Why Nancy Drew Rocks!

Today, please welcome Tamara from Traveling with T. Tamar's here to talk about Nancy Drew, the original mystery gal.

Holy throwback post, Batman! Nancy Drew- is there a gal on Earth who does not know who Nancy Drew is? (I sincerely hope not!) Here’s the thing about good ole Nancy- mystery solver extraordinaire- she spoke to girls. She was a role model. And considering that Nancy has been around since the 30’s- well, that speaks volumes right there. Girls need books where a gal uses her smarts to solve a mystery- where she follows the clues and makes sense of them.

How did I begin reading Nancy Drew? Well, readers sit back and let’s talk: It was the summer of 1988 and my mom went to the library in search of some books for me (I had not met the BabySitters Club books yet!) Seeing a Nancy Drew book, she picked it up for me- remembering how much she dearly loved Nancy back in the day. A week later, when she told me she was going to library to return her books and needed my Nancy Drew back- I threw myself down on the bed and hollered ‘How am I going to solve the mystery now?” Luckily for me, my mom simply re-checked the book out and all was good again.

My real love affair with Nancy Drew came in the winter of 1989. Santa dropped off a set of Nancy Drew Case Files (1-5) and boy, was I hooked. This Nancy was more modern (my momma hadn’t read those stories so I felt infinitely cooler!) The Nancy in the Case Files drove a Mustang, had fashion sense out the wazoo, and just screamed sophistication to my 9 year old mind. The mysteries were edgier, there was romance (might we trace my love for a good ole romantic suspense storyline back to Nancy Drew Case Files?) Basically, this was a Nancy for my generation.

Why did I love Nancy so much? Part of it was the fact that she was smart AND had a boyfriend. I was getting to that tender age where I was beginning to see that boys didn’t like smart girls- and Nancy was proof that they did. She was pretty. She had unmistakable hair- her hair in the Case Files was always a mention. But mainly I loved her for the sense of adventure I felt when reading. For sharpening my case-solving skills.

For me, October is the perfect time to read a mystery. The spooky-atmosphere makes sitting down with a mystery very appealing. Might I suggest sitting down with some classic Nancy Drew and doing some nostalgia reading? Or perhaps introducing another generation to the fabulousness that is Nancy Drew- the original mystery gal?

Featuring Stephanie of Cover2CoverBlog

Today please welcome Stephanie, 

who blogs at Cover2CoverBlog.

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What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?

Well it is super simple, because I am horribly uncreative with names. Reading a book cover to cover, front to back. My husband helped me pick it out. I really like it and think it is to the point and easy.

How long have you been blogging?

I have been a blogger for a little over 2 years, but it feels like forever. It really does take over your life (in a good way).

Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?

I tend to really enjoy the Young Adult and Middle Grade genres, and I know there are a lot of us out there but I just hope that my honesty in my reviews keeps it unique. On some very rare occasions I also have my younger sister (now 13) write reviews as well. I have a lot of younger siblings and cousins, so sharing books and reading is my passion.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

Young Adult and Middle Grade, they keep me low-stress. I work 40 hours and run my blog too, so when I read I like it to be on the lighter side and something I can bring to work to read at lunch ... so no raunchy covers...

I love YA for the drama and pseudo-romance themes and enjoy the MG adventure for the witty ways to get kids to read. I love both for the world-building that allows me to escape into other places from the comfort of my couch. 

What's your earliest memory of reading?

Oh wow! Great question. I remember a lot of them, so I am not sure which is my earliest... but I was a horrible reader in Elementary school so they had me in a special reading program that paired the younger kids up with the 5-6th graders to help up. My mentor was a girl who was awesome and she helped me learn to read without me feeling dumb. When our tutoring sessions ended she gave me a copy of The Polar Express. To this day it is still one of my favorite books and when they made the movie in 2004 I (embarrassingly enough) cried through most of it over the memory of the book and how much it has impacted my life.

What was the first book you read over and over, or the book you've reread the most?

I am really not the type to re-read books, there are just too many to get to even once! But I have re-read The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and the Harry Potter books.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Depends on the book!

For school books --I say go for it if you can, I kept lots of notes in my college books plus post its and highlighting. They can really be helpful for studying

In my 'for fun' reading books -- only if it is an authors signature :) For my review books if I want to note something I write it down in a notebook or type it up for my review later.

What's your favorite place to read?

I have a few, most of the time it is on my couch with blankets and with my dog and my cat piled on top of me. I am also a fan of a good bubble bath and a good book - so relaxing.

Do you have any reading accessories you can't do without?

My iPad (does that count?). I use it to read. I have apps for reading all over it, plus Goodreads and Audible in case I need them to look things up. I also have my TBR list in Evernote on it to update as I read things. 

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

a mess! I don't have enough shelves so they are stacked and double-stacked and I have piles all over. 

My TBR pile is...

Neverending. I am trying to be better though.

What's a book that's changed your life?

Hard Love by Ellen Wittlinger, I read it as a teen and it was wonderful – it is about unrequited love and sexual awkwardness. It really had an impact and I still think it is one of the best YA books I have ever read. Highly recommend it!

One book you like that no one else seems to, or vice versa?

Most recently, Weather Witch by Shannon Daleny. I was not a fan but a lot of the bloggers I follow seemed to really like it. 

To DNF or not to DNF?

When I began blogging and even as a reader, I would never DNF a book or a series for that matter. I always finished them even if I hated the next book or chapter.

Recently I have allowed myself to DNF a few books (Weather Witch included) because I could not get through them - it was painful, and reading should be enjoyable. 

What's one book that intimidates you?

Easy! A Game of Thrones and the A Song of Ice and Fire books. My husband, who is a proclaimed non-reader, has actually read them and loves them (funny because he hates reading). They scare the crap outta me, they are huge and have a huge following and I can't bring myself to read them (...yet).

What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)

I got: The All-Rounder

Your responses showed you fitting equally into all four reading personalities:

Involved Reader: You don't just love to read books, you love to read about books. For you, half the fun of reading is the thrill of the chase - discovering new books and authors, and discussing your finds with others.
Exacting Reader: You love books but you rarely have as much time to read as you'd like - so you're very particular about the books you choose.
Serial Reader: Once you discover a favorite writer you tend to stick with him/her through thick and thin.
Eclectic Reader: You read for entertainment but also to expand your mind. You're open to new ideas and new writers, and are not wedded to a particular genre or limited range of authors. 

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Thank you for joining us today, Stephanie! 

Remember to check out Stephanie's blog, Cover2CoverBlog, 

and leave a comment or question.

Featuring: MaryAnn and Gabby from Chapter By Chapter

Today we want to welcome MaryAnn and Gabby, a mother-daughter team, who blog at Chapter by Chapter.


How long have you been blogging?
We have been blogging for almost 3 years. We started September of 2011.


Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?
We are a mother and daughter blogging duo. Sometimes, you will find a dual review of the same book where we both provide our own thoughts about the title. Depending on the book that is being reviewed, you will get the thoughts of either a teen or an adult.


What's your earliest memory of reading?
MaryAnn: My earliest memory was back in elementary school (I want to say Grade 3). I was reading a book (I can't remember what it was) under my desk while the teacher was talking up front by the chalkboard. She busted me, came to my desk, grabbed my book and threw it against the chalkboard and I had to put my head down for the rest of the class. I've run into people that were in my class that day, and they STILL remember that happening. 

Gabby: My earliest memory was when I was in Grade 4 and my mom's box set of Twilight was so intriguing. I decided to read the series and read them in a matter of days. That's what actually got me hooked on reading!


What's your favorite place to read?
MaryAnn: In my bad surrounded by pillows and my blanket.

Gabby: My bed because it's really comfy...you know...warm.


Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...
MaryAnn: hella full...

Gabby: FULL!

My TBR pile is...
MaryAnn: Ever growing...

Gabby: Big...

To DNF or not to DNF?
MaryAnn: Def. DNF. Why suffer through something that you can't finish...

Gabby: To DNF because sometimes you just can't do it!


If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?
MaryAnn: BEA because I seriously need to experience it!

Gabby: BEA because it sounds awesome!


How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?
MaryAnn: I play the piano

Gabby: I write


What is your reading personality? (via quiz at http://www.bookbrowse.com/quiz/)
MaryAnn: The All-Rounder

Gabby: The Exacting Eclectic Reader


Thank you for joining us today, ladies! Remember to check out MaryAnn and Gabby's blog, Chapter by Chapter, and leave a comment or question for them!

Featuring Mark Baker of Carstairs Considers

Today please welcome Mark Baker, 

who blogs at Carstairs Considers.

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What's the meaning behind the name of your book blog?

Carstairs is my user name just about anywhere. It comes from a book. In the Mrs. Pollifax series of novels, Carstairs is her boss at the CIA.

Considers? Well, I've considered what I'm blogging about and giving you my thoughts.

