’s history.
So…I start back to school at the end of the week. Where did the summer go? I’ve been swamped the last week or so finishing off poems, putting another chapbook manuscript together, trying to work on two book reviews. I just placed some preorders on new poetry books coming out this fall — I really shouldn’t be buying any more books. I ordered a big pile of books in June and I haven’t yet worked my way through that pile. But hey — who can resist new books by Kelli Russell Agodon, Jake Adam York and Barbara Jane Reyes?
The Scrapper Poet 
Kristin Berkey-Abbott Said:
on August 18, 2010 at 9:25 am
I was a Trixie Beldon fan. No, a snob was more like it. I was convinced that the Trixie Beldon series was far superior to any other.
Sandy Longhorn Said:
on August 18, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Yay for Trixie Beldon! Yay for buying more books than we have time to read (as long as we can afford it)!
Good luck with the new school year.
Karen Said:
on August 18, 2010 at 10:10 pm
It’s funny that there’s so much written about Nancy Drew, but not so much about the other girl sleuths. (Bobbie Ann Mason did a good job with exploring different girl detectives in The Girl Sleuth). I think I liked Trixie better because she was more tomboyish and real — more like I was!