Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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136 of 138 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great books, great role model for girls, May 6, 2005
Every girl in America can benefit from reading Nancy Drew mysteries. Unlike a lot of books out there today that are questionable for young girls or have promiscuous elements, Nancy Drew is wholesome fun.
This starter set is an excellent value for anyone who would like to introduce a girl to Nancy Drew. The Secret of the Old Clock is the first book in the series, and it does a nice job of introducing the character and giving us a glimpse into her adventurous spirit. The second book, Hidden Staircase, is perhaps my favorite Nancy Drew book of all time as it has all the great elements of a mystery, complete with a creepy old mansion.
Nancy started solving mysteries back in 1929 when she was 16. Within a few years, she had turned 18, the age at which she would remain for the duration of the series. But Nancy was a mature 18, very smart, self-possessed, shrewd, and unafraid. And I like that about her.
Nancy was definitely middle class (probably more like upper middle class), living in a big brick home set back from the road in the swanky part of River Heights, state unknown. She lived with her dad, Carson Drew, a prominent attorney, and Hannah, their housekeeper. That middle class stability gave Nancy the freedom she needed to do her own thing. And she took full advantage of it. She had her own blue convertible roadster, which was probably a big deal back in the 1930s for a girl her age. She had her own money, but no paying job; a credit card; and lots of opportunities most folks can only dream of, such as flying lessons and trips around the world (which she invited her friends along to boot). She also had a boyfriend, Ned Nickerson, who was a popular football player at Emerson University, state unknown.
There was no funny business between Nancy and Ned. Instead, Nancy called on him when she needed his brawn, a lookout or perhaps a ride after escaping from a moss-covered mansion. And Ned was always quick to oblige. He didn't begrudge her the adventure and excitement. Maybe he was ahead of his time too.
Each Nancy Drew book generally finds Nancy working on two seemingly unrelated mysteries, only to discover that the two are very much connected. Whether it's in a haunted castle or at a dude ranch, Nancy's primary goal is to help out the innocent, bring missing family members back together, recover a priceless treasure for someone on the skids and/or reveal the true identity of an impostor or villain. She is a beneficial presence.
Nancy's friends, family and hobbies were her life. She helped people, hung out with her friends and spent time with Ned when it suited her. Although wise beyond her years, Nancy did turn to her father for advice now and then, but he was smart enough not to cramp her style.
Nancy is a strong, positive role model for young girls.
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69 of 73 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great reading for young girls!, August 9, 2004
I disagree with the reviewer who complains of stereotypes and dumb stories in these books. Like that reviewer, English is my second language (I learned it when I was 10 years old). I've been an avid reader from age 3, having read everything from Vanity Fair magazine to comic books to Twain, H.R. Wells, Stevenson, Dickens, you name it... to Nancy Drew. The Nancy Drew mystery stories gave me a lot of joy when I was in 5th and 6th grade, and even now that I have a serious job in a law office. I highly recommend Nancy Drew! The early books may be outdated, yes, but any preteen is smart enough to realize that (they were outdated when I first read them too and we all knew that). What is refreshing about them is that they are plain detective stories, not about sex, not about vulgarity, not about violence. They are Agatha Christie stories for the younger crowd. They are well written and easy to understand, but not dumb. Proof is they are still around after 70 years.
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30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great for kids to read by themselves, September 15, 2004
I normally preview all the books that my 8 year old reads but I confess I have not read every single Nancy Drew book she has been reading. Reason? I feel pretty comfortable that the Nancy Drew series do not contain some outrageously inappropriate material for 8 year olds. Sure, Nancy Drew is not comparable to Dickens or Twain, but they make a fun light read for children. I am particularly relieved because for a while, my child would not read anything except the Harry Potter series (which she has read numerous times). Then she accidentally started on the Nancy Drew series and was finally able to put down the HP books, for once! No offense, Ms. Rowling -- we LOVE your books but I just thought that she should be also reading something else, at least for a while :). In short, you may want to consider the Nancy Drew series if you are looking for some clean, fun, reading for your children. For the reviewer who is concerned about the "dumbing" down of our children, bear in mind that there are also many intellectually challenging books out there to supplement you child's diverse reading list.
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