Reading Post #32: On Nancy Drew

[desertvixen]

So, I got my hands on two of the ten Nancy Drew Originals that Applewood Books has published. Applewood (http://www.awb.com/catalog/default.php) dubs themselves "Publishers of America's Living Past", and their products are a touch pricy, but interesting.  For anyone who wasn't aware, the originals were revised and updated in 1959 to make them more appealing to newer readers, and to get rid of some of the overtly racist/sexist/classist language in the originals.  The cover art was also changed in many cases.

I got my 2 from Amazon, where they cost a little less. I have another one ordered and on the way to me. 

The Mystery at Lilac Inn (#4) and The Secret of Shadow Ranch (#5) were the two I went with.  Now, Shadow Ranch was always a favorite of mine, and Lilac Inn wasn't too bad.  They are TOTALLY different mysteries.

 And I hate to say it, but... I'm glad they revised Nancy.  Because in these books, she's annoying.  'Stuck-up' doesn't quite cover it, but there's a definite something about her I don't like.  I did have a good time laughing about Nancy trying to get help, and assuming the bad guys MUST come from a poorer element.

 I have read most of them now, but even the "yellow spine" Nancy Drews (from 1959 on) aren't really my Nancy Drew.  A lot of them are really enjoyable, including the one where it seems like the word "gay" is used at least twice every chapter.  I know what was originally intended, but it's still hilarious to hear Nancy, Bess, and George talking about a "gay sightseeing tour".

My Nancy Drew, however, is the Nancy Drew of the Nancy Drew Files and the SuperMysteries.  Yes, the updates for the 1980s and 1990s.  Not that they were necessarily any more realistic - Nancy still drives the Mustang and doesn't have a paying job, and some of the clothing choices are painful to read now.

 Still, my Nancy Drew was the one who wore jeans and bikinis, who had some self-defense knowledge besides hoping Ned would show up in time, and yes, the Nancy Drew who got to kiss Frank Hardy.  The SuperMysteries are STILL fun to read now, and I'd like to thank Amazon and Bookman's in Tucson, AZ for helping me get my collection back.

 There will probably be more updates of Nancy Drew, for my daughter, and hopefully for her daughter.  Nancy may be a Mary Sue, but it's still fun to hop in the Mustang and go for a ride.

 Especially if the Hardys are along for the ride.  Their older versions aren't as great, probably because they were aimed at boys to the extent of sacrificing action for plot, but the modern ones aren't bad.

 DV

Comments

[kishiriadgr.livejournal.com]

I read the yellow spine Nancy Drew as a kid. Unfortunately, I barely remember them. I do remember that they were sold in just about every grocery store, and I do miss one thing I took for granted: hardcover kids books sold for cheap.

I also read The Hardy Boys. However, more than those I liked a series called The Three Investigators that I don't know if anyone else remembers now. IIRC they had some crossover with Alfred Hitchcock. Hm...I wonder if Wikipedia knows....

[desert-vixen.livejournal.com]

Some of the Nancy Drews are pretty forgettable.

I can't wait until MV can READ. Like, not little board books, but actual books. It's going to be fun.

DV

[kishiriadgr.livejournal.com]

Ah-hah! Enter "Three Investigators" on Wikipedia and there's an article! I identified with "Bob", the researcher. They worked out of a trailer in a junkyard, accessed by tunnels. They solved seemingly supernatural mysters. They were like an all-male Scooby Doo team, minus the stoners.

[filkferengi]

The better books in the series were written by Robert M. Arthur, who also did some Alfred Hitchcock collections & humorous ghost stories.

[lyssie.livejournal.com]

I... grew up reading them, but I don't remember anything about them, anymore. Sad.

[desert-vixen.livejournal.com]

I'm still working on my ND/HB fic. This third part should be the end, and then I shall unleash it.

DV