Goods & Effects - by Al Schnupp (Paperback)

About the Book

Devastated by the death of her husband and sons, Hannah Mercer sells the family farm and creates a store and living quarters in a delivery truck. As she travels her circuits, Hannah becomes the heart of a network of interlinking lives.

Book Synopsis

Devastated by the death of her husband and sons, Hannah Mercer sells the family farm and creates a store and living quarters in a delivery truck. As she travels several circuits selling her wares, Hannah becomes the heart of a network of interlinking lives: Nathan owns the motel where Hannah often parks her truck. Darla is a young and talented deaf artist, whose parents let her accompany Hannah on her rounds. Wanda, the sassy receptionist at a hardware distribution center, has larger ambitions. Naomi, wife of the pious Mennonite deacon, entertains fantasies of sexual freedom. Frank, a gentle farmer with a chronically-ill wife, harbors great affection for Hannah, but has troubling biases. LeRoy is a black farmer and talented singer, yet his family is subjected to racial terrorism. Velma owns a woodworking shop. Is she a good match for Vivian, Ronan County's elegant, lesbian librarian?

Larry... Maddie ... Tom... Molly. As time passes and Hannah's relationships deepen, her faith diminishes but her vision of humanity expands. Hannah Mercer is a clever problem-solver, a shrewd schemer, a spinner of tender lies, an advocate for justice, and a dream weaver.

Review Quotes

"Schnupp is a master at conveying real human emotions...I appreciated [his] ability to write a female main character without her seeming like a mystical fantasy. That is a rare accomplishment from modern male authors....Stunning writing." Literary Titan.

"There's real soul to this family life story as he beautifully renders the sights and sounds of a bygone era...Schnupp gives us wholly endearing characters that exude strength of personality and purpose...masterful...a timeless telling ...a classic, Goods & Effects is superb." BookViral

"His enjoyable story featuring the appealing Hannah deserves a wide audience and a film or stage adaptation...an engaging tale about a spirited woman's compelling journey." Kirkus Reviews

"Eloquent, erudite and deftly penned." Midwest Book Review

"Hannah leaps off the page...as a strong, powerful, and self-directed woman.... Each incident unfolds with intriguing and gripping prose....[Hannah] is fully developed, believable and admirable." The US Review of Books.

"The charming story of a life well-lived...Its quirky characters radiate kindness and humor." Catherine Beeman, Reedsy Discovery

"The characters are eclectic and wonderfully relatable." Lit Amri, Readers' Favorite

"An exceptional job of crafting a story that examines changes in your life and how they impact your view of yourself and also the world...I appreciated the level of detail and really enjoyed Hannah as a protagonist." Katherine Kleffner, The Nerdy Girl Express

"I really enjoyed Hannah's character and the connections she develops with those around her...Hannah was a badass champion for those in her life and anyone would be lucky to have a friend like her." Jennifer, The Book Review Crew.

"Great cast of complex characters." Dick Leonardo Book Room Reviews

"One of the best books I have read on finding meaning and purpose while nourishing the humanity of [others]. It is a work of sheer beauty and ingenuity." The Book Commentary.

"What a great read. There were so many satisfying twists and complex characters. Hannah is such a strong protagonist. I hated to put it down."

Glynis Whiting, Novelist and Film Director

"Absolutely loved it.... Description of rural life is amazing, episodic style is cinematic, and I found myself invested in Hannah from the very beginning. Loved the ... characters who populate her world." Andrew Campbell, Cultural Affairs Administrator for the City of West Hollywood

The characters and setting were really well drawn (I love the deaf girl!), the scenes were interesting (I love the sequence with the women waiting to ambush the racists), and the image of Hannah driving around and encountering people in her truck, touching and being touched by their lives is a great idea. Michael Hofacre, West Hollywood Film Editor