August is coming to a close and you know what that means—our next meeting of the Orchard Street Reading Society and our next book selection! 

Since the fourth meeting will be in October (scientifically proven to be the spookiest time of the year) we thought a mystery was very much in order. So, our September/October book is The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin! Winner of the Newbery Medal in 1978, The Westing Game follows 16 potential heirs, paired into teams, as they try to solve the murder of wealthy Samuel W. Westing. They have to use the clues provided in his puzzle-like will to uncover the secret. Whoever figures it out first inherits Westing’s lucrative business empire.

At least three of us here at CWPE read this book as kids and thoroughly enjoyed it. Personally, I first read it as a fifth grader at Haigh Elementary. One of my all-time favorite teachers assigned it as one of the first readings of the school year. I devoured it before the rest of my class made it halfway through, and then ended up happily reading it a second time while they caught up. I’ve read it a few times since then, but it’s been a solid 13 years since I tackled it last.

 It also happens to be The Westing Game's 40th anniversary this year! So, Puffin rereleased it with the original cover design, which is beautiful both inside and out. We’ll have it available in store starting today (Wednesday August 29) with it’s pencil pairing (an Apsara Matt Magic, as it’s a pencil with a little secret of it’s own).

We hope to see you tonight to discuss The Elegance of the Hedgehog and again in October for The Westing Game!