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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
Reread of a childhood favorite! It's still so good!
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've heard of this middle-grades mystery/adventure book for a very long time, and I was expecting a lot of it--hoping to read something as good as E.L. Konigsberg would write. But I was a little disappointed. There are a lot of characters to keep up with, and there is a lot of action, and the plot has a lot of twists, but unfortunately, I found the characters themselves to be pretty simplistic and though mild, there is enough sex and race stereotyping to make a modern-day reader feel uncomfortable. (It was published in 1978; it would be more excusable had it been written/published in the 40s, but it's set then). I think the writing style would be unappealing to most kids of this age, though I'm sure that there are certain readers who'd really like it.
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was recently inspired to revisit this novel, which was a childhood favorite. I have to admit I remembered very little of it, only the barest outline. It was a thrilling read as an adult—and I once again found myself gripped by the startlingly emotional conclusion.
I read this for the first time in elementary school and have adored it ever since. I re-read as an adult and it is still one of my favorite stories.
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I first read this book in elementary school, and thought it was the most fabulous book ever (although, truth be told, my book allegiances ran thin as I would swear my undying love to each book I checked out of the library). But The Westing Game is one I read multiple times, wondering at the cleverness of Ellen Raskin and wanting, more than anything, to be Turtle. The book was so satisfying on every level.
When I saw the book as a choice on my 7th grader's summer reading list, I told him he had to not only read it, but love it, else I would disown him. I decided that I too would read the book, although I was trepidatious, worried it wouldn't hold up to my memory.
The book held up. True, with an adult eye, a few of the plot points weren't the strongest and some of the book felt slightly dated. But I still loved it. Right up to the last word. I found the characters other than Turtle (who I barely noticed in my younger readings) to be just as intriguing and really quiet well written. It was a bit more sophisticated than I remembered.
In two years when my younger daughter gets that reading this, she'll be forced to read it and love it as well. Or else I'll kick her in the shins! (Long live Turtle!)
(Note: I'm happy to say that my son also loved it and is therefore still a part of the family.)
When I saw the book as a choice on my 7th grader's summer reading list, I told him he had to not only read it, but love it, else I would disown him. I decided that I too would read the book, although I was trepidatious, worried it wouldn't hold up to my memory.
The book held up. True, with an adult eye, a few of the plot points weren't the strongest and some of the book felt slightly dated. But I still loved it. Right up to the last word. I found the characters other than Turtle (who I barely noticed in my younger readings) to be just as intriguing and really quiet well written. It was a bit more sophisticated than I remembered.
In two years when my younger daughter gets that reading this, she'll be forced to read it and love it as well. Or else I'll kick her in the shins! (Long live Turtle!)
(Note: I'm happy to say that my son also loved it and is therefore still a part of the family.)
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes