What do you think?
Rate this book
Zoë
In the middle of the night a young man walks to the railroad tracks. From a nearby switch yard he catches hold of a coal train that carries him from his home and from himself. In time he comes to realize that he is not on his own. He realizes that he is a small yet essential portion of a vast continuum. Travelling through the country he composes letters for his childhood friend.
These are his letters of Love.
These are his letters for Life.
These are his letters to Zoë.
These are his letters of Love.
These are his letters for Life.
These are his letters to Zoë.
- GenresContemporary
130 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2010
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Garrett Buhl Robinson
22 books22 followersOn a cold February night in 1992, Garrett Buhl Robinson jumped on a coal train and embarked on a journey across North America. Over the span of a year, he hitchhiked the highways, rode the rails on freight trains and hiked 800 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Eventually, Garrett settled in Portland, Oregon where he completed his first novel in 2000. Upon finishing the novel and unsuccessfully marketing the book, he left for Alaska to work at a salmon cannery to pay the debts he had accumulated with various book clubs. His cherished volumes of Proust's In Search of Lost Time put him over the edge financially, but he never hesitates to endure hardship for the sake of beauty.
After two summers in Alaska, Garrett moved to San Francisco where he composed two collections of poetry. One of these collections is illustrated with his own abstract vignettes. He also completed his second novel, Zoë.
In 2011, Garrett moved to New York City to further his literary career. While supporting himself at various jobs, Garrett composed his third novel, Nunatak, based on his experiences working in Alaska, and a book length poem, Martha, celebrating his love for performance dance.
In 2012, he began marketing his books directly to the public. In Midtown Manhattan, along 5th Avenue, he is frequently found reciting his poetry and singing from his musical.
After publishing two more collections of poetry, flowing stone and Broken Open, Garrett made his Off-Broadway debut performing his musical, Letters to Zoey, at Theatre Row in New York City. The musical is his adaptation of his second novel, Zoë.
Eventually, Garrett settled in Portland, Oregon where he completed his first novel in 2000. Upon finishing the novel and unsuccessfully marketing the book, he left for Alaska to work at a salmon cannery to pay the debts he had accumulated with various book clubs. His cherished volumes of Proust's In Search of Lost Time put him over the edge financially, but he never hesitates to endure hardship for the sake of beauty.
After two summers in Alaska, Garrett moved to San Francisco where he composed two collections of poetry. One of these collections is illustrated with his own abstract vignettes. He also completed his second novel, Zoë.
In 2011, Garrett moved to New York City to further his literary career. While supporting himself at various jobs, Garrett composed his third novel, Nunatak, based on his experiences working in Alaska, and a book length poem, Martha, celebrating his love for performance dance.
In 2012, he began marketing his books directly to the public. In Midtown Manhattan, along 5th Avenue, he is frequently found reciting his poetry and singing from his musical.
After publishing two more collections of poetry, flowing stone and Broken Open, Garrett made his Off-Broadway debut performing his musical, Letters to Zoey, at Theatre Row in New York City. The musical is his adaptation of his second novel, Zoë.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 24, 2014
I met the author of this book sitting outside of the NYC Public library, selling his self-published books. He read a portion of one of his books of poetry, and I liked his style of reading and writing. I purchased "Zoe" because he told me it was based on his own life, a sort of coming of age story.
It's written as a series of letters to Zoe; it's only the narrator's letters, no responses, no dialogues other than what he retells in his letters. While there was no major discovery, I found the stories insightful and poignant. There are parts of each of us in these stories, our own flavor, our own locations and approach to discovery. I was entertained and touched. (I was also a little worried about the character/author at one point). I'm keeping it close to revisit certain chapters that "reflected" me.
Good job, Garrett. I wish you ongoing success in your literary career.
It's written as a series of letters to Zoe; it's only the narrator's letters, no responses, no dialogues other than what he retells in his letters. While there was no major discovery, I found the stories insightful and poignant. There are parts of each of us in these stories, our own flavor, our own locations and approach to discovery. I was entertained and touched. (I was also a little worried about the character/author at one point). I'm keeping it close to revisit certain chapters that "reflected" me.
Good job, Garrett. I wish you ongoing success in your literary career.
December 19, 2015
I have met and chatted with this author in NYC. I enjoy his writing style and this book's reflective, seeking self nature was very thought provoking and interesting. One thing I love about Garrett's writing is that the deli very of text is very straight forward and easy to read but the subtext and introspective thought can keep you pondering for quite a while after putting the book down. I find myself thinking about his writing even when I am not engaged with the book.
February 7, 2013
Enjoyed it. A quest of sorts, a solitary adventure across the country as a young man attempts to figure out his relationship with a woman he left behind. Very poetic and metaphorical.
August 22, 2021
A very short novel, a novella really, an epistolary novella. I was reminded of other pieces of literature, including On the Road, which I haven't even read, Hatchet, Into the Wild, and perhaps a few more just at the tip of my tongue. It took a few letters for me to get invested, and though I don't like when people use big words to seem smart, some people just can't help it. The writer was like this, and eventually I got used to it. For a quick, insightful read, I'd definitely recommend. It's almost a coming of age story, but not quite. I also applaud the author for having little dialogue. That's something that always bothers me about epistolary stories. It's not realistic to recall everything that was said in a letter or a diary...
March 5, 2020
I met the author outside NYC Public Library on my trip there. I didn't have enough cash to purchase a book, but I bought this ebook upon finding WIFi to connect my kindle to.
I really enjoyed reading this on the plane ride back. I found it very enjoyable and sweet., It's been a while since I've read a book told in letters and this one didn't let me down. It was sweet and heartfelt and I enjoyed the prose.
I would recommend to someone looking for a quick sweet read.
I really enjoyed reading this on the plane ride back. I found it very enjoyable and sweet., It's been a while since I've read a book told in letters and this one didn't let me down. It was sweet and heartfelt and I enjoyed the prose.
I would recommend to someone looking for a quick sweet read.
February 14, 2018
I enjoyed this so much. It’s just so full of heart and excitement. I met the author outside the New York Library and he is such a great guy and we spoke for a bit and it led me to purchase Zoë, which I’m glad I did. I can’t wait to read more of his work
December 31, 2019
Ganhei do autor, e amei a leitura!!!
January 25, 2023
Reread this after a while. I love it so much. Beautifully written.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews