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taylakaye's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. I was a big Nancy Drew fan growing up and I was completely fascinated by the story of the people who created her. I don't wish to spoil the illusion for anyone, but the identity of Carolyn Keene may throw you for a loop. The book seemed as though it would become boring and cumbersome as the history was rehashed, but I never reached that point with it. Kudos to the author on that. I stayed interested in learning more throughoutthe book about the creation of the character who shaped so many young girls lives.
samanthamurphy_redw01f's review against another edition
5.0
As a hardcore fan of the classic Nancy Drew series (the flashlight and yellow hardcover editions), this book has so much background information on the Stratemeyer Syndicate and Mildred W. Benson. I loved delving into this behind-the-scenes look! It has details you wouldn't find on your average Wikipedia page. I highly recommend it!
joan_anne's review against another edition
5.0
Not only great insight into Nancy but also into American history, feminism and the business structure and integrity that is missing in today's world.
crowyhead's review against another edition
4.0
This fascinating book tells the story of how Nancy Drew was conceived by Edward Stratemeyer (who also invented the Bobbsey Twins, the Hardy Boys, and dozens of other series) and brought to life by two strong women: Harriet Stratemeyer Adams, who took over the Stratemeyer Syndicate upon her father's death, and Mildred Wirt Benson, who penned many of the sleuth's early adventures. Mildred and Harriet were both women before their time. Harriet was the CEO of a powerful company at a time when the mail she received still tended to be addressed to the "gentlemen" of Stratemeyer Syndicate. Mildred was an irrepressible force up right up until she died, becoming a reporter at a time when journalism was a "man's job." It's not surprising, then, that between the two of them they made Nancy Drew the capable, beautifully perfect girl detective she was. They often clashed -- Mildred's vision of Nancy Drew did not always mesh with Harriet's -- but it's clear in reading this that both of them were crucial to Nancy Drew's success as a cultural icon.
thehodgenator's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this s book. I grew up loving Nancy Drew, so it was interesting to see the series from its inception until its original writer's death. I especially enjoyed the historical ties to the women's movement as well as war.
profejennifer's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the Nancy Drew books growing up, and it was fascinating to learn what went on behind the scenes. This was well-researched and well-written, and I recommend it to all fans of the series.
coolbeans92's review against another edition
I didn't care for the writing style. I read better articles.