Irvin

I’m actually surprised when I meet people who KNOW about the book. For whatever reason, I totally fell in love with it, but I learned about it completely on my own. As a small child at the age of 10, I picked up a random book at the library called THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF LEON (I MEAN NOEL). I remember reading it, fascinated by the 70′s illustrations and listening to the very first cassette tapes that I had purchased (Irene Cara – What a Feeling, and Cyndi Lauper – She’s So Unusual).

The book fascinated me, and led me to read all of the books by the author Ellen Raskin. THE WESTING GAME was the third or fourth book I read by her, and I remember as a child realizing that this was definitely her best one (right after The Mysterious Disappearance book. I didn’t care for the Figgs & Phantoms, but I enjoyed the Tattooed Potato and other clues.

I recently revisited Ellen Raskin’s oeuvre because our friend Rita told me that they were doing a sequel to THE WESTING GAME called THE WESTING QUEST! How they are going to do that, I haven’t a clue, but I was pleased that the book up held up over time, and that I found it just as enjoyable as an adult as I did when I was a kid (and teen).

Rita

During one of the first times you and I ever hung out, a fan-gush session about Ellen Raskin totally broke out in our group. I remember you turned to Tony afterward and were like, “Did you hear what just happened? I have found my tribe!”

I was like, That’s funny. Fan-gush sessions about Ellen Raskin seem to break out fairly frequently in my life.

I have quality friends! ;)

That t-shirt rocks!!

Patty Leibnitz

I love her & have only read “Ghost In A Four-Room Apartment.” It was the perfect blend of reality with the exact attitude one needs to deal with life. What could be better for children in a world such as the one we live in. I consider her a genius, role model and idol. Like you, it’s so neat to find people who appreciate her! Thanks. I’m going to read everything she ever wrote.