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Carly Keene: Literary Detective #1
Braving the Brontes
Spunky young Alaskan Carly Keene has never met a book she didn't like. But she's never been in a book before. A chance nap in a magical bookstore sends Carly spiraling back in time. When she wakes up, it's 1846, and a young woman named Charlotte Bronte is trying to compose one of the greatest books ever written... Jane Eyre. With literary history on the line, Carly Keene will battle foggy moors, ghostly apparitions, cholera epidemics, and the horror that is nineteenth-century needlework. It's as much as a spunky 21st-century girl can handle, but if anyone can brave the Brontes, it's Carly Keene.
- GenresMysteryTime Travel
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
6 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Rue
2 books11 followers"Voracious readers who share Carly’s wish to end up in a literary adventure will enjoy exploring the world of the literary sisters."–Gesse Stark-Smith, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR (SLJ review)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 1, 2014
Mystery novel and literary-historical? What could be better? Braving the Brontes is just the sort of thing literary mothers and daughters might enjoy together. With engaging characters and just enough suspense, the book is hard to put down.
With the well-read pre-teen reader in mind, Katherine Rue keeps the self-conscious references to classics coming. She mentions, among others, Nancy Drew, Sherlock Holmes, Caddie Woodlawn, Laura Ingalls, Little Women, The Secret Garden, Harry Potter, Narnia, and, with a suggestion of criticism (for a lack of "passion in her characters"), Jane Austen.
The whole project of the book, in fact, seems to be to give young readers an extra nudge to move them from junior fiction into the heavier, grown-up literature of the English master novelists, especially, of course, the Bronte sisters, and the novel of Jane Eyre in particular.
Rue does a fantastic job of raising interest in the historical lives of the Brontes. In fact, for a reader who hasn't yet read the Brontes' novels, it seems that Rue's fictionalization of the sisters' lives via Carly Keene might color the reading experience, and perhaps not insignificantly.
But Braving the Brontes is more than a pointer to other works. It carries a valuable message that every girl needs to hear, namely, that, in Carly's words, it is okay to feel "angry and sad about bad things that happened to you," and that "talking about those emotions helps get rid of them." Since Carly has space-time-traveled "from a time when it is possible for a lady to 'express herself'," we are given to understand that she is uniquely well-suited to her assigned task of helping draw out the Bronte sisters' pent up emotions about their troubling life experiences.
As eager as I am for every girl (and boy) to discover the freedom of emotional maturity, I am disappointed in the gap between Carly's stated emotional sagacity and her actual behavior. Instead of "talking about her emotions," Carly tells people off, has tantrums, and panics.
I am afraid that the unintended lesson of the story might be that young people can manipulate others into doing what they want by letting surges of anger and fear drive them to react impulsively even to the point of endangering their own lives. Rather than being in control of her emotions, Carly seems to be controlled by them. And she controls everyone else with her emotional outbursts.
I find it hard to celebrate with Carly's completion of the mission because of the manner in which it is accomplished. As I was reading I kept hoping for a conclusion that would show some change in the protagonist's character development, some indication that perhaps she, reciprocally, had learned something from the Brontes' self-discipline or experienced a growth or transformation in some way. The hint of change for Carly seems to be that she is overcoming some of her insecurity about her ability to make progress in her one weak academic subject in school. With such potent themes and passionate characters, I was hoping for more.
There is a lot of potential here, and I look forward to seeing how Rue develops Carly as the series builds.
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
With the well-read pre-teen reader in mind, Katherine Rue keeps the self-conscious references to classics coming. She mentions, among others, Nancy Drew, Sherlock Holmes, Caddie Woodlawn, Laura Ingalls, Little Women, The Secret Garden, Harry Potter, Narnia, and, with a suggestion of criticism (for a lack of "passion in her characters"), Jane Austen.
The whole project of the book, in fact, seems to be to give young readers an extra nudge to move them from junior fiction into the heavier, grown-up literature of the English master novelists, especially, of course, the Bronte sisters, and the novel of Jane Eyre in particular.
Rue does a fantastic job of raising interest in the historical lives of the Brontes. In fact, for a reader who hasn't yet read the Brontes' novels, it seems that Rue's fictionalization of the sisters' lives via Carly Keene might color the reading experience, and perhaps not insignificantly.
But Braving the Brontes is more than a pointer to other works. It carries a valuable message that every girl needs to hear, namely, that, in Carly's words, it is okay to feel "angry and sad about bad things that happened to you," and that "talking about those emotions helps get rid of them." Since Carly has space-time-traveled "from a time when it is possible for a lady to 'express herself'," we are given to understand that she is uniquely well-suited to her assigned task of helping draw out the Bronte sisters' pent up emotions about their troubling life experiences.
As eager as I am for every girl (and boy) to discover the freedom of emotional maturity, I am disappointed in the gap between Carly's stated emotional sagacity and her actual behavior. Instead of "talking about her emotions," Carly tells people off, has tantrums, and panics.
I am afraid that the unintended lesson of the story might be that young people can manipulate others into doing what they want by letting surges of anger and fear drive them to react impulsively even to the point of endangering their own lives. Rather than being in control of her emotions, Carly seems to be controlled by them. And she controls everyone else with her emotional outbursts.
I find it hard to celebrate with Carly's completion of the mission because of the manner in which it is accomplished. As I was reading I kept hoping for a conclusion that would show some change in the protagonist's character development, some indication that perhaps she, reciprocally, had learned something from the Brontes' self-discipline or experienced a growth or transformation in some way. The hint of change for Carly seems to be that she is overcoming some of her insecurity about her ability to make progress in her one weak academic subject in school. With such potent themes and passionate characters, I was hoping for more.
There is a lot of potential here, and I look forward to seeing how Rue develops Carly as the series builds.
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
December 10, 2013
review on : booknerdloleotodo.blogspot.com
*ARC received for an honest review
Loved this story. What a fantastic book! As the mother of a young daughter I would love for her to read about these types of stories. This book is 109 pages which I think is pretty lengthy for a young reader. I loved the idea of Carly Keene’s time travel and the different scenarios that she lived out. I also loved that it takes place in Alaska. This story provides a great mixture of history and mystery. It’s also a great way to introduce the Bronte family to literary minds. I love the idea of a young girl as a detective! Worthwhile read for young girls.
*ARC received for an honest review
Loved this story. What a fantastic book! As the mother of a young daughter I would love for her to read about these types of stories. This book is 109 pages which I think is pretty lengthy for a young reader. I loved the idea of Carly Keene’s time travel and the different scenarios that she lived out. I also loved that it takes place in Alaska. This story provides a great mixture of history and mystery. It’s also a great way to introduce the Bronte family to literary minds. I love the idea of a young girl as a detective! Worthwhile read for young girls.
February 5, 2014
Carly is a 12 year old girl who lives in Alaska and dreams about having adventures with her best friend, Francesca. The story starts with with a very short-lived family camping trip which is ended by a combination of too much success with the salmon fishing and signs of a nasty storm coming their way. Once home the girls want to write up the stories that had invented while camping but they are given an errand to perform before they can have free time. While heading home from the store the girls notice an alley, which they had never seen before. They would not have noticed the alley if they had not read the right type of books. This alley was definitely the path to adventure. They find a bookstore and get separated while browsing through the stacks. Carly meets the store owner who starts talking to her about Jane Eyre and the copy in his hands has all the signs of being a rare first edition but the color of the book seems wrong. He insists that Carly sit on a sofa and read the book. Carly falls asleep and when she wakes up she is a member of the Bronte household. Her name is Caroline and she is to study with Miss Charlotte Bronte while her parents are traveling to India. The ghost of a dead Bronte sister, Maria, appears to Carly and tells her that she will not be able to return home until certain conditions are met. Carly is to convince the Bronte sisters that they must write their novels and when they write the novels they must let their emotions be seen & felt by the reader. Carly must also read Jane Eyre before she will be allowed to return to Alaska. This is an intriguing book and it could be a startling experience for anyone who has not read Jane Eyre or some books by Dickens. The 19th century is very realistically portrayed and Carly is both stunned and frightened by the living conditions. As Carly learns to live in a time when patients are bled to cure their fevers and diseases that are rarely seen in the 21st century are common she begins to appreciate the advantages she has left behind. Carly accomplishes her mission and returns to the bookstore at the same moment she left it, in true fictional style. She shares the details with Francesca and the girls go home with plans for more adventures being made. The book ends with an author’s note with reference sources about the Brontes and their lives and a list of questions for use by book clubs.
February 8, 2014
Carly Keene starts out with very descriptive language in the first paragraph and continues throughout the book. The reader can almost see, feel, and touch the elements of Alaska and the 1846 time period. I love the fact that the main character, Carly, supports the fact of a girl being interested in a science camp, books, and literature. Carly is a strong character but she also has flaws. She works hard to overcome her flaws. (Ex. Languages). She is outspoken for the time of 1846 but the author makes it work on behalf of the plot moving forward. Carly and her best friend are voracious readers with plenty of imagination to support the plot of traveling in time and fiction. The book is well written, with the time travel plot worked out completely. The ending left you with the inkling that Carly and, maybe, Francesca would be returning to to literary past. Many other literary connections are made throughout the book, which provides the reader with many books to possibly read next. I am curious as to how the "watching feeling" fits in with the overall series. The one concern that I have is that this book might be for a limited audience and the publisher would have to do a bit of marketing work to open this book up to a wider audience. The limited audience would be the voracious reader, who reads any and everything. I think that it is possible that those who don't know and love the classics would probably not choose this book without some assistance. This book was provided to me through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2014
I had high expectation for Braving the Brontes, and I was not disappointed. This is a darling book that brought me right back to some of my childhood favourites.
Although there is time-travel, adventure, ghosts and adversity aplenty, in so many ways this is really a book about loving books, and I thought it did a really great job of being modern and self-aware and old-fashioned and classic at the same time. The characters are beautifully drawn. What I admired most about this book was the juggling of the Bronte sisters – their world, their sensibilities and their dialogue – with Carly’s point of view. One of the aims of this book, according to the publishers, is to create and celebrate strong female characters, and Carly really is a wonderful example of this. She is outdoorsy as well as bookish, competent as well as emotional, and even when she is frustrated or scared, she never loses a sense of discovery and delight in the things around her.
I would highly recommend Braving the Brontes not only for boys and girls between 9 and 13, but also for anyone who grew up reading the classics and loving books.
[Received from NetGalley for review.]
Although there is time-travel, adventure, ghosts and adversity aplenty, in so many ways this is really a book about loving books, and I thought it did a really great job of being modern and self-aware and old-fashioned and classic at the same time. The characters are beautifully drawn. What I admired most about this book was the juggling of the Bronte sisters – their world, their sensibilities and their dialogue – with Carly’s point of view. One of the aims of this book, according to the publishers, is to create and celebrate strong female characters, and Carly really is a wonderful example of this. She is outdoorsy as well as bookish, competent as well as emotional, and even when she is frustrated or scared, she never loses a sense of discovery and delight in the things around her.
I would highly recommend Braving the Brontes not only for boys and girls between 9 and 13, but also for anyone who grew up reading the classics and loving books.
[Received from NetGalley for review.]
December 16, 2013
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
Carly Keene, Literary Detective was a fun and imaginative story. The book's description alone was enough to hook me, throw in a bit of nostalgia and I had to read it! The main character, Carly, is very likable and easy to relate to, especially for those who have a vivid imagination and thirst for adventure.
I loved the plot, but initially was hoping for a bit more. For instance, after reading the description I imagined Carly falling into a book filled with fantasy and action. Yet, despite not meeting my expectations, I'm not at all dissatisfied. The thought of falling back in time to meet the Bronte sisters is both unique and creative. Additionally, younger audiences will find this book has plenty of action. After all, there are ghosts, time travel, mystery, and lets not forget adventure --Carly almost died--. Thinking back to the books that I used to read when I was in elementary school, I can definitely see me picking this up off the library shelf.
Carly Keene, Literary Detective was a fun and imaginative story. The book's description alone was enough to hook me, throw in a bit of nostalgia and I had to read it! The main character, Carly, is very likable and easy to relate to, especially for those who have a vivid imagination and thirst for adventure.
I loved the plot, but initially was hoping for a bit more. For instance, after reading the description I imagined Carly falling into a book filled with fantasy and action. Yet, despite not meeting my expectations, I'm not at all dissatisfied. The thought of falling back in time to meet the Bronte sisters is both unique and creative. Additionally, younger audiences will find this book has plenty of action. After all, there are ghosts, time travel, mystery, and lets not forget adventure --Carly almost died--. Thinking back to the books that I used to read when I was in elementary school, I can definitely see me picking this up off the library shelf.
March 18, 2014
Carly Keene has succeeded where English teachers and dear friends alike have failed: she has left me curious enough about Jane Eyre to add it to my reading list! Katherine Rue has created a rich view of the Brontë family that allows the reader to become immersed in the world. Her modern-day heroine allows that world to be accessible to those who somehow managed to get to adulthood without reading any of the Brontës' work or having much knowledge of the historical period. It does this all in a compelling story that also provides insight into life in 19th century Yorkshire. For an advanced young reader this could easily be a "gateway book" for many years of quality literature.
Where the book struggled for me was the present day sections. I imagine the reader is supposed to feel like the third member of the friendship, but I was left feeling more like the third wheel. Perhaps more time spent exploring the dynamics of the friendship would help to bring the reader in.
I'm looking forward to Carly's future adventures!
December 24, 2014
I absolutely loved this story from the moment I opened the cover. As a librarian and a voracious reader, you had me at "literary detective". I loved that Carly was as big a reader as I and that we've shared so many good childhood reads: Anne of Green Gables, the Little House series, and Little Women (although I'm a latecomer to that one - just reading it now!). After being transported back in time to live with the Brontes, I learned so much: having never read any of their novels, I knew little about the family. It was fascinating - and such a great way to learn of the times too. I bet today's children will get a lot out of this book, since they can relate to modern Carly while learning together about the 1840s. This was a captivating read, especially for a debut author, and I can wait to read the next installments of this series! And I will get reading "Jane Eyre" and "Wuthering Heights" just as soon as I finish "Little Women"!
December 30, 2013
What a wonderfully enchanting book this was! I absolutely loved it. Everything about this book was a draw for me. The writing was superb and the storyline was brilliant. The characters were unique; they had their own voices and noteworthy personalities. The scenes were descriptive and clear. The underlying and obvious conflicts added precious layers to the story. The spook factor was perfect.
I appreciated how the author weaved academics and literary mentions into this book. I thought it was divine...and so very creative.
I cannot wait to learn more about young Carly and her adventures.
Outstanding all the way around!
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Reading Appeal: Middle grades to high school+
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own.
I appreciated how the author weaved academics and literary mentions into this book. I thought it was divine...and so very creative.
I cannot wait to learn more about young Carly and her adventures.
Outstanding all the way around!
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Reading Appeal: Middle grades to high school+
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own.
December 12, 2013
Carly Keene is looking for adventure adventure she often finds in books what she does not expect is to go back in time to be a guest of the Bronte sisters after she looks at a first edition Jane Eyre book...
Carly finds that in 1846 she is believed to be a cousin name Caroline and she finds that her life there is very different than it is in modern day Alaska.
Carly often finds that she gets herself in trouble with her outspoken ways. When she tries to stand up to Bramwell about his drinking she is the one who gets in trouble.
In order to go back home she must encourage Charolette Bronte to write Jane Eyre the way her heart has it not just the way society expects it.
Carly Keene Literary detective is a wonderful book one I highly recommend to middle grade to high school readers or anyone who enjoys a good adventure...
Carly finds that in 1846 she is believed to be a cousin name Caroline and she finds that her life there is very different than it is in modern day Alaska.
Carly often finds that she gets herself in trouble with her outspoken ways. When she tries to stand up to Bramwell about his drinking she is the one who gets in trouble.
In order to go back home she must encourage Charolette Bronte to write Jane Eyre the way her heart has it not just the way society expects it.
Carly Keene Literary detective is a wonderful book one I highly recommend to middle grade to high school readers or anyone who enjoys a good adventure...
February 9, 2014
Carly Keene finds herself in England in the 19th century with Charlotte Bronte as a governess. She finds that until Jane Eyre gets written, she's stuck, a fish out of water in a place and time that doesnt look kindly on outspoken young girls. After encouraging and cajoling her governess into writing again, we all have to thank Carly for some of our best loved novels.
Our Middleschoolers Book Club loved the story of Carly Keene's rendevous with the Brontes. I loved that the story had them asking about classic English literature & getting them out of their fantasy series comfort zone. It's an accessible novel for young readers and we're looking for more to come from this debut author.
Our Middleschoolers Book Club loved the story of Carly Keene's rendevous with the Brontes. I loved that the story had them asking about classic English literature & getting them out of their fantasy series comfort zone. It's an accessible novel for young readers and we're looking for more to come from this debut author.
September 2, 2016
This book got off to a bit of a slow start, but once the adventure starts, it picks up.
Carly and her friend Francesca are book worms, and I enjoyed the very fact that they had imaginations and weren't afraid to use them. When Carly is transported in time while reading Jane Eyre at a bookshop, she awakens to find herself in the care of Charlotte Bronte and family. To get home, Carly must inspire the Bronte sister's to write their famous books.
I am familiar with Jane Eyre, but I did not know much about the Bronte's. Because of this book, I ended up researching the family.
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
Carly and her friend Francesca are book worms, and I enjoyed the very fact that they had imaginations and weren't afraid to use them. When Carly is transported in time while reading Jane Eyre at a bookshop, she awakens to find herself in the care of Charlotte Bronte and family. To get home, Carly must inspire the Bronte sister's to write their famous books.
I am familiar with Jane Eyre, but I did not know much about the Bronte's. Because of this book, I ended up researching the family.
I received a copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
December 25, 2013
I know the author, Katherine Rue, and was not surprised that this book is, like her, exciting, funny and fast paced. The heroine, Carly Keene, is a fun, imaginative and determined young woman. Readers will identify with her and want to find out what happens to her as she ventures back in time to the 1840's.
As an historian and writer Katherine brings an accurate and interesting sense of the times and the role of women when Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte were writing. After reading “Braving The Brontes” I think a lot of young readers will not only be inspired to read and enjoy Jane Eyre, but will also have a much greater understanding of why the book is such an important work.
As an historian and writer Katherine brings an accurate and interesting sense of the times and the role of women when Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte were writing. After reading “Braving The Brontes” I think a lot of young readers will not only be inspired to read and enjoy Jane Eyre, but will also have a much greater understanding of why the book is such an important work.
July 15, 2014
This book is about a young girl named Carly Keene from Alaska who has always wanted to go on an adventure. One day she goes into a strange bookstore, where an old man tells her she should read Jane Eyre.After she falls asleep, she wakes up in 1846 England with Charlotte,Emily,and Anne Bronte.
I liked this book because of the references to 1840's English life and the description of England and the Brontes. The reason it didn't earn 5 stars was that most 13-year-olds don't know who the Brontes are, so it was very confusing.
I liked this book because of the references to 1840's English life and the description of England and the Brontes. The reason it didn't earn 5 stars was that most 13-year-olds don't know who the Brontes are, so it was very confusing.
February 16, 2014
This was a fantastic story. It's sure to make any young reader curious about the Bronte sisters' stories! I want to go re-read them myself. The subject matter is charming, and the book is full of little details that clearly communicate the differences in a young lady's life between 1846 and the present. The heroine references other books and their characters throughout this story, which I loved when I was a young girl. That always helped me find other wonderful books to read.
April 21, 2014
With clever literary devices and intelligent storytelling that takes the young reader seriously, Katherine Rue weaves a page-turning mystery that sends Carly Keene “into a book” while reading Jane Eyre, transporting her from 21st century Alaska to 19th century England. Carly is an adventurous, outspoken and gutsy heroine, sure to inspire you as she does the Bronte sisters. The moors have never been so inviting! A captivating debut YA novel, and a great pick for mother-daughter book clubs.
January 8, 2016
I loved this book! It was a unique chance for me to really feel like I was getting to know the author of one of my most favorite books: Jane Eyre!
Carly is a girl from Alaska who, loves to read and loves stories and adventures. Carly wanders into an old bookstore and is magically transported back in time to 1846, where she is thought to be Charlotte Bronte's student. She lives with the Brontes and we get to meet the whole family. Charlotte's sisters, Emliy and Anne, brother, Branwell and their father, Patrick.
Carly is excited to be living a real live adventure, but wonders WHY she is here and WHAT she should be doing. Soon she is visited by a ghost - the ghost is Maria, the Bronte's oldest sister who died many years earlier at the age of 12. Maria tells Carly that she must fix something in her sisters lives. Her sisters are misguided, they are not writing from their heart and, as a result, they are not having success with their writing. Carly must somehow convince the sisters to write truthfully what they feel - and not what they think they should write, or what the time period dictates. Carly must also read Jane Eyre before she can return to her time.
When Carly goes looking for a copy of Jane Eyre to get started, she realizes that this is going to be a lot harder than she thought - Jane Eyre does not exist in the bookshop - because it has not been written yet! I saw it coming, but I still loved that part - really cute.
It's a very clever plot-line, and I can see how this is going to be a wonderful series! But I am so glad that Katherine Rue started with Jane Eyre.
Carly is a great character. I love that she lives in Alaska. I love that she loves to read and makes many references to some of my favorite books. She quotes from both classics like A Little Princess and Anne of Green Gables; and contemporary books like Harry Potter.
It's also really cute how Carly knows what to expect from adventures, because she has read so many of them. She knows how the game works, how she should handle herself in certain situations - she's not going to make the silly mistakes that people in books do. :)
The only problem is there is one BIG mistake that Carly does make, and at first I thought it a bit unbelievable that a girl from Alaska should carelessly ignore threatening weather. But Carly knows she made a mistake and berates herself for doing it. As the book goes on, though, I see why this had to happen.
Carly is a straightforward kind of girl and tries talking to the Brontes to convey her message about writing from the heart. But in that time period, children were to be seen and not heard unless spoken to. They take Carly's frank talk as an insult. They see her as a disobedient child who does not know her place. I could really relate to this kind of a communication and/or generation gap. I did wonder how Carley was ever going to overcome it. So, there had to be a BIG event to get the Brontes' attention. Hence, the weather incident mentioned above.
I was surprised just how much I felt like I was getting to know Charlotte, Emily and Anne!
Surprisingly, Charlotte was not necessarily the person I thought. I didn't dislike her, but I just didn't like her as much as I like her character, Jane. I think Charlotte might have been writing Jane as she wished she were, not as she truly was. That's an insight that I never considered before. I just assumed that Charlotte was just like Jane.
Another surprise was that Emily can be a bit of a bitch! She was definitely the harshest of the three sisters and even Carly is a bit intimidated by her at times.
Anne was the nicest of the three. She is kind and gentle and Carly believes that she is the most likely to hear her out when it becomes necessary to confide some of what Carly is going through with ghosts and such. I never thought much about Anne before, but now I want to read her book, Agnes Grey.
This book is amazing and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the Brontes!
Carly is a girl from Alaska who, loves to read and loves stories and adventures. Carly wanders into an old bookstore and is magically transported back in time to 1846, where she is thought to be Charlotte Bronte's student. She lives with the Brontes and we get to meet the whole family. Charlotte's sisters, Emliy and Anne, brother, Branwell and their father, Patrick.
Carly is excited to be living a real live adventure, but wonders WHY she is here and WHAT she should be doing. Soon she is visited by a ghost - the ghost is Maria, the Bronte's oldest sister who died many years earlier at the age of 12. Maria tells Carly that she must fix something in her sisters lives. Her sisters are misguided, they are not writing from their heart and, as a result, they are not having success with their writing. Carly must somehow convince the sisters to write truthfully what they feel - and not what they think they should write, or what the time period dictates. Carly must also read Jane Eyre before she can return to her time.
When Carly goes looking for a copy of Jane Eyre to get started, she realizes that this is going to be a lot harder than she thought - Jane Eyre does not exist in the bookshop - because it has not been written yet! I saw it coming, but I still loved that part - really cute.
It's a very clever plot-line, and I can see how this is going to be a wonderful series! But I am so glad that Katherine Rue started with Jane Eyre.
Carly is a great character. I love that she lives in Alaska. I love that she loves to read and makes many references to some of my favorite books. She quotes from both classics like A Little Princess and Anne of Green Gables; and contemporary books like Harry Potter.
It's also really cute how Carly knows what to expect from adventures, because she has read so many of them. She knows how the game works, how she should handle herself in certain situations - she's not going to make the silly mistakes that people in books do. :)
The only problem is there is one BIG mistake that Carly does make, and at first I thought it a bit unbelievable that a girl from Alaska should carelessly ignore threatening weather. But Carly knows she made a mistake and berates herself for doing it. As the book goes on, though, I see why this had to happen.
Carly is a straightforward kind of girl and tries talking to the Brontes to convey her message about writing from the heart. But in that time period, children were to be seen and not heard unless spoken to. They take Carly's frank talk as an insult. They see her as a disobedient child who does not know her place. I could really relate to this kind of a communication and/or generation gap. I did wonder how Carley was ever going to overcome it. So, there had to be a BIG event to get the Brontes' attention. Hence, the weather incident mentioned above.
I was surprised just how much I felt like I was getting to know Charlotte, Emily and Anne!
Surprisingly, Charlotte was not necessarily the person I thought. I didn't dislike her, but I just didn't like her as much as I like her character, Jane. I think Charlotte might have been writing Jane as she wished she were, not as she truly was. That's an insight that I never considered before. I just assumed that Charlotte was just like Jane.
Another surprise was that Emily can be a bit of a bitch! She was definitely the harshest of the three sisters and even Carly is a bit intimidated by her at times.
Anne was the nicest of the three. She is kind and gentle and Carly believes that she is the most likely to hear her out when it becomes necessary to confide some of what Carly is going through with ghosts and such. I never thought much about Anne before, but now I want to read her book, Agnes Grey.
This book is amazing and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the Brontes!
June 18, 2014
Braving the Brontes
Katherine Rue
Mystery
Carly Keene: Literary Detective Series
May 1, 2014
Paperback, 107 pages
9780989816625
Review: I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read more in this series. First off I have to say even if it was not intentional I love that Katherine Rue’s main character and lead “book detective” is named Carly Keene and makes a reference to Nancy Drew. When I was growing up I loved Nancy Drew and seeing as how the author of Nancy Drew’s name was Caroline Keene I just had to see how this book would go.
I loved Carly she was the perfect type of twelve year old. Most of the time when I read about a younger person I have a hard time finishing the story because I find them too whiney and annoying. Now Carly did have her whiney side but she was also smart and funny also. Plus the mystery and the history made me keep reading. Also Carly was a sweetheart. You felt for her as she got homesick and you wanted to see her succeed in solving the mystery of the Brontes.
One of the best parts of this book is the history. I will be honest with you I have never read anything by the Bronte sisters and I thought everything was written by one sister. I learned so much about the sisters and their family in this book. The best part is that it is written in a way that kids reading this book will not even realize they are learning while reading. I now find myself wanting to read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. I recommend this to any juvenile looking for a light mystery, especially those who enjoy reading and will enjoy a heroine who gets to go inside the lives of some of the world’s most famous authors.
I received a free copy of this book from netgalley for my honest opinion of the book.
