The Light Jar by Lisa Thompson.
I loved Lisa Thompsonās debut āThe Goldfish Boyā and itās a kindred book to me, so when I heard of her new book at the beginning of the year I was so excited and intrigued at the story prospect āThe Light Jarā and Iām happy to say I bloominā loved it!
Itās always a mixture of feelings when an author whom you love their debut brings out a new book - thereās excitement, apprehension as to whether itāll be as good as their first and anticipation of what the story will unfold and I can honestly say that Lisa Thompsonās done it! Fans of āThe Goldfish Boyā will not be disappointed and new readers are in for a wonderful encounter with one of the best childrenās authors around.
In āThe Light Jarā we meet soon to be 12 year old Nate who is woken one night by his mum to go on an adventure to start a new life far away from their old life and the ties of his mums partner. They find themselves in an old family friends uninhabited country cottage that has only the woods, a lot of ornaments and a rather weathered but hardy chicken to keep them company. But despite the remoteness and unfamiliarity of the situation, Nate actually sees his mum more relaxed and happy than he has in a very long time indeed, and although their living situation is far from perfect, there seems to be a little light appearing around the corner. But Nateās mum doesnāt come back home after going out for supplies one day and poor Nate is left wondering, worried and alone.
As time goes on he meets the wise and happy Sam - his long lost imaginary friend who he thought heād never see again; and Kitty - a determined, funny, treasure hunting girl from the woods whoās on a mission to uncover the mystery of a familyās past. Together mysteries are solved, lessons are learnt and friendships are forged with plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you on your toes!
The pace of the book is easy flowing, kept you captured in the story long after you closed the book and is the type of book you canāt put down but equally donāt want to finish too soon!
I found the balance of the characters and the relatability and empathy you felt towards them as the reader was brilliant and the dynamics were real to life and accurate. I also love the fact that Lisa Thompson creates awareness of ātabooā subjects in her books such as mental health, hard home lives, grieving and parents separating and gives kids and young people a chance to be able to relate, feel less alone, understand and Ā break down the barriers of these generally skirted around subjects that effect all of us in our lives at some point.
She writes stories that keep your imagination swirling in the stories and the mysteries they hold; thatāll make you smile and laugh and ultimately gives you books that act like a light jar in their own ways - to brighten up this busy, confusing old world we live in. I canāt wait to share her new book with readers young and old.