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Gathering of Cans
In this moving story, the reader will sense an air of greedy anticipation as it reveals particular aluminum cans that 56-year-old Zoie Baker gathers along the rural roads to raise the money to build a swimming pool for the children of her community. During this quest, the reader will find a story connected to special a gold Budweiser can, a green Mountain Dew can, a Santa Claus Coca-Cola can, and a NEHI can. With each special can, the reader will be going on another special journey with Zoie; from the romantic but turbulent time of World War II, through the tumultuous decade of the 1960's; and ending with Zoie gathering cans during the 1980's. There is magic, not just because of the wondrous characters, but also the friendships formed and the joys and the sorrows realized by each unique character.
537 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2006
About the author
Robert L. Saunders
10 books2 followersRobert L. Saunders is the author of five novels. Including the Tommytown series, the author's autobiography set in the 1950's, The Monopoly Factor, a mystery of corporate deceit and murder, Gathering of Cans and John Paul Jones: Finding the forgotten patriot.
He has written a variety of genres including, Mystery, Romance, Womens Fiction, Family Drama, and Historical novels.
Along with paperpack versions, his novels are available on Amazon Kindle, starting at $4.00.
The author lives with his wife, Janet, and their Miniature Schnauzer, Tux, in a house which he designed and built."
He has written a variety of genres including, Mystery, Romance, Womens Fiction, Family Drama, and Historical novels.
Along with paperpack versions, his novels are available on Amazon Kindle, starting at $4.00.
The author lives with his wife, Janet, and their Miniature Schnauzer, Tux, in a house which he designed and built."
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 6, 2017
I've had Gathering of Cans on my shelf for almost ten years. I don't remember exactly where or why I acquired this book but I'm glad I finally got around to reading it... I was not disappointed in this feel-good story. The novel takes place in Washington County, Maryland (Hagerstown), and focuses on telling the story of Zoie Baker, a 56-year old woman who spends her time gathering old aluminum cans to make money for her dream of building a swimming pool for the local children. Using the device of remembrances related to specific cans, the novel relates the story of Zoie and her family and friends going back to the 1940s and World War II. The first can used is an old gold Budweiser can which relates back to when Zoie met her husband at a USO dance prior to him being sent to the Pacific during the war. 
Then an Orange Nehi can is used to relate the experiences of Zoie's brother-in-law who made himself into a master wood carver.
A Christmas Coke can tells the story of Zoie's friend, Della, and her rise to stardom as a Jazz singer.
And then finally, an old Mountain Dew can relates to the tragic story of Zoie's son, Billy.
Saunders takes each can and really draws the reader into its story. Each of these unique cans sends the reader on an incredible journey with Zoie from the 1940's, through the turbulent time of the 1960's, and ending with 56-year-old, Zoie gathering cans during the 1980's. The ending of the novel was quite astonishing and leaves you with a feeling of hope.
I did have a few quibbles with the book. First of all, it was published by Booksurge, which is one of those self-publishing services that provide little editing. There were numerous typos throughout the book. Also, there were sometimes some timing issues with the storyline. For example, one sequence takes place in 1964 but it relates listening to Jim Croce's song Operator on the radio which wasn't released until 1972. But even with these flaws, the story was still well worth reading and I would recommend it.
Then an Orange Nehi can is used to relate the experiences of Zoie's brother-in-law who made himself into a master wood carver.
A Christmas Coke can tells the story of Zoie's friend, Della, and her rise to stardom as a Jazz singer.
And then finally, an old Mountain Dew can relates to the tragic story of Zoie's son, Billy.
Saunders takes each can and really draws the reader into its story. Each of these unique cans sends the reader on an incredible journey with Zoie from the 1940's, through the turbulent time of the 1960's, and ending with 56-year-old, Zoie gathering cans during the 1980's. The ending of the novel was quite astonishing and leaves you with a feeling of hope.
I did have a few quibbles with the book. First of all, it was published by Booksurge, which is one of those self-publishing services that provide little editing. There were numerous typos throughout the book. Also, there were sometimes some timing issues with the storyline. For example, one sequence takes place in 1964 but it relates listening to Jim Croce's song Operator on the radio which wasn't released until 1972. But even with these flaws, the story was still well worth reading and I would recommend it.
December 19, 2010
These Aluminum Cans created a wonderful story!
I haven't read a novel with such a distinctive plot in a long time. The storyline is unique, and held my attention so much I needed to read the entire book at one sitting and with 550 pages it was a very long sitting. Saunders pulls you into Zoie’s intriguing world as he reveals each unique can that Zoie stumbles upon: the gold Budweiser can, the green Mountain Dew can, the Santa Claus Coca-Cola can, and the orange Nehi can.
These cans follows Zoie Baker’s dream to build a swimming pool for her town by gathering cans. Each can unlocks special characters in Zoie Baker’s life from the turbulent times of World War II, through the tumultuous decade of the 1960’s; and ending with Zoie gathering cans along a dusty country road during the 1980’s.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I absolutely loved the ending. It is an excellent book for book club readers!
I haven't read a novel with such a distinctive plot in a long time. The storyline is unique, and held my attention so much I needed to read the entire book at one sitting and with 550 pages it was a very long sitting. Saunders pulls you into Zoie’s intriguing world as he reveals each unique can that Zoie stumbles upon: the gold Budweiser can, the green Mountain Dew can, the Santa Claus Coca-Cola can, and the orange Nehi can.
These cans follows Zoie Baker’s dream to build a swimming pool for her town by gathering cans. Each can unlocks special characters in Zoie Baker’s life from the turbulent times of World War II, through the tumultuous decade of the 1960’s; and ending with Zoie gathering cans along a dusty country road during the 1980’s.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I absolutely loved the ending. It is an excellent book for book club readers!
January 12, 2011
Take a 40 year trip with Aluminum Cans!
This book was given to me by a friend. He said I would find it a very interesting read. He was right, but I also thought it was just a marvelous read. I couldn't believe someone could write a story about aluminum cans, but Saunders did. It took a lot of imagination to give certain cans a story then wrap up the ending with all the characters associated with each can coming together. When I read the Budweiser gold can I was hooked. The author took me on a trip from 1980 to the 1940's when World War II was raging in Europe and the Pacific. Two sisters (Zoie and Birdie) living in Baltimore, sneak out of the house to go to the USO club. There Zoie meets a young marine, Nat who is scheduled to be shipped to the Pacific. They fall in love, but Birdie is upset because her little sister was not suppose to fall in love but only to have fun at the club. Zoie puts her foot down and she marries Nat. Then the author takes you a trip to the battle of Tarawa where Nat is wounded. Next comes the Nehi can and that story is super. Overall, the author created realistic characters that were written in such a way that you totally enjoyed reading about them. The ending was terrific. Highly recommend.
This book was given to me by a friend. He said I would find it a very interesting read. He was right, but I also thought it was just a marvelous read. I couldn't believe someone could write a story about aluminum cans, but Saunders did. It took a lot of imagination to give certain cans a story then wrap up the ending with all the characters associated with each can coming together. When I read the Budweiser gold can I was hooked. The author took me on a trip from 1980 to the 1940's when World War II was raging in Europe and the Pacific. Two sisters (Zoie and Birdie) living in Baltimore, sneak out of the house to go to the USO club. There Zoie meets a young marine, Nat who is scheduled to be shipped to the Pacific. They fall in love, but Birdie is upset because her little sister was not suppose to fall in love but only to have fun at the club. Zoie puts her foot down and she marries Nat. Then the author takes you a trip to the battle of Tarawa where Nat is wounded. Next comes the Nehi can and that story is super. Overall, the author created realistic characters that were written in such a way that you totally enjoyed reading about them. The ending was terrific. Highly recommend.
December 5, 2010
I didn't believe Aluminum Cans could make a great story. I was wrong.
Zoie Baker, decides to gather aluminum cans to raise the money to build a swimming pool for the local children. With no regard for her safety or the hardships that she will encounter, and the pleas for her to quit, she plods alone for the next 7 years gathering cans.
In this novel aluminum cans tell the story of Zoie's life that revolve around unique cans, i.e., the gold Budweiser can, the green Mountain Dew can, the Santa Claus Coca-Cola can, and the orange NEHI can, that bring into the story some of these characters: Nat, the young Marine; Della, the serious Jazz singer/composer; Jerry, the wood sculptor; and Birdie, the attorney. Saunders takes each can and draws the reader into its story from the 1940's, through the turbulent time of the 1960's; and ending with Zoie gathering cans during the 1980's
The story is so incredibly awesome! Especially when you get to the last 3 chapters. It is here that Saunders delivers an ending that will astonish you, cause you to root and to appreciate this woman's devotion to her dream and her adoration for her husband, sister and friends. Highly recommend.
Zoie Baker, decides to gather aluminum cans to raise the money to build a swimming pool for the local children. With no regard for her safety or the hardships that she will encounter, and the pleas for her to quit, she plods alone for the next 7 years gathering cans.
In this novel aluminum cans tell the story of Zoie's life that revolve around unique cans, i.e., the gold Budweiser can, the green Mountain Dew can, the Santa Claus Coca-Cola can, and the orange NEHI can, that bring into the story some of these characters: Nat, the young Marine; Della, the serious Jazz singer/composer; Jerry, the wood sculptor; and Birdie, the attorney. Saunders takes each can and draws the reader into its story from the 1940's, through the turbulent time of the 1960's; and ending with Zoie gathering cans during the 1980's
The story is so incredibly awesome! Especially when you get to the last 3 chapters. It is here that Saunders delivers an ending that will astonish you, cause you to root and to appreciate this woman's devotion to her dream and her adoration for her husband, sister and friends. Highly recommend.
November 23, 2008
This book was recommended to me by someone. This was my first Robert Saunders book, and it was just wonderful! I have now found my new favorite author. The story is very honest, and he 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.
Mr. Saunders’s story telling ability is his strong point. He creates characters that you care about and I eagerly turned the pages to find out what would happen to each of them.
I’ll be reading his book The Monopoly Factor next, then I’ll move onto his Tommytown series which I understand relates to the authors childhood.
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.
Mr. Saunders’s story telling ability is his strong point. He creates characters that you care about and I eagerly turned the pages to find out what would happen to each of them.
I’ll be reading his book The Monopoly Factor next, then I’ll move onto his Tommytown series which I understand relates to the authors childhood.
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.
December 24, 2010
Yes! These Wonderful cans kept my Interest page after page.
I was mesmerized by this book. It has been awhile since I found a book that was so engaging. I was so absorbed in the story I felt like I was standing with Zoie, Birdie, Nat and Jerry and when I got to the end I wanted to read more. I just 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 a talented author. I would recommend Gathering of Cans to all my friends. I can't say enough good things about this book! Just found that this book is also on Kindle!
I was mesmerized by this book. It has been awhile since I found a book that was so engaging. I was so absorbed in the story I felt like I was standing with Zoie, Birdie, Nat and Jerry and when I got to the end I wanted to read more. I just 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 a talented author. I would recommend Gathering of Cans to all my friends. I can't say enough good things about this book! Just found that this book is also on Kindle!
December 21, 2010
A Refreshing STORY and I was not disapppointed!
When I finally read the last paragraph of Gathering of Cans, a satisfied smile grew on my lips, and I was not disappointed in this super story.
I was not disappointed in the author’s ability to weave such subjects as the musicians involved in the Jazz world, the horrors of combat during World War II, and even the craftsmanship of cheese making and wood carving.
The book tells the 40-year story of Zoie Baker's memories that revolve around certain unique aluminum cans: Nat, the young Marine; Della, the serious Jazz singer/composer; Jerry, the wood sculptor; and Birdie, the attorney. Zoie, a humble woman with very little income, decides to gather aluminum cans to raise the money to build a swimming pool for the local children, regardless of their social status. While she gathers these cans, Zoie relives the stories connected to special cans that she stumbles on: the gold Budweiser can, the green Mountain Dew can, the Santa Claus Coca-Cola can, and the orange NEHI can.
Saunders takes each can and draws the reader into its story and then sent me on an incredible journey with Zoie; from the 1940's, through the turbulent time of the 1960's; and ending with 56-year-old, Zoie gathering cans during the 1980's.
Saunders delivers an ending that will astonish you, cause you to root and to appreciate this woman's devotion to her dream and her adoration for her husband, sister and friends. Highly recommend.
When I finally read the last paragraph of Gathering of Cans, a satisfied smile grew on my lips, and I was not disappointed in this super story.
I was not disappointed in the author’s ability to weave such subjects as the musicians involved in the Jazz world, the horrors of combat during World War II, and even the craftsmanship of cheese making and wood carving.
The book tells the 40-year story of Zoie Baker's memories that revolve around certain unique aluminum cans: Nat, the young Marine; Della, the serious Jazz singer/composer; Jerry, the wood sculptor; and Birdie, the attorney. Zoie, a humble woman with very little income, decides to gather aluminum cans to raise the money to build a swimming pool for the local children, regardless of their social status. While she gathers these cans, Zoie relives the stories connected to special cans that she stumbles on: the gold Budweiser can, the green Mountain Dew can, the Santa Claus Coca-Cola can, and the orange NEHI can.
Saunders takes each can and draws the reader into its story and then sent me on an incredible journey with Zoie; from the 1940's, through the turbulent time of the 1960's; and ending with 56-year-old, Zoie gathering cans during the 1980's.
Saunders delivers an ending that will astonish you, cause you to root and to appreciate this woman's devotion to her dream and her adoration for her husband, sister and friends. Highly recommend.
February 7, 2011
A Top-Notched Story of a woman's Perseverance!
This book was recommended to me by a friend, so I downloaded it on my Kindle. For only $5 I got a wonderful 550 page story. In this 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 way the author created the characters for each can had me eagerly turning pages to find out what would happen to each of them.
In summary this is a precious novel and I would gladly recommend this book to all my friends.
This book was recommended to me by a friend, so I downloaded it on my Kindle. For only $5 I got a wonderful 550 page story. In this 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 way the author created the characters for each can had me eagerly turning pages to find out what would happen to each of them.
In summary this is a precious novel and I would gladly recommend this book to all my friends.
May 8, 2011
This story about aluminum cans surprised me. Yes, these cans gave me a fantastic story that kept me reading page after page. Just a great novel. Enjoy. Heart-felt "YES!"
July 4, 2011
What a wonderful book! Brings small town living to life!
January 21, 2012
I read the whole thing hoping it would grab me at some point but it never did. Sweet story about life and love but lackluster.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews