I didn’t watch the Nancy Drew Mysteries until recently, and when I did I wasn’t exactly blown away but still, they were a lot better than a lot of rubbish on TV, and this forum post restored my faith.

Up until I read this I was almost certain that the new generation of TV viewers—people half my age who are still almost old enough to buy a drink at a bar, that is, I am ashamed to say—didn’t read so many books, especially older books that aren’t currently in vogue; but according to this forum post, they were forced to read them at school, and the TV series have also prompted those who didn’t to seek the original books out. Thanks to Harry Potter and Nancy Drew, children are reading more than ever again.

But even I have to confess this: it’s much easier to stare blindly at a screen than take the time to read a book. Sad as it is, I can see why eventually the youth might give up on books altogether.

Then, looking further into the forum, I found this.

A conversation about what’s better, the books or TV! And then another post saying that the TV series has become awfully out-dated compared to modern day equivalents. OK, so it’s slightly negative, but who cares? The books will always be there, and young minds will keep re-inventing. That’s something to celebrate!

This kind of detective story also serves another purpose: it makes us look at history and want to know more. I remember my time at school; they certainly didn’t make us read mystery novels like this, and maybe that has something to do with why I didn’t enjoy it as much as I could have.