Soooo I didn't know this was a companion novel, and I see a number of reviewers all: read [b: Tangle of Knots|15780279|A Tangle of Knots|Lisa Graff|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1359234306s/15780279.jpg|21495195] first. But whatever, I didn't have any trouble getting into the world or understanding the rules of the talents, so I think it's fine to read this first. Or only. Because let's be real, I have a million things to read, so I'm probably never going back to the first one.

Anyway, this was a wonderful look at siblings and decisions they make and lies they tell, with lots of heart and really pretty writing. It's got mystery and adventure and magic and summer camp. I loved the characters, and I really enjoyed the audiobook narrator's singing. If you're in the mood for a great summer read, I'd pick this one up. Plus it's got delicious sounding beverage recipes throughout, and I'm super excited to make some this summer! ( )

Disappointing sequel. I loved a Tangle of Knots and had such high hopes for this book. The characters were hard to follow and the plot developed slowly. I felt myself thinking about the next book I wanted to read. Sadly, I abandoned it. ( )

Quirky magical realism.

A Clatter of Jars is Lisa Graff's follow up to 2013's, A Tangle of Knots. I reviewed A Tangle of Knots in 2013, and declared, "If you read no other middle grade fiction book this year, you will have made a good choice." The magic doesn't wear off in A Clatter of Jars, a deftly woven, magical realism story set in the same world as the preceding book, where many people possess Talents - from the mundane (ability to understand frogs) to the powerful (telekinesis). I particularly enjoyed this story because it features a boy who we may assume has some sort of spectrum disorder, and it has a subtle Lord of the Rings reference.

Because of the rich details of the world Lisa Graff has created, A Clatter of Jars is best read after A Tangle of Knots.

An audio excerpt from A Clatter of Jars and my review for AudioFile Magazine may be found here: http://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/114587/a-clatter-of-jars-by-lisa-g...

More at http://shelf-employed.blogspot.com/2016/07/a-clatter-of-jars-audiobook-review.ht... ( )