I was very pleased with #18. The mystery took place in Florida near the Kennedy Space Center and involved NASA. I really felt like Nancy was real in this one. Most of her other stories involve, well, places I've never heard of. She lives in fictional River Heights (not sure of the state). I just enjoyed that this could of potentially happened! It even involves the FBI! I mean it mentions Cocoa Beach (where I've been before) and gives a lot of history about the area.
Here was the premise of the story:
Mr. Billington had been accused of trying to smuggle in several sacks of oranges containing bombs into NASA, where they were constructing a rocket that will send astronauts to the moon. Mr. Drew (and Nancy) are on the case to prove Mr. Billington innocent. This case also involves a very spooky estate that is jungle-esque in which a bunch of wild animals live. It is up to Nancy and her friends to figure out the connection between the spooky estate (moss-covered mansion) and the explosive oranges.
The ending was very unpredictable-- let's just say it involves a beamer (not like the car) and a steaming pool that would kill you if you fell in. I also enjoyed this book because it reminded me that Nancy does not do these cases alone. She relies heavily on her friends Bess Marvin and George Fayne (both girls) and Ned Nickerson (guy she exclusively dates who attends Emerson College and is the starting quaterback).
I would say this is my 2nd favorite, after #4, The Mystery at Lilac Inn.
In other news, Happy Memorial Day! I tried to go downtown to Panera, but there is a parade, so basically, entire downtown in closed off. my check engine light is still on, so anytime i drive, I am tense. Car fixer places are not open today, so i am hoping to take it somewhere tomorrow. I contemplated walking to starbucks, but realized that would take me like an hour to get there, so instead, i went to the panera on the southside of town (my secret escape).
The only thing I have to do today is read!!! How awesome is that?!
I am almost finished with #19---it involves a treasure map, more to come on that!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
mystery of the brass-bound trunk
This Nancy Drew mystery involves a South African named Nelda, sign language, and a meteor (?!).
I was quite pleased with this story. This takes place on a ship, in which Nancy leaves from Holland to New York City, called the Winschoten. The entire mystery starts because Nancy sees a man using "finger language for the deaf people" (as it's called in the book). It just so happens that this man spells out "Nancy Drew" along with the words "Beware." So, of course, Nancy is out to find this guy and figure out why he even knows who she is.
It seems as though this book had a bit more 'violence' than the others or atleast Nancy and friends were attacked more frequently in this book.
The only outlandish part I found was when the meteor hit the ocean --
"A bright object was descending from the sky."
"Then, for several seconds, there was near panic on board..."
"Its [the meteor] tremendous splash caused a tidal wave."
Keene, C. (1976). Mystery of the brass-bound trunk. New York: Grosset & Dunlap.
So, in other news, I can taste summer. 4 more days of school (give the kids their finals). Yesterday, I sat outside (in my swimsuit) and read Nancy Drew. I even got a little sun, which reminds me that I have to by SUNBLOCK today. Oh, the "check engine" light is on in my car, which is no good, so i have to get that checked out tomorrow. It came on while I was driving back from KC (i was a little anxious the whole drive back, thought my car may explode. it didnt, though)
So, I'm starting to get really sad. I went home on Friday night, and I started thinking about the school year ending and I cried. I cried because I'm going to miss my kids, I'm going to miss Marti, and Kathleen, and Kevin, and I'm leaving my school to work at a new one. I really can't believe this year is coming to an end.On Tuesday of this coming week, I will be officially binding my research paper and sending it in! wooo-freaking-hoo!
To do today:
Lunch with Melissa @ 1pm
I was quite pleased with this story. This takes place on a ship, in which Nancy leaves from Holland to New York City, called the Winschoten. The entire mystery starts because Nancy sees a man using "finger language for the deaf people" (as it's called in the book). It just so happens that this man spells out "Nancy Drew" along with the words "Beware." So, of course, Nancy is out to find this guy and figure out why he even knows who she is.
It seems as though this book had a bit more 'violence' than the others or atleast Nancy and friends were attacked more frequently in this book.
The only outlandish part I found was when the meteor hit the ocean --
"A bright object was descending from the sky."
"Then, for several seconds, there was near panic on board..."
"Its [the meteor] tremendous splash caused a tidal wave."
Keene, C. (1976). Mystery of the brass-bound trunk. New York: Grosset & Dunlap.
So, in other news, I can taste summer. 4 more days of school (give the kids their finals). Yesterday, I sat outside (in my swimsuit) and read Nancy Drew. I even got a little sun, which reminds me that I have to by SUNBLOCK today. Oh, the "check engine" light is on in my car, which is no good, so i have to get that checked out tomorrow. It came on while I was driving back from KC (i was a little anxious the whole drive back, thought my car may explode. it didnt, though)
So, I'm starting to get really sad. I went home on Friday night, and I started thinking about the school year ending and I cried. I cried because I'm going to miss my kids, I'm going to miss Marti, and Kathleen, and Kevin, and I'm leaving my school to work at a new one. I really can't believe this year is coming to an end.On Tuesday of this coming week, I will be officially binding my research paper and sending it in! wooo-freaking-hoo!
To do today:
Lunch with Melissa @ 1pm
Sunday, May 23, 2010
the clue of the tapping heels
stolen persian cats + man who escaped from psychiatric hospital = thrilling nancy drew mystery
i really enjoyed this because there was more involvement with Hannah Gruen (Nancy's housekeeper since the age of 3) and Carson (dad). They usually aren't as involved in the mysteries as they were in this book. Also, I think this book helped to paint a better picture of Nancy as a person. She recognized her flaws (she should've looked at some papers hidden in a secret room) but then was able to shake them off and not prevent them from solving the mystery.
Here is an excerpt:
[Nancy's dad talking] "A few years ago I took some instructions on deactivating bombs," he explained. "I thought it might come in handy some time, but I admit I never thought it would be right in my own garage."
Keene, c. (1970) The clue of the tapping heels. New York: Grosset & Dunlap.
Someone had planted a bomb on Nancy's car, luckily Carson Drew came to the rescue and they were able to laugh the situation off.
I was doing some research on Nancy Drew and found out her dog Togo appeared more frequently in the original drafts of the stories (when they were written in the 1930s)
My "to-do" list for the day:
bake cinnamon rolls
eat breakfast at tanya's
check out (more) nancy drew books
work out
I've already done 2 of these things.
I was asked to be on a committee this summer to help design the major course objectives for one of the classes I'm teaching next year. I think I'm going to do it. I realized how much I LOVE learning and I want to make sure the students and I both know exactly what they need to learn in order to be successful. Then, maybe, just maybe, I can help students to see the purpose!!!
i really enjoyed this because there was more involvement with Hannah Gruen (Nancy's housekeeper since the age of 3) and Carson (dad). They usually aren't as involved in the mysteries as they were in this book. Also, I think this book helped to paint a better picture of Nancy as a person. She recognized her flaws (she should've looked at some papers hidden in a secret room) but then was able to shake them off and not prevent them from solving the mystery.
Here is an excerpt:
[Nancy's dad talking] "A few years ago I took some instructions on deactivating bombs," he explained. "I thought it might come in handy some time, but I admit I never thought it would be right in my own garage."
Keene, c. (1970) The clue of the tapping heels. New York: Grosset & Dunlap.
Someone had planted a bomb on Nancy's car, luckily Carson Drew came to the rescue and they were able to laugh the situation off.
I was doing some research on Nancy Drew and found out her dog Togo appeared more frequently in the original drafts of the stories (when they were written in the 1930s)
My "to-do" list for the day:
bake cinnamon rolls
eat breakfast at tanya's
check out (more) nancy drew books
work out
I've already done 2 of these things.
I was asked to be on a committee this summer to help design the major course objectives for one of the classes I'm teaching next year. I think I'm going to do it. I realized how much I LOVE learning and I want to make sure the students and I both know exactly what they need to learn in order to be successful. Then, maybe, just maybe, I can help students to see the purpose!!!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
the haunted bridge
just finished up #14 last night.
Here's a little snippet of what it was about:
Several riddles confront the young detective as she attempts to solve the mystery of the haunted bridge and track down a woman suspected of being a key member of the gang of jewel thieves.
Keene, C. (1972) The haunted bridge. New York: Grosset & Dunlap
Nancy wows everyone with her golfing skills (despite an injured hand). I rather enjoyed The Haunted Bridge. It was different in the fact that Nancy wasn't necessarily tracking down the crooks, there weren't really "bad guys" in this one, yet still a mystery and twist at the end.
I will heading over to Ellis Library today to pick up another 7 or 8 books!
I read The Whispering Statue earlier this week. Here are some things I learned which makes me think this one was written by a different author than others:
Nancy has a small terrier named "Togo"
The Drews live in a brick Colonial style house, which stood well back from the street.
Now, these bits of information may seem like nothing, but to not mention these details until #13? Where has Togo been prior to all these books?
Here's a little snippet of what it was about:
Several riddles confront the young detective as she attempts to solve the mystery of the haunted bridge and track down a woman suspected of being a key member of the gang of jewel thieves.
Keene, C. (1972) The haunted bridge. New York: Grosset & Dunlap
Nancy wows everyone with her golfing skills (despite an injured hand). I rather enjoyed The Haunted Bridge. It was different in the fact that Nancy wasn't necessarily tracking down the crooks, there weren't really "bad guys" in this one, yet still a mystery and twist at the end.
I will heading over to Ellis Library today to pick up another 7 or 8 books!
I read The Whispering Statue earlier this week. Here are some things I learned which makes me think this one was written by a different author than others:
Nancy has a small terrier named "Togo"
The Drews live in a brick Colonial style house, which stood well back from the street.
Now, these bits of information may seem like nothing, but to not mention these details until #13? Where has Togo been prior to all these books?
Sunday, May 9, 2010
the whispering statue
finished #13 in the series. there was a lot of mysticism and it involved a small Indian circus boy named Rishi and an elephant charm that had special healing powers. not my favorite one, however, still entertaining.
here's a little sneak peak of the next book I'll be reading:
"Nancy Drew is asked to solve a puzzling mystery...the first one concerns a valuable collection of rare books...the second revolves around the baffling theft of a beautiful marble statue...You will enjoy every moment of this thrill-packed story of how Nancy and her friends combine detective work and summer fun at a seaside resort"
Carolyn, K. (1970). The whispering statue. New York: Grosset & Dunlap.
Something interesting about the nancy drew series: 'carolyn keene' is just a pen name used by multiple authors who wrote the books from a designated outline. i am hoping that as i continue reading i will be able to distinguish between the authors. How cool would that be? I'm pretty sure #13 was written by a different one than #12, because I noticed each of the chapters ended with a cliff hanger question. that was something new!
maybe i will figure out the outline?
here is what i have so far. (i will have to fill in the missing pieces as i continue through the series.)
Keep in mind, I am not one for outlining NOR have I ever really made one.
1.nancy asked to do help out in a mystery.
-a.enter new person
---i. nancy befriends. person is 'less fortunate' than her (and will also be a KEY piece to the mystery)
2. nancy & best friends (bess and george) have run in with suspicious/unfriendly person(s)
Okay and from here, I haven't figured out the order, BUT:
-Drew household gets broken into
-High speed car chase; someone ends up in ditch
-Nancy becomes a prisoner (clearly towards the end).
here's a little sneak peak of the next book I'll be reading:
"Nancy Drew is asked to solve a puzzling mystery...the first one concerns a valuable collection of rare books...the second revolves around the baffling theft of a beautiful marble statue...You will enjoy every moment of this thrill-packed story of how Nancy and her friends combine detective work and summer fun at a seaside resort"
Carolyn, K. (1970). The whispering statue. New York: Grosset & Dunlap.
Something interesting about the nancy drew series: 'carolyn keene' is just a pen name used by multiple authors who wrote the books from a designated outline. i am hoping that as i continue reading i will be able to distinguish between the authors. How cool would that be? I'm pretty sure #13 was written by a different one than #12, because I noticed each of the chapters ended with a cliff hanger question. that was something new!
maybe i will figure out the outline?
here is what i have so far. (i will have to fill in the missing pieces as i continue through the series.)
Keep in mind, I am not one for outlining NOR have I ever really made one.
1.nancy asked to do help out in a mystery.
-a.enter new person
---i. nancy befriends. person is 'less fortunate' than her (and will also be a KEY piece to the mystery)
2. nancy & best friends (bess and george) have run in with suspicious/unfriendly person(s)
Okay and from here, I haven't figured out the order, BUT:
-Drew household gets broken into
-High speed car chase; someone ends up in ditch
-Nancy becomes a prisoner (clearly towards the end).
Friday, May 7, 2010
the mystery of the ivory charm
on #13 in the Nancy Drew series. Only 43 more to go!
Well, there are now 19 more high school days left.
I ABSOLUTELY cannot believe it. Did this year really happen?
I find myself asking that a lot. I had my LAST graduate class last night (raaaaahooo!)
My favorite part about the school year ending (and graduate school, too) is that I get to REFLECT.
if anyone knows me, they know I LOVE to REFLECT. bah. I love learning.
I just feel like God has opened my eyes to what it means to truly live out my faith. It has been such a challenge this year being in the 'real world.' working is so dang hard. but shoot, i love it.
i drank 3 cups of coffee tonight so i am WIRED. not weird, but wired, huh, ALMOST the same word.
Funny teacher stories of the week:
(decided that I am going to start keeping better track of this stuff)
I started 1st hour with this announcement to the class, "Alrighty class, just so you know, I drank a latte this morning and have had very little water to drink. So, there is a chance I may dehydrate and pass out, so do not be alarmed, I am just warning you."
ALSO, i was able to use, "Buzz's girlfriend, WOOF" IN MY LESSON.
Midway through teaching something in Geometry, I have absolutely no idea what, but I hear a student say, "there is nothing good about being home alone."
My response, "what do you mean? I mean, you can break into your brother buzz's room and go through all of his stuff. Then you can find a picture of his gf and say, "Buzz's girlfriend, WOOF!".
Well, there are now 19 more high school days left.
I ABSOLUTELY cannot believe it. Did this year really happen?
I find myself asking that a lot. I had my LAST graduate class last night (raaaaahooo!)
My favorite part about the school year ending (and graduate school, too) is that I get to REFLECT.
if anyone knows me, they know I LOVE to REFLECT. bah. I love learning.
I just feel like God has opened my eyes to what it means to truly live out my faith. It has been such a challenge this year being in the 'real world.' working is so dang hard. but shoot, i love it.
i drank 3 cups of coffee tonight so i am WIRED. not weird, but wired, huh, ALMOST the same word.
Funny teacher stories of the week:
(decided that I am going to start keeping better track of this stuff)
I started 1st hour with this announcement to the class, "Alrighty class, just so you know, I drank a latte this morning and have had very little water to drink. So, there is a chance I may dehydrate and pass out, so do not be alarmed, I am just warning you."
ALSO, i was able to use, "Buzz's girlfriend, WOOF" IN MY LESSON.
Midway through teaching something in Geometry, I have absolutely no idea what, but I hear a student say, "there is nothing good about being home alone."
My response, "what do you mean? I mean, you can break into your brother buzz's room and go through all of his stuff. Then you can find a picture of his gf and say, "Buzz's girlfriend, WOOF!".
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