Tales That Last
The much-anticipated movie adaption for Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret has finally come out. Life has been a bit chaotic, and I’m embarrassed to admit that I have been unable to check it out yet. Here’s hoping you have been able to enjoy it and it’s lived up to the hype for you.
I find it remarkable that a book that came out in 1970 can still be relevant for audiences 53 years later. Of course, nostalgia is a strong force, but sometimes there are stories that resonate throughout time for reasons beyond sweet sentimentality.
I find Judy Blume’s masterpiece to be one of these stories, as it profoundly hits on an aspect of the human experience that is not bound by time. It is first among equals and I thought now would be a good time to share other books in the same (or neighboring) genre that have done the same.
Of note: I’m so grateful for my beloved book club, as each summer, we pick a series we loved during our childhood to rediscover as adults. We often pick one book (usually the first book of a series) that we all read and then each pick another book from the series to read and then share with the group. It is a great way to get a feel for the entirety of the whole without reading all the books in the series. Many of the books listed below have been book club favorites!
Nancy Drew
It is hard to grasp the longevity of Nancy Drew's books, the first of the series, Secret of the Old Clock, appeared in 1930 and although many of the later books were ghostwritten, new books continued until 2003. The allure of Nancy being a smart, inquisitive, and determined character is very appealing and I believe to be the primary reason why it has inspired young female readers for decades.
Like any stories that span almost a century, there are some concerning aspects - like unfortunate racial stereotypes which should be discussed with young readers. An additional concern is a continued theme of fat-shaming the character named Bess (a beloved sidekick of Nancy’s). The books in the 80’s and 90’s commit the most egregious errors, and I found Liz Boltz Ranfeld’s discussion on this particularly insightful click here.
Despite these issues, I think writers of Nancy Drew's books should be commended for creating a character that went against gender norms at the time and inspired girls to revel in their intelligence, curiosity, and determination.
The Baby-Sitters Club
As a pre-teen, I was obsessed with The Baby-Sitters Club series. I wanted to be friends with each member of the club - Kristy, Mary Ann, Claudia, Dawn, etc., and could not wait for our public library to get the next book in the series. The author, Ann M. Martin, began telling stories of these entrepreneurial middle school girls in 1986, and continued until 2000. Of course, these girls fit into some gender norms, like taking care of kids - but in rereading as an adult, I was struck by how Martin brilliantly emphasized each of the girl’s unique leadership styles.
The series has been rereleased as graphic novels, which I was slow to warm up to, but am now a huge fan. In addition, during the dark days of the pandemic in 2020, The New York Times published this great piece on America Needs an Emergency Meeting of the Baby-Sitters Club. Click Here.
Finally, I find it to be such a #FunFact that on the original cover of The Baby-Sitters Club, the first Nancy Drew book, The Secret of the Old Clock, is one of the items lying on the floor.
A Long Fatal Love Chase
I love Louisa May Alcott and will read Little Women, Little Men, and Jo’s Boys repeatedly. However, the Alcott book that I believe most miraculously stands the test of time is her posthumously published novel (released in 1995), A Long Fatal Love Chase. It is a must-read (and I don’t use that term lightly). Alcott’s story of a single woman, journeying through Europe, escaping an evil villain, and experiencing (what I find to be) one of the most beautiful depictions of platonic love is a story for the ages.
Dear Mr. Henshaw
As a child, Ramona Quimby was a fictional character who understood me. The trouble she gets into because of her curiosity made her a kindred spirit and because of that - I loved reading anything by Beverly Cleary. In my love affair of all things Cleary, I remember discovering Dear Mr. Henshaw.
Reading this book left me feeling sad and sullen. As a young reader, I didn’t like these feelings, but I remember really liking the book - I knew there was something special about the sad story. I think books like Dear Mr. Henshaw are important for just this reason - they are a way for young readers to learn how to process and cope with unsettling feelings.
I finally reread Dear Mr. Henshaw on this side of adulthood and was left with tears of amazement. The way Cleary deals with themes of abandonment, bullying, broken hearts, and unfulfilled dreams for children is nothing short of brilliant. This is a book I look forward to reading aloud to my son and I hope he will continue to read it to children in his life.
Harriet the Spy
As a child, I was not a huge Harriet the Spy fan. I remember wanting to like Harriet more that I did in my initial read, but for some reason, she and I just didn’t click. This all changed on this side of adulthood after I read a biography of Louise Fitzhugh, Sometimes You Have to Lie. This completely changed the way I read Harriet the Spy and has made the story and character of Harriet all the richer. If you don’t want to read the biography, you can check out this New Yorker piece Click Here.
So I’m not really sure if Harriet the Spy stands the test of time, or if it is the person of Louise Fitzhugh. However, for a book that was published in 1964 and for an author who passed away too early in 1974, to still resonate with readers says something.
American Girls
The American Girl books and corresponding dolls were released after my very short childhood doll-playing phase. However, having a niece allowed me to binge on all things American Girls as an adult and I loved every moment. Since being purchased by Mattel, the historical dolls are not as popular as when they were first released and the historical books are even less popular. However, I think finding the original books where you buy your used books is very worth the effort. I love how each of the stories highlights the uniquenesses of girls and that, regardless of time period or circumstances, girls can be daring, smart, and courageous. And it is an excellent way to develop a fan of history early in life - what’s not to like about that?
Anne of Green Gables
I’m sure it comes as no surprise that Anne of Green Gables is on this list. Anne Shirley is my soul sister and there are times in my life that she was my most kindred of spirit. She is the reason why I love to read, imagine, and dream. Lucy Maud Montgomery created a girl who has changed lives for decades and what I find so beautiful is that the story of Anne and the story of Montgomery are so intertwined. (Similar to Louisa May Alcott and Jo March). To learn more about this, check out the YA biography House of Dreams - it’s beautiful and thanks to my friend Carter for giving it to me as a wedding gift!