And as much as I'd love to say I came up with the name for my blog, a friend actually suggested it. I'm bad at coming up with names.

How long have you been blogging?

Carstairs Considers started in early 2013, however, I have a personal blog I've been keeping up since 2002 so I'm not new to the blogging game. Additionally, when I started this blog, I posted a backlog of reviews from elsewhere on the web dating back almost that long. So while the blog is new, it represents many years of work.

Tell us a bit about your book blog. What makes it unique?

When I started writing reviews, it was at Amazon back in 2001. I started because I've always loved sharing what I was enjoying with others, and this was a natural outlet. That quickly turned to other things, including movies, TV on DVD, and music.

So my blog reflects that. Yes, I blog about books. But I also recap a few TV shows, review movies I've watched, and the latest Christian music I'm enjoying. When I started collecting Hallmark ornaments, I started reviewing those, too. Basically, anything that catches my interest enough to review might pop up on the blog.

What genres do you write about most, and why?

First and foremost, I read for fun. My blogging and reviewing comes from a passion for what I am reading. Mystery is my genre of choice, and you'll find mostly cozy mysteries on my blog. I'm also rediscovering my love of Middle Grade books of many genres. Whether it's books I read as a kid or new books today, I'll sneak some of those in.

I don't stick with those two genres exclusively, but they represent the majority of what I review.

What's your earliest memory of reading?

Being read to as a kid before I could even read. Then again being read to in school. Somehow, that turned into a reader who checked out way too many books from the library each week and had to return many of them unread. I still have the same problem except I buy the books now.

What was the first book you read over and over, or the book you've reread the most?

The first book I read over and over was Little Pilgrims Progress. I'd finish the book and immediately flip back to page one and start over again. That must have been second grade or early third grade because it stopped when I found Narnia in third grade.

I really should go back and reread Little Pilgrims Progress again.

Writing in books: Yes or hell to the no?

Deface a book? I'll pretend you didn't ask that.

What's your favorite place to read?

In my car. No, not while I'm driving. But I seem to do the majority of my reading on my lunch hour. I go out to my car and read until it's time to go back to work.

Do you have any reading accessories you can't do without?

I have a book mark that must be close to thirty years old. It's falling apart, but I can't bear to replace it. It's like an old friend, and reading without it just feels wrong.

Finish the sentence: My bookshelves are...

not nearly big enough.

My TBR pile is...

Pile? Pile? I have my own TBR mountain range.

What's a book that's changed your life?

The Trixie Belden Mystery series, but not in the way you'd expect. I'm part of a couple of on-line communities for this series (think Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew). We've spent so much time together virtually and occasionally in real life that these people are good friends. I can't imagine my life without them in it, which is neat since one thing that drew many of us to the series in the first place is the friendships between the characters.

To DNF or not to DNF?

I have to finish what I start. If I'm hating it, that just means I get to write a negative review, which I find helps me recharge my reviewing batteries every so often.

What's one book that intimidates you?

300 to 350 pages seems to be my sweet spot, so books much over that intimidate me.

If you could go to any literary destination, where would you go?

Narnia or Sleepyside on the Hudson, New York. And yes, they are both real places. I've spent too many happy hours reading about them for it to be otherwise.

How about non-book related hobbies? What do you do when you don't feel like reading?

I do watch too many movies and way too much TV. I also play ultimate Frisbee and do mud runs - an activity I discovered thanks to an author.

What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

I was really impressed with the recent version of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It did a perfect job of capturing the book while adding some things to make the story work as a movie.

What are 3 of your must-read blogs?

Lesa's Book Critiques 
Reading to Know 
Jungle Read Writers 

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Thank you for joining us today, Mark! 

Remember to check out Mark's blog, Carstairs Considers, 

and leave a comment or question.

Danielle of There's A Book

Please welcome Danielle, who blogs at There's a Book. Danielle''s blog is known for her outstanding children's book reviews, featuring star reviewers Turkeybird and Littlebug!

NAME OF MY BOOK BLOG(S): 
There’s A Book. I’m also a co-founder of both Armchair BEA and Brazen Reads. 

I HAVE BEEN BLOGGING SINCE: 
My book blog started back in September 2009, but I’ve been blogging elsewhere for years. 

GENRES COVERED MOST ON MY BLOG: 
I primarily review children’s books from picture books through middle grade and young adult, but I’ve been known to review a parenting book here & there. My picture book reviews are also done with a short review from one of my two kiddos who read the book as well. 

MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF READING: 
My first real bookish love was for the book Socks by Beverly Cleary. I’ve read it more times than I can remember and when I was about nine it went everywhere with me. My favorite place to read Socks was actually in the car on weekend car rides my dad insisted we go on. I loved it! 

FIRST BOOK I READ OVER AND OVER: 
This would definitely be Socks again. Like I said, I honestly can’t remember how many times I read it, I adored that kitty so much. 

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO READ: 
Anywhere quiet if I’m reading by myself, which doesn’t happen all that often because usually I am reading with two kiddos on my lap or next to me. That would be my favorite place to read, picture books of course. When I’m reading alone it’s usually on my comfy couch or in bed. 

MY MUST-HAVE READING ACCESSORIES: 
My book light (because I usually read late into the night) and if I’m reading during the day I have to have chocolate. I know! I am one of those people who eats while reading. I’m careful though! 

MY BOOKSHELVES ARE: 
Mostly taken over by picture books, which is just fine with me. I’ve got one large tall book case in my living room that has three full shelves of picture books with the top two shelves filled with my signed books (some pbs, but mostly YA and adult fiction). In my bedroom though I have two large bookshelves for review books that I’ve separated by release dates and genres because I try to be organized even if it doesn’t always work. 

MY TBR LIST/PILE IS: 
Out of control. Really. My husband’s favorite thing to tell me is that he’d like to build an addition to our house out of all the books I own, not for, but out of them. What can I say? I love to read and you can never have enough books to pick up at any moment. 

A BOOK THAT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE IN SOME WAY: 
Momma Zen: Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhood by Karen Maezen Miller. Surprising or not, motherhood wasn’t something I always dreamed of being a part of. In fact, for a number of years doctors told me I’d never have children. Miller’s book came into my life when I needed to be reassured and find a way to be okay with just being the mom & person I am. It’s a profound book and one I give to just about every mother or soon-to-be mother I know. 

A BOOK I LIKE THAT NO ONE ELSE SEEMS TO EVERYONE ELSE NEEDS TO READ:
Dangerous Neighbors by Beth Kephart. This isn’t so much one that others don’t like, but one that I wish more people knew about. Beth is one of my all-time favorite authors and this is probably my favorite of her books. It’s beautiful and there are moments in it that make your heart soar. Love this book. 

A BOOK I DON’T LIKE THAT EVERYONE ELSE SEEMS TO LOVE: 
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan. Yes, I admit it, I hated this book. I tried everything to like it. First I started by reading it and couldn’t get into after about one hundred pages. Then I tried the audio version and had my husband giving me the strangest looks as I listened to the cussing and strange phrases that kept popping up. Eventually I just gave up and decided I’d forever be at odds with this generally adored title. 

A BOOK THAT INTIMIDATES ME: 
I’m going to get a lot of flak for this admission I think, but I’ll just get it out there. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

IF I COULD GO TO ANY LITERARY DESTINATION I WOULD CHOOSE: 
Narnia. Who wouldn’t choose this? If it were possible, I’d go in a heartbeat.

MY FAVORITE NON-BOOKISH ACTIVITY: 
Movies and/or TV. I’m a huge BBC Sherlock fan and I’ve been known to go a bit crazy over Benedict Cumberbatch, much to my hubby’s chagrin. But anything in the sci-fi, fantasy, horror or related genres are things I can be found to watch. 

MY FAVORITE BOOK TO MOVIE ADAPTATION: 
My favorite book to movie would have to be the last two movies for the final book in the Harry Potter series. It’s not spot on and you can’t really compare reading it over watching it, but in this case I think they did an excellent job. Who didn’t want to see the scene where Hagrid carries Harry out of the Forbidden Forest? Not to mention when Harry walked into the forest?! Loved it. 

MY BOOK BLOG STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD BECAUSE: 
I hate answering these types of questions. I’m just not a braggy type of girl. But if I had to say something it would be what others have told me in the past that it’s my passion that stands out. I have a passion for children’s literature. No, it’s more of an intense need to get the right books into the hands of children (and those who love children’s books) everywhere. I love sharing comprehensive and hopefully articulate reviews of incredible children’s books in such a way that others understand how I feel about them and in turn want to pick them up and read them. 

MY MUST-READ BLOGS (PLEASE LIMIT TO 3): 
Tales of Whimsy 
Once Upon a Story 
Bunbury in the Stacks

Thank you for joining us today, Danielle! Remember to check out Danielle's blog, There's A Book, and leave a comment or question.  Other ways to keep up with Danielle include:

Twitter (@the1stdaughter)  

Facebook

Goodreads

Pinterest

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