Goods & Effects

What happens when a free-thinking widow, raised in a deeply religious environment, is forced to create a new life?                   

Devastated by the death of her husband and sons, Hannah, a Mennonite, sells the family farm and creates a store and living quarters in a delivery truck.  She travels several circuits, selling her wares.  Hannah becomes the heart of a network of interlinking lives that span many years. Nathan owns the motel where Hannah often parks her truck. Darla is a talented, deaf artist who accompanies Hannah on her rounds. Wanda is the sassy receptionist at a distribution center.  Naomi, wife of a pious deacon, entertains fantasies of sexual freedom.  Frank, a gentle farmer with a chronically-ill wife, harbors great affection for Hannah. Velma owns a woodworking shop. LeRoy is a black farmer and talented singer, whose family is subjected to racial terrorism.  Vivian is an elegant, lonely librarian and lesbian, searching for a life partner.  As Hannah’s relationships deepen, her faith diminishes but her vision of humanity expands. Hannah is a clever problem-solver, shrewd schemer, spinner of tender lies, advocate for justice, unwitting promoter of the arts, and dream weaver.  Golden Antelope Press.

Link to an article about the history and inspiration of the book:  https://medium.com/authority-magazine/social-impact-authors-how-why-author-al-schnupp-of-goods-effects-is-helping-to-change-our-f4ec46102f29

“an eloquent, erudite and deftly penned novella.”

Midwest Book Review.

“beautiful, touching story…reflects the journey of Hannah Mercer…Over the years she was able to learn so much about herself and others and develop a new and different understanding of the world around her.”

Vernita Naylor, Readers’ Favorite.

“The charming story of a life well-lived…Its quirky characters radiate kindness and humor…”

Catherine Beeman, Reedsy Discovery

“…the descriptions of the scenery and events are so vivid that I felt I was watching a television series…I love Hannah, the protagonist…”

Rosemary Wright, Online Book Club

“The story is well written and full of human emotions.”

N. N. Light’s Book Heaven

“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 with all the hallmarks of a classic, GOODS & EFFECTS is nothing short of superb.”

BookViral

“...a fantastic job…characters and the settings are so intricately woven…one of the best books I have read on finding meaning and purpose while nourishing the humanity of those we come into contact with. It is a work of sheer beauty and ingenuity, written into the human condition.”

The Book Commentary

“The characters are eclectic and wonderfully relatable, complementing Schnupp's frank narrative that is at times raw and touching.”

Lit Amri, Readers’ Favorite

“a great cast of complex characters.”

Dick Leonardo, Book Room Reviews

“a wonderful cast of characters.”

Nikki, Book Blogger

“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

“Schnupp is a master at conveying real human emotions…I appreciated Schnupp’s 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 and language used throughout.”

Literary Titan

“His natural-sounding dialogue and his strong ability to set a scene…this 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

“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…a remarkable person not easily forgotten in the field of literature.”

The US Review of Books