Monday, July 18, 2016

A CLATTER OF JARS by Lisa Graff -- and a Giveaway!



A Clatter of Jars by Lisa Graff (May 2016, Philomel, 224 pages, for ages 8 to 12)

Synopsis (from Indiebound): In this magical companion to the National Book Award nominee A Tangle of Knots, it's summertime and everyone is heading off to camp. For Talented kids, the place to be is Camp Atropos, where they can sing songs by the campfire, practice for the Talent show, and take some nice long dips in the lake. But what the kids don't know is that they've been gathered for a reason, one that the camp's director wants to keep hidden at all costs.

Meanwhile, a Talent jar that has been dropped to the bottom of the lake has sprung a leak, and strange things have begun to happen. Dozens of seemingly empty jars have been washing up on the shoreline, Talents have been swapped, and memories have been ripped from one camper's head and placed into another. And no one knows why.

With a camp full of kids, a lake full of magic, and a grown-up full of a secrets, "A Clatter of Jars" is a story of summer, family, and the lengths we go to win back the people we love.

Why I recommend it: I've been a fan of author Lisa Graff since Umbrella Summer and it's been awe-inspiring to watch her talent grow over the years. I love the magical realism of this perfect summer tale. And I adore how it all comes together in the end. You don't need to read A Tangle of Knots to appreciate this fun and sophisticated summer camp yarn, since it's about different characters, but it adds to your enjoyment if you're familiar with the first book and the Talented world Lisa Graff has created. And Cady makes a cameo appearance here!

Favorite lines: Memory is a curious thing. Some details stick in our minds like peanut butter on crackers, and refuse to budge, as much as we might wish they would. (from p. 51)

Bonus: Plenty of diversity among the large cast of characters. Plus... recipes! This time for refreshing summer drinks.

Giveaway details: Thanks to the generosity of the publisher, I have one hardcover copy of A Clatter of Jars to give away, along with a paperback of A Tangle of Knots (and if you're the lucky winner and you've already read A Tangle of Knots, I could substitute another Lisa Graff paperback). To enter, all you need to do is follow my blog and comment on this post. If you tweet about it or mention it on social media, please let me know and I'll give you extra chances. This giveaway is open to mailing addresses in the US and Canada ONLY and ends at 10:00 pm EDT on Sunday July 24. Winner to be announced on Monday July 25. Good luck!

26 comments:

  1. I really like that quote. So original. I've been hearing great thinks about this, but I'm going to let someone else win. Way behind in my reading.

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    1. I understand, Natalie. Glad you liked the quote I chose. It was hard to decide which one to use!

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  2. I enjoy magic realism. I have only recently been hearing about this author--all good. I'd love to be entered to win. Nice review. Sounds like a good read. I hope some of her books are at my library.

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  3. I always enjoy Lisa Graff (Last year I read LOST IN THE SUN and it became one of my favorites). This new one sounds like a winner. So many great elements weaved in to make the plot soar.

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    1. I just finished reading LOST IN THE SUN, Greg. It's excellent!

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  4. I'm excited for a new Lisa Graff book! Thanks for the review!

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  5. This sounds so interesting! What a great quote you pulled out!

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    1. And there are so many more great quotes in this book, Andrea!

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  6. She is very talented! (No need to enter me in the giveaway, as I have the book in my TBR pile already.)

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    1. Yes she is, Michael! And yay that you already have the book! Enjoy.

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  7. Oh, these books are both on my TBR list. I loved her book Lost in the Sun. I tweeted about the giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win.

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    1. Thanks for tweeting, Rosi. Extra chance duly noted. I loved LOST IN THE SUN too.

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  8. Thanks Joanne for introducing me to Lisa's book/s. I will add them to my TBR pile.

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  9. Followed as La La on Google Friends. I would love both of these books. I have had them on my tbr for a while now. Thank for the giveaway contest. I will tweet and come back with the url. :D

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    1. Here is the url https://mobile.twitter.com/LaLaTOadstOne/status/756810173277171712

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    2. I also put it on my Facebook blog page: https://www.facebook.com/lalainthelibrary/photos/a.250667755098131.1073741828.250664988431741/654118384753064/?type=3&theater

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    3. And on my Facebook giveaway page: https://www.facebook.com/bookishgiveawaysforbookworms/photos/a.722455941154942.1073741829.716012671799269/1159066877493844/?type=3&theater

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    4. Wow! Thanks so much, LaLa. Extra chances noted!

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  10. I really need to pick up this series! Great review! :)

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    1. Thanks, Erik. They're companion books, and I certainly hope Lisa will write more from that world of Talents.

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  11. I love reading Lisa Graff books with my daughters. (12 & 10) We have read and enjoyed; Umbrella Summer, Lost in the Sun, A Tangle of Knots, and we are currently reading A Clatter of Jars.

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