A Top-Notched Story!

This book was recommended to me by a friend, so I downloaded it on my Kindle. For only $5 I got a 550 page wonderful story.
The story is very honest, and 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 author creates characters that you care about and I eagerly turned the pages to find out what would happen to each of them.

In summary this is a precious novel. One of the best stories I have read in a long time. I would gladly recommend this book to all my friends. ( )

Yes! These Wonderful Aluminum cans kept my Interest page after page.

I was mesmerized by this book. It has been awhile since I found a found a book that was so engaging. 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 a talented author. I would recommend Gathering of Cans to anyone. I can't say enought good things about this book. ( )

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 that 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 and friends. Highly recommend. ( )

I couldn't believe Aluminum Cans could make a great story. I was wrong.

Zoie Baker, a humble woman, 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..
When she finds a certain unique can, i.e., the gold Budweiser can, the green Mountain Dew can, the Santa Claus Coca-Cola can, and the orange NEHI, that can will tell a story that is connected to Zoie's life. The unique can will then 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 just wonderful. Especially when you get to the last 3 chapters. It is here that Saunders will cause you to root and to appreciate Zoie's devotion to her dream. Grab it, you won't be sorry. ( )

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; a gold Budweiser can, a green Mountain Dew can, a Santa Claus Coca-Cola can, and an orange Nehi can.
Each can unlocks special characters in Zoie’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.
Gathering of Cans follows Zoie Baker’s dream to build a swimming pool for her town by gathering cans. She’s not a wealthy woman, but lives a comfortable life with her wonderful and supporting husband, Saunders moves the reader effortlessly from the past to the present and back again. The passages describing each of the characters experiences are delightful, engaging, and at times sad and moving.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I absolutely loved the ending. It is an excellent book for book club readers! ( )