I admit, I don’t join a lot of reading challenges. I usually host two challenges per year (Fall Into Reading and Spring Reading Thing), and in between those challenges, I’m often ready to enjoy some unstructured, rambling reading.
But there are two reading challenges in the works this year that I simply couldn’t resist.
You already know I like to read mystery books, right? Well, that appreciation for a good mystery didn’t just appear when I was 18 or 25 or 32. I’ve been reading mystery books for as long as I’ve been reading, I think. I clearly remember scouring the children’s section of our public library, looking for something intriguing, something exciting, something…mysterious. And, like other mystery-loving kids, I quickly settled on a few favorite mystery series.
Which is where these two reading challenges come into play.
First up is the Nancy Drew Challenge hosted by Deborah. Essentially, Deborah is challenging us to read the 56 yellow-spine hardcover Nancy Drew mysteries during 2010. It just so happens that I absolutely loved Nancy Drew mysteries when I was a kid, and I happen to have 22 of the yellow-spine hardcovers in my basement at this very moment. Initially, I kept them to one day pass on to my daughter, but since it now turns out that I only have sons…well, that plan didn’t work out. However, I haven’t been able to bring myself to pass them on to another family just yet, but I guess that’s a good thing, since I’ll have a good starting point for this challenge.
Confession: I don’t know if I’ll actually get through all 56 of the Nancy Drew books in this challenge. But I’ll start with what I have and see how far I get.
The other challenge I’m excited to be joining is the Children’s Classics Mystery Challenge hosted by 5 Minutes for Books. This challenge is a bit more free-form. Participants can choose the books they want to read — as long as they are mysteries and written for kids. The challenge takes place from January – June 2010, and there will be opportunities to link up reviews or progress reports on the second Tuesday of each month over at 5 Minutes for Books.
Of course, the Nancy Drew books I read will be part of this challenge as well, but I also made a run to the library last week to stock up on some Encyclopedia Brown books. Note: I loved Encyclopedia Brown books. I loved seeing if I could solve the mystery myself, or if I would have to rely on the answers in the back of the book to point out the clues I missed. We’ll see if I’m any more observant this time around.
I might also be able to talk my son, C. (11) into reading some of these books with me (and he already has one or two Encyclopedia Brown books that I plan to borrow during the challenge). In addition, C. recently read The Westing Game for a school book report — another mystery I devoured during my own childhood — and I’m seriously thinking about snagging that one to re-read before June.
So there you have it. Yes, I’m doing plenty of unstructured reading right now — picking up whatever book has been calling my name. But I’ll also be re-visiting one of my favorite genres this year — children’s mysteries. Can’t wait!
I practically inhaled Nancy Drew and Encyclopedia Brown when I was a kid!
I used to love both Nancy Drew and Encyclopedia Brown books when I was young. (I confess to loving the Hardy Boys just as much!) And those Alfred Hitchcock gang books as well. This sounds like a fun challenge!
I hope you have fun with your challenges! I loved Nancy Drew and Encyclopedia Brown, too, and The Westing Game was one of my favorite books. I held onto most of my books from when I was younger and so far only have boys, too, but have been able to pass some onto my niece who now has a little sister, too. I couldn’t give up my Nancy Drew books, though. I think in a couple years I’ll get an Encyclopedia Brown book from the library to see if the boys like it, I’d love to start a collection there!
Hurray! Glad you are “in”!
I loved The Westing Game when I was a kid and recently picked up a copy. I’m hoping my daughter will enjoy it as much as I did.
Have Fun!!
Oh, The Westing Game IS good!
Your challenges inspired me to take on more reading challenges this year, so I’ll be reading ALOT this year. ?
I loved Encyclopedia Brown as a kid, though I wasn’t so much into Nancy Drew, I think I found them old fashioned. I picked up Encyclopedia Brown: Boy Detective from the library today and plan to read it with my 6 year old, and if he doesn’t like them, then I’ll just read it myself! I like that it’s broken down and each “case” is self-contained, so we can read one or two a night.
lol after 3 years, the tables have turned…now you’re joining MY challenge! hope you have fun and thanks for joining!
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I loved Encyclopedia Brown and Nancy Drew books. My mom has a lot of the original Nancy Drew as well. This would be a fun challenge if I hadn’t promised myself I wouldn’t sign up for any more challenges!
I have lots of the Nancy Drew books. I’m tempted to do this challenge!
I’m so glad you are joining in! Nancy never did a thing for me, but I did read Encyclopedia Brown.
Amanda recently read the Westing Game. It took her a few different tries to get into it. I think she was too young before.
Interesting…
One problem, Nancy Drew books, though beloved, I formulaic and predictable. I’m not sure that would be the best way to spend my limited reading time.
However, as a teacher, I loved it when non readers get hooked on series books. They keep reading them, devouring them, and they often look for “similar” books. Nancy could be a huge grab for some little girl who “doesn’t like to read.”
I think you’ll have lots of fun, but that is a lot of Nancy to read in one year!
Never heard of The Westing Game? Am I deprived? I too couldn’t resist revisiting my old friend Nancy!
Ooooo…I have a bunch of Nancy Drew books in a box in our basement too.
I may have to start that after i finish the Bible in 90 Days Challenge. 
Jolanthe
Oh, what I wouldn’t give for all of the Nancy Drew books I had growing up. I bet I had more than half of them, probably 30 or 40 at least. I think my mom put them in a garage sale or took them to Goodwill when I was in high school or college. Only now do I really realize that loss, and would love to have them back. How wonderful that you still have yours Katrina, and I know you’ll have such a great time doing these challenges.
Enjoy, and happy reading!!!!
Okay, I was a little harsh on Nancy, so I DID read Drew #1. It made me think enough to blog about it…
I’m Stacy’s sister, and I know she’d love to have her Nancy Drew books! I do have some of mine and can’t seem to part with them, even to give my girls! Like Stacy, I believe we had more and somehow they disappeared…they were my favorites growing up.