The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
I picked this book up because of all of the wonderful reviews I had read. Many people touted it as a Favorite, and one of those books that they still remember far into their adults years. I agree with a few reviews that I have read - I wish I had read this when it first came out (I would have been 12 - perfect age for this book).
A Juvenile Fiction book written in 1978. It was who-dunnit of sorts, and winner of the Newbery Medal. I completed the book, wanting to know how it actually ended. Would I recommend it, as so many others have? No, I would not, unless you were in upper elementary school. It was simply written, with many repetitions, and I had figured out the clues before page 90. It was a nice little escape and a very quick read.
I wish that the characters had seemed a bit more real. Everyone was exaggerated and many things were NOT explained. I admit, though, I grabbed a piece of paper to try to figure out the clues, which happened pretty quickly. Guess that might be the 'old person' in me that did that.
If you have a young reader that you know, I would suggest the book to him or her...they may like the style and hopefully will have fun figuring out the Westing Game.
3 Stars
