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Gathering of Cans

 
 
Gathering of Cans
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Gathering of Cans

     Aluminum cans reveal to the reader the story of a woman unfazed by the severity of reaching her goal to build a swimming pool for the children of her community. How? By gathering aluminum cans. During this quest, Zoie relives the stories connected to special cans: gold Budweiser can, green Mountain Dew can, Santa Claus Coca-Cola can, and NEHI can.
     Each unique can tells the 40-year story of Zoie's life span. There is magic in these unique cans as they follow the lives of Zoie; Nat, the young Marine; Della, the serious Jazz singer/composer; Jerry, the wood sculptor; and Birdie, the attorney.
     However, in Zoie's idyllic world it becomes clear in the story that not every citizen is happy with her intrusion on their local roads. Some believe that Zoie is crazy or inflicted with a satanic soul, or worse, maybe even a communist spy. Just when the tension reaches the boiling point, the novel delivers an ending that will stun the reader into the appreciation of Zoie's quest and her steadfast love for her husband, Nat.

SKU: 

I9781419652820

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Product Details:
Author: Robert L. Saunders
Paperback: 550 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing
Publication Date: November 09, 2006
Language: English
ISBN: 1419652826
Package Length: 7.6 inches
Package Width: 5.2 inches
Package Height: 1.5 inches
Package Weight: 1.45 pounds
Average Customer Rating: based on 12 reviews
 
 

Customer Reviews:
Average Customer Review:4.0 ( 12 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 found the following review helpful:

5A Top-Notched Story You won't forget!!  Jul 09, 2007
By NturnLMDSIN
This book was recommended to me by neighbor and it was just a wonderful story! The author mixes in romance that makes me smile and a bit of mystery that keeps me intrigued. It is easy to get into the story and with each of his characters I could visualize them very easily in the story and relate to them and what they are going through. Their relationships especially Zoie and Nat's, are believable and touching. The story made care about the characters and I eagerly turned the pages to find out what would happen to each of them.
In summary this is a super, precious novel. One of the best stories I have read in a long time. I highly urge you to check it out.


14 of 16 found the following review helpful:

4Definitely worth Reading!  Jul 27, 2007
By BooksForMe
Robert Saunders has written a sweeping, emotionally powerful story that provides the reader with a most telling window into life of Zoie Baker over the past 40 odd years. It's also a moving story of friendship between brothers and sisters, sacrifice and heartfelt love between a husband and wife. Saunders is an amazing writer and "Gathering of Cans" rivals his thrilling mystery "The Monopoly Factor". I literally read this book cover to cover all 530 pages in 2 days. This is one of those books you don't want to see end as you've completely bonded with the characters and once the book is closed, you're no longer in their lives or they in yours. As much as I loved his other books I actually loved this book more. Definitely worth reading.

10 of 11 found the following review helpful:

5I haven't found a book this engaging in a long time!  Aug 05, 2007
By Audrey Lewis
I was mesmerized by this book. I read it in two sittings. I was so absorbed in the story I felt like I was standing with Zoie, Birdie, Nat and Jerry. When I got to the end I wanted more, and I wanted to turn the last page and see what else was going to happen to these exciting characters. I haven't found a book this engaging in a long time. I was moved to tears several times and had to remind myself that I was reading a book. It definitely is a powerful story that will stay in your mind long after you are finished. A wonderful novel by an author that you will definitely remember. I plan to buy the author's Tommytown before the day is finished. I would recommend Gathering of Cans to anyone.

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:

4Authentic Characters are Combined with an Awesome Story!  Sep 23, 2007
By Jordan L. Wares
I think what made me excited about reading this book was the scope of the story revolving around cans...plain old cans. Once I started reading Gathering of Cans I just couldn't put it down. I found the stories of the cans to be unique, incredible and heartbreaking. And when I was done reading the story I could not stop thinking about the characters and how the author tied their wonderful life experiences to the Mountain Dew can, Budweiser can, the Christmas Coca-Cola can and the Nehi Can.. The characters were very likable, and they were skillfully woven from every perspective, soldier, sibling love, musician, outdoorsman, victim, bully, husband, wife, and they seemed authentic, and not contrived. The ending was awesome, plus it didn't leave any loose ends; everything was closed up; leaving me with no lingering doubts about the story.
If you're searching for a terrific, well-written women's novel then this is the book for you. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to all my friends. Have a good day!



6 of 8 found the following review helpful:

4A very Interesting Story  Jun 12, 2007
By Kim Marcus

Gathering of Cans is a well-written and enjoyable to read. Saunders's unique descriptions of the brothers and soldiers, Nat and Jerry, their lives and deep kinship for one another were disturbing, yet captivating. The reader can visualize the scenes when Zoie is gathering cans on a hot August day; collapsing from the extreme heat; her attack by a local thug are memorial.

In my opinion, the image of Zoie and Nat standing together at the end of the book was the most heart felt scene. It was such a wonderful way to end a great book. I'm sure this novel will leave readers with a lot of joy, tears and at the same time very sad that the story came to an end. I know I felt this way.


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