Robert L. Saunders

Gathering of Cans Robert L. Saunders

     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.