As you read the reviews on Bookshop Talk, you'll notice that every review is positive. No, we're not a bunch of literary
pushovers who love everything we pick up; we just see no point in telling you about a book if we didn't like it.

February 4, 2011

Shakespeare's Secret by Elise Broach, 2005

Shakespeare's Secret
Starting sixth grade at a new school is never easy, especially when your name is Hero. Named after a character in a Shakespeare play, Hero isn’t at all interested in this literary connection. But when she’s told by an eccentric neighbor that there might be a million dollar diamond hidden in her new house and that it could reveal something about Shakespeare’s true identity, Hero is determined to live up to her name and uncover the mystery. (Amazon product description)

Reviewed by Brooke, 8th grade student

This book was first introduced to me by my book club leader when I was a preteen. At the time I was a little hesitant of reading this book, but I am glad I took a chance. This is  book has it all: mystery, adventure, and a little romance. Hero, our young female adventurer, sets out to unravel a mystery about who William Shakespeare truly was.

Have you ever questioned if William Shakespeare was the true author of those magnificent works? Many experts believe that he was a false front for  the real author.

Upon his death, there were no pieces of writing, rough drafts or even scribbles of paper found in his residence that suggests that he was even a writer.

Apart from the fact that he had a 6th grade education and was the son of a common man, his works demonstrated someone who had knowledge and access of life in the Royal court as well as abroad.  Suspicious, isn't it?

 It is up to you to draw your own conclusion.  You may think differently after reading Shakespeare's Secret.

This is by far one of my favorite books. Not only does it include a great mystery, but Broach's words reel you in leaving you wishing for more. Reading this as a preteen, it made my  world seem like it was interesting.

This is one of the first books I actually fell in love with, making me become a passionate reader. From that point on, books became my private world; they take me on journeys beyond my imagination.

Shakespeare's Secret is one of those books that will give you an adventure for a lifetime. I will forever love this book. I mostly love it because of its' creativity. Ms. Broach crafts this book wonderfully, never missing a beat.

You travel through this story interested in all of the characters as well as the plot. This isn't one of those books that you read for a few chapters and get bored with it. I would read this book late into the  night even after being scolded for having my light on while the rest of the world slept. I never wanted this adventure to end.

Market: Middle Grade / Young Adult
Language: Mild
Sensuality: None
Violence: None
Mature Themes: None

Book formats:
Shakespeare's Secret (paperback)
Shakespeare's Secret (e-book)
Shakespeare's Secret (hardcover)

To learn more about the author, visit: Elise Broach

Speaking of Shakespeare, check out our Over-the-Top Poetry Contest, posted on Feb 5, where you can win a copy of Shakespeare's Sonnets!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, this is a fantastic review! I've seen copies of this book in my local thrift store, so there must be a teacher here who loves it! I'll definitely buy myself a copy. Thanks for the great recommendation!

Amy Finnegan {BookshopTalk.com} said...

This topic really intrigues me! I'm a big fan of Shakespeare, and while I believe that he truly is the author of the works that bear his name, the possibility that he was only a pretty face - and the true author was someone else, too high born to admit he/she was a playwright - is fascinating!

Thanks for the great review, Brooke! I can't believe you are only in 8th grade! Your writing skills are easily equal to an adult's :)

Katie L. said...

That was a great review, Brooke! I used to get scolded for reading late into the night, too. :-) I'll definitely have read this book on your stellar recommendation.

Sarah said...

I really, really liked this book! It was very well written and fun to follow. The author is very talented. I read her book "Masterpiece," but liked this one much more.

liberavis said...

I have heard of this book before, and I think I flipped through it. The mystery behind the authorship of Shakespeare's works is a fascinating controversy, and while I have read little of Shakespeare's works, this review has convinced me to put this book on my Goodreads to-read list. :)