Katherine Rue
Mystery
Carly Keene: Literary Detective Series
May 1, 2014
Paperback, 107 pages
9780989816625
Review: I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read more in this series. First off I have to say even if it was not intentional I love that Katherine Rue’s main character and lead “book detective” is named Carly Keene and makes a reference to Nancy Drew. When I was growing up I loved Nancy Drew and seeing as how the author of Nancy Drew’s name was Caroline Keene I just had to see how this book would go.
I loved Carly she was the perfect type of twelve year old. Most of the time when I read about a younger person I have a hard time finishing the story because I find them too whiney and annoying. Now Carly did have her whiney side but she was also smart and funny also. Plus the mystery and the history made me keep reading. Also Carly was a sweetheart. You felt for her as she got homesick and you wanted to see her succeed in solving the mystery of the Brontes.
One of the best parts of this book is the history. I will be honest with you I have never read anything by the Bronte sisters and I thought everything was written by one sister. I learned so much about the sisters and their family in this book. The best part is that it is written in a way that kids reading this book will not even realize they are learning while reading. I now find myself wanting to read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. I recommend this to any juvenile looking for a light mystery, especially those who enjoy reading and will enjoy a heroine who gets to go inside the lives of some of the world’s most famous authors.
I received a free copy of this book from netgalley for my honest opinion of the book.
May 26, 2014
With such delightfully fun language like tickety-boo (nincompoops; balderdash; heebie-jeebies ) Carly and Francesca "don't want to waste adventures." With their gift of imagination they know "There's no point in an adventure where the bad guys can zap you with phasers and disappear. How would we triumph and complete or quest?"
As Carly quickly discovers this is not just a rare first edition, it supposedly is the Charlotte Bronte's personal copy. With that being disclosed, "his pleased look faded as he started to mutter again about the binding, but Carly wasn't paying attention." Nope, she curls back and opens the cover....With firelight flickering over her face...she doesn't notice when the old man gave a satisfied smile and went back through the doorway..." Now I was hooked! I kept reading until the iPad shut down.
I will not share more, I must respect the nature of a great mystery. And yet, I will entice you with these final or should I say beginning moments of Carly's mystery: "Almost immediately she heard it. Tap-tap-tap at the window...Carly jumped out of bed and ran over to the window...The thin, pale face of a girl stared back at her...Save my sisters or you will not save yourself..."
The setting descriptions are enjoyable, stepping from the present into the Bronte's home is such a grand idea. Descriptions filled with vivid language, life experiences of an romantic age, eloquent poetry musings, literary connections which brings a reader's memories back to life.... and best of all new literary hooks tempting an "oh, I've got to read that one," will keep a smile on any reader's face.
Enjoy, MrsK
http://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
As Carly quickly discovers this is not just a rare first edition, it supposedly is the Charlotte Bronte's personal copy. With that being disclosed, "his pleased look faded as he started to mutter again about the binding, but Carly wasn't paying attention." Nope, she curls back and opens the cover....With firelight flickering over her face...she doesn't notice when the old man gave a satisfied smile and went back through the doorway..." Now I was hooked! I kept reading until the iPad shut down.
I will not share more, I must respect the nature of a great mystery. And yet, I will entice you with these final or should I say beginning moments of Carly's mystery: "Almost immediately she heard it. Tap-tap-tap at the window...Carly jumped out of bed and ran over to the window...The thin, pale face of a girl stared back at her...Save my sisters or you will not save yourself..."
The setting descriptions are enjoyable, stepping from the present into the Bronte's home is such a grand idea. Descriptions filled with vivid language, life experiences of an romantic age, eloquent poetry musings, literary connections which brings a reader's memories back to life.... and best of all new literary hooks tempting an "oh, I've got to read that one," will keep a smile on any reader's face.
Enjoy, MrsK
http://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
June 1, 2014
I love books where the characters from our world get to meet famous people from history - and this is a triple crown winner, because Carly gets to meet all three of the Bronte sisters. Carly and her friend Francesca are always hoping for an adventure. They play games where they come up with scenarios and then imagine what a favorite character would do in the situation. They are on the lookout for a wardrobe or other everyday location that is actually a portal to another world, so it shouldn't be a big surprise when they discover an alleyway they have never noticed before and it contains a bookshop jammed with books of all sorts. Carly meets the owner and he offers to let her look at a first edition copy of Jane Eyre. Before she knows it, Carly has been transported to 1846 and is living with the Brontes as Charlotte's student. A ghost tells her that she must get the sisters to share their stories and then she must read Jane Eyre before she will be able to return to her own time. The only problem, the book hasn't been written yet! What's a girl to do?
Carly is a determined and spirited girl with plenty of imagination. She's also very fond of books and refers to them often, mentioning titles and characters that readers will recognize. Although her friend Francesca does not get to come along on this adventure, I'm sure that she is hoping for a chance of her own. If you enjoy books and mysteries, this is a mixture that will be your kind of story. I'm curious where and when Carly will go next.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Carly is a determined and spirited girl with plenty of imagination. She's also very fond of books and refers to them often, mentioning titles and characters that readers will recognize. Although her friend Francesca does not get to come along on this adventure, I'm sure that she is hoping for a chance of her own. If you enjoy books and mysteries, this is a mixture that will be your kind of story. I'm curious where and when Carly will go next.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
July 14, 2014
I've read a lot of reviews of Carly Keene and the prevalent feeling is that Carly is that she too often lets her emotions lead the way during her time helping the Brontes. Yes, Carly shouts to make her feelings known. Yes, she throws tantrums once or twice in order to get people to listen to her. More than anything, though, Carly has been transported from 2014 to 1846. She's a twelve-year-old girl who is stuck in a place that doesn't place much value on being either young or female. I think that would wear on me, too. It's hard to go from being important and heard to being ignored and pushed aside.
Braving the Brontes is excellently written, and is a great step into the literary world. There is much to be said for a strong protagonist who doubts herself, but finds the courage to fight her way through unexpected situations. Carly Keene provides a character to aspire to, no matter what the age of the reader- especially because she provides so many examples of literary heroines in her own story.
Braving the Brontes is excellently written, and is a great step into the literary world. There is much to be said for a strong protagonist who doubts herself, but finds the courage to fight her way through unexpected situations. Carly Keene provides a character to aspire to, no matter what the age of the reader- especially because she provides so many examples of literary heroines in her own story.
January 7, 2014
Quite enjoyable. Twelve-year-old Carly is thoughtful. Being a reader, she has dreamed of being a romantic heroine and so is almost prepared for the time-travel quest. The puzzle is about the Bronte family and, though, I am no expert, I enjoyed puzzling along with her. The author has a flair for descriptions and includes many literary allusions. The humor of a modern tween fitting into the restricted life of a child of the mid-1800's is very appealing. (fortunately for me, I was given an advance copy - unfortunately for you, you'll have to wait for the May publication)
June 17, 2014
Bronte sisters? Bring it! Young Carly is a time traveler who "might" travel back in time to live with the Brontes. How does that happen??
I love opening lines of a book. They can make or break it for me. This one is AWESOME.
I love opening lines of a book. They can make or break it for me. This one is AWESOME.
April 17, 2020
I purchased this book a few years ago, totally judging it by it's cover and title. As a bookish mom living in Juneau whose favorite book of all time is Jane Eyre, there was no way I was leaving it on the bookstore shelf.
My oldest child is just now twelve, though, so I procrastinated in pre-reading it for them. What better time to pick it up than a national quarantine with libraries and bookstores closed?
What a fun read! I'm not sure my oldest is quite ready for Jane Eyre (it's on our homeschool curriculum for 10th grade), but he's definitely old enough to enjoy this protagonist and her Nancy Drew of Narnia antics. I loved all the allusions to other classics (many of which my son HAS read).
I'm looking forward to discussing this with my children and checking to see if there are more in the series!
My oldest child is just now twelve, though, so I procrastinated in pre-reading it for them. What better time to pick it up than a national quarantine with libraries and bookstores closed?
What a fun read! I'm not sure my oldest is quite ready for Jane Eyre (it's on our homeschool curriculum for 10th grade), but he's definitely old enough to enjoy this protagonist and her Nancy Drew of Narnia antics. I loved all the allusions to other classics (many of which my son HAS read).
I'm looking forward to discussing this with my children and checking to see if there are more in the series!
September 3, 2022
Satanic
February 26, 2014
I always enjoy books that literally allow the characters to enter into a well-known literary world. In this book, twelve-year-old Carly Keene stumbles upon a mysterious alley. As an adventurous girl, she is compelled to investigate. After entering a bookstore in this alley, she find herself transported back in time into the home of the Bronte family which includes the famous sister authors Emily, Charlotte and Anne. The ghost of the Bronte's sister, Mary, informs Carly that it is her mission to make sure that the story of Jane Eyre is written. Not only will this provide much needed emotional healing in the Bronte household, it is the only way Carly can find her way back to her own family in the present.
My first impression of the book was that it reminded me of the Nancy Drew stories. This was probably helped along by the fact that the main character's name is very similar to the author of the Nancy Drew books, Carolyn Keene. While overall I enjoyed the book, I have a couple of critiques. First of all, the main character is a very well-read twelve-year-old girl. While Carly Keene may have read a number of literary classics, I am not sure how many other twelve-year-olds have and wonder if it will appeal to the audience for which it seems to be intended. I enjoyed the book but that is because I have read many of the classic works referred to therein. Knowledge of the literary works of the Bronte sisters would certainly add to the comprehension and appreciation of this story. Also, while most of the time Carly seems to be a well-behaved and polite, albeit adventurous, girl there is one scene where Carly is extremely disrespectful to the Bronte sisters's brother. As deserving as he is of this reprimand, it is not appropriate for it to come from a twelve-year-old guest in his home. During this encounter she also uses foul language which does not seem consistent with her character throughout the rest of the book. I have read more than one biography on the Bronte sisters, and I do feel that the author's portrayal of the family does accurately reflect family life in the Bronte home. Aside from these inconsistencies, I enjoyed reading the story.
My first impression of the book was that it reminded me of the Nancy Drew stories. This was probably helped along by the fact that the main character's name is very similar to the author of the Nancy Drew books, Carolyn Keene. While overall I enjoyed the book, I have a couple of critiques. First of all, the main character is a very well-read twelve-year-old girl. While Carly Keene may have read a number of literary classics, I am not sure how many other twelve-year-olds have and wonder if it will appeal to the audience for which it seems to be intended. I enjoyed the book but that is because I have read many of the classic works referred to therein. Knowledge of the literary works of the Bronte sisters would certainly add to the comprehension and appreciation of this story. Also, while most of the time Carly seems to be a well-behaved and polite, albeit adventurous, girl there is one scene where Carly is extremely disrespectful to the Bronte sisters's brother. As deserving as he is of this reprimand, it is not appropriate for it to come from a twelve-year-old guest in his home. During this encounter she also uses foul language which does not seem consistent with her character throughout the rest of the book. I have read more than one biography on the Bronte sisters, and I do feel that the author's portrayal of the family does accurately reflect family life in the Bronte home. Aside from these inconsistencies, I enjoyed reading the story.
June 8, 2014
This was a very sweet and endearing read! I was already interested because of the link to the Brontes but the author managed to bring the Bronte history and the era to life so well, which was surprising for such a short read. I think this is a wonderful start to Carly Keene's adventures!
Carly (whose name must be inspired by Carolyn Keene, the pen name for the author of Nancy Drew) is a very believable and likable protagonist. The Alaskan setting, Carly's family, and her best friend Francesca, give Carly such a distinctive personality as well, because through these things, you can understand why Carly is so quirky. It's also fun to read how Carly copes with 19th century England with all of it's less savory aspects (like the food, poor hygiene, and the lack of plumbing) as well as her delight in wearing period dress and in exploring the beautiful countryside. These little details really captured the time and place, and felt so true to how someone would feel traveling out of their own time. This book made the time travel aspect very satisfying because it felt so realistic.
This story reads more like an adventure than a mystery to me. Perhaps later books in the series will explore true mysteries, but this book was more about Carly helping the Brontës be true to themselves and finding out more about their lives than any mystery surrounding them that Carly has to solve. (Although I may feel this way because I am pretty familiar with the Brontes' lives already.) There is a supernatural aspect though that felt very true to the Brontë legacy which I really appreciated. I think kids will enjoy Carly's adventure and spirit and adults will appreciate the authentic details, the multi-dimensional characters and the nostalgia of reading exciting books like this when they were young.
(I received this book from the publisher or author for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review.)
Carly (whose name must be inspired by Carolyn Keene, the pen name for the author of Nancy Drew) is a very believable and likable protagonist. The Alaskan setting, Carly's family, and her best friend Francesca, give Carly such a distinctive personality as well, because through these things, you can understand why Carly is so quirky. It's also fun to read how Carly copes with 19th century England with all of it's less savory aspects (like the food, poor hygiene, and the lack of plumbing) as well as her delight in wearing period dress and in exploring the beautiful countryside. These little details really captured the time and place, and felt so true to how someone would feel traveling out of their own time. This book made the time travel aspect very satisfying because it felt so realistic.
This story reads more like an adventure than a mystery to me. Perhaps later books in the series will explore true mysteries, but this book was more about Carly helping the Brontës be true to themselves and finding out more about their lives than any mystery surrounding them that Carly has to solve. (Although I may feel this way because I am pretty familiar with the Brontes' lives already.) There is a supernatural aspect though that felt very true to the Brontë legacy which I really appreciated. I think kids will enjoy Carly's adventure and spirit and adults will appreciate the authentic details, the multi-dimensional characters and the nostalgia of reading exciting books like this when they were young.
(I received this book from the publisher or author for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review.)
May 5, 2014
Braving the Brontes is part historical and part mystery. Geared toward younger readers it offers them a peak into older reader and grown up classic book characters such as Laura Ingalls Wilder, Caddie Woodlawn, Sherlock Holmes, Little Women,The Chronicles of Narnia, The Secret Garden, Harry Potter, Jane Austen, and the Brontes to name a few.
It offers insight into the Brontes, their lives, their works, their home, their food, their friends, and medical conditions and health of that time frame. Although from a fictional stand point, the author does mention at the end of the book she has tried to stay as true as possible to the facts of the Brontes' lives, but did embellish as needed.
I love the positive message that it tells girls it's okay to express your emotions and what's on your mind. Carly tries help the sisters do this, but does not always express herself in the most positive way, throwing temper tantrums and storming off. Even though she faces trials because of those actions, she doesn't seem to quite learn her lesson and how to express herself appropriately which is a downfall of the book.
This book is first in the Carly Keene: Literary Detective series. It will be interesting to see what happens in the upcoming books.
It offers insight into the Brontes, their lives, their works, their home, their food, their friends, and medical conditions and health of that time frame. Although from a fictional stand point, the author does mention at the end of the book she has tried to stay as true as possible to the facts of the Brontes' lives, but did embellish as needed.
I love the positive message that it tells girls it's okay to express your emotions and what's on your mind. Carly tries help the sisters do this, but does not always express herself in the most positive way, throwing temper tantrums and storming off. Even though she faces trials because of those actions, she doesn't seem to quite learn her lesson and how to express herself appropriately which is a downfall of the book.
This book is first in the Carly Keene: Literary Detective series. It will be interesting to see what happens in the upcoming books.
May 25, 2014
I enjoyed this. I received an advanced reading copy of this book for review and read it at one sitting. A modern version of a 12-year whose favorite pastime is imagining herself having fantastical adventures and solving mysteries--and then does just that when she's magically and unexpectedly transported back in time to England and the household of the Bronte sisters. HAVING an adventure turns out to be different than just imagining one, and there are some dark turns before she accomplishes her tasks and is able to return home.
The characters (especially the Bronte sisters) could have been a little more three-dimensional (they come across as a little cold and flat) but overall a good YA book in the shadow of children's classics like Nancy Drew and 'wardrobe' adventures like the Chronicles of Narnia. A number of children's classics (some of which have almost been forgotten, especially in the U.S.), and, of course, the novels of the Bronte sisters are mentioned, and will hopefully tempt readers to read those as well.
The characters (especially the Bronte sisters) could have been a little more three-dimensional (they come across as a little cold and flat) but overall a good YA book in the shadow of children's classics like Nancy Drew and 'wardrobe' adventures like the Chronicles of Narnia. A number of children's classics (some of which have almost been forgotten, especially in the U.S.), and, of course, the novels of the Bronte sisters are mentioned, and will hopefully tempt readers to read those as well.
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