Snap

by Susin Nielsen

A laugh-out-loud novel about the consequences of being pushed to the edge—and plummeting right over it

Frances Partridge, fifty-five, is a beloved children’s author. Geraint Blevins, forty-one, is an auto mechanic and devoted family man. Parker Poplawski, twenty-three, is just starting her career as a wardrobe assistant on a hit TV show. What do these people have in common?

Nothing, that’s what. Until each of them reaches a breaking point and snaps in spectacular fashion. They meet in a court-mandated anger management three very different people, forced to spend a lot of time together, who slowly end up bonding and helping one another in unexpected ways, whether it’s to move on or to exact revenge.

Lighthearted, timely, and funny, Snap is Nielsen at the top of her storytelling game, delivering flawed but relatable characters whose heartaches, foibles, and choices will make you cringe as you laugh out loud.

Genres: Fiction, Book Club, Canada, Contemporary, Humor, Audiobook, Literary Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 2025

About the author

Susin got her start feeding cast and crew on the popular television series, Degrassi Junior High. They hated her food, but they saw a spark in her writing. Nielsen went on to pen sixteen episodes of the hit TV show. Since then, Nielsen has written for over 20 Canadian TV series. Her first young adult novel, Word Nerd, was published in 2008 to critical acclaim. It won multiple Young Readers’ Choice Awards, as did her second novel, Dear George Clooney: Please Marry My Mom. Her third novel, The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen, was published in August 2012. It went on to win the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award, the Canadian Library Association’s Children’s Book of the Year Award, and a number of Young Readers’ Choice Awards. Author Wally Lamb named it his top YA pick for 2012 in his “First Annual Wally Awards,” and recently Rolling Stone magazine put it at #27 in their list of “Top 40 Best YA Novels.”
Her books have been translated into multiple languages. Susin’s new novel, We Are All Made of Molecules, will be published in Canada, the US and the UK in Spring of 2015. She lives in Vancouver with her family and two naughty cats. She is delighted to have finally figure out how to "claim" her author profile on Goodreads!

Reviews

[Jodi (on "Have to get back to life" hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍁🇨🇦—I had so much fun reading this book! I know this isn’t always the case but, this time, the published synopsis was TRUE!😲 The last paragraph:

Lighthearted, timely, and funny, Snap is Nielsen at the top of her storytelling game, delivering flawed but relatable characters whose heartaches, foibles, and choices will make you cringe as you laugh out loud.

That is absolutely SPOT ON!!! By the way, if you’re curious, as I initially was, about the TIGER on the cover—wondering how it’s connected to the story—it turns out to be pretty simple. It symbolises the ferocious anger that lies deep within us all. And, for some, all it takes is one highly stressful moment to trigger that anger.🐅 Or, put another way… one stressful moment can make you SNAP!🐯

O.K., here’s the gist of this very funny book: Our main characters are three vastly disparate Vancouver residents. Fifty-five year old Frances is a beloved children’s author. Parker is a 23-year-old wardrobe assistant who just got her first job on the set of a hit TV series. And then there’s Geraint—a 41-year-old auto mechanic and all-around nicest guy you’ve ever met. Each of them—previously unknown to one another—are “sentenced” to complete an anger management night course. They must also get together to complete 60 hours of community service by picking up garbage along the roads and the beach in a small section of the city. As the story progresses, we learn more and more about the situations that made each of them “snap”.

This is Susin Nielsen’s first “adult” novel. She’s a screenwriter, as well as an author but, so far, she’s written only middle-grade/YA novels, and a few picture books. She created and produced the recent comedy-drama TV series "Family Law" and, prior to that, she wrote several episodes of the "Degrassi" television series, and penned many of the serie's books.

I’d say this could be the best “light-hearted” novel I’ve ever read. Highly recommended for those seeking a really funny story and one where karma gets payback.😏😉

5 “Sometimes–having–fun–with–your–best–friends–is–all–the–therapy–you–need” stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Danielle Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book checked all the boxes for me - flawed but likeable characters, an engaging setting (Vancouver!) and an engrossing and witty plot. I was sad to finish it; would love to see these characters again!

[Pam Varga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book ❤️ and it’s Canadian.
What a fun read.

[Alan (the Lone Librarian) Teder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snap, Crackle and POP! 🍁
A review of the HarperCollins eBook (April 29, 2025) released simultaneously with the HarperCollins paperback and audiobook.

“Ms. Atwood, I’m a huge fan. I’ve read everything you’ve written. Well, almost everything, I might have missed one or two of the dystopias.”
“There’s a hot plate on the counter,” said Margaret Atwood. “And a bar fridge. Doesn’t have a lot of space, but since you’re sad and alone it will probably fit what you need. Which I’m guessing is mostly wine.”
“Ha ha ha ha. Your trademark caustic wit.” - In a dream, author Margaret Atwood appears as a fictional apartment renter to one of the main characters in Snap.

Children's book author Frances Partridge has a bad day and her temper snaps at a bratty kid at the school reading she is doing. Unfortunately the incident is caught on film and the video goes viral, causing her to be sentenced to an anger management diversion program. There she meets auto mechanic Geraint Blevins and wardrobe assistant/designer Parker Poplawski who have had their own moments when their tempers snapped (the reasons are not revealed at first, so I won't spoil them here). All three also have to perform 60 hours of community service which ends up being weekly sessions of litter gathering.

Snap was a delightful novel which shows how our three protagonists bond together over the results of the mishaps and incidents which happened to them. It was a humorous portrayal of how friendship and family can help overcome adversity, even when there are ups and downs to the journey going forward. It was a pleasure to read this book, which I first heard about thanks to GR friend Jodi's enthusiastic review.

Trivia and Links
Author Susin Nielsen's Snap was one of the 3 finalists shortlisted for Canada's 🍁 2026 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. The shortlist biography said "Susin Nielsen is a multiple award-winning novelist and screenwriter who recently wrapped the fourth season of her critically acclaimed hour-long comedy-drama series, Family Law. She’s written over a hundred hours of television and is also the author of seven best-selling young adult novels. Her books have won the Governor General’s Literary Award, the UKLA award and over a dozen young readers’ choice awards. In 2019, she was awarded the Writers’ Trust Vicki Metcalf Award for a body of work. Her books have been translated around the world.

The Board of Directors of the Stephen Leacock Associates works to preserve the literary legacy of Stephen Leacock, oversee the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour award and encourage the growth of Canadian humour writing. The prestigious Memorial Medal, now accompanied by a $25,000 prize generously sponsored by the Dunkley Charitable Foundation, has been awarded annually since 1947 for the best Canadian book of literary humour published in the previous year. The award has attained an international reputation and is the only one of its kind for Canadian humour writing.

Stephen Leacock (1869-1944) is best known as the author of Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town (1912).

[Leah Rehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I was friends with all the characters in this book, I liked it so much.

[Andrea Machacek · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5

I read this on a flight. I laughed out loud and cried. The guy sitting beside me seemed to enjoy the variance in emotion!

[Geonn Cannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little tip for audiobook narrators. If you're reading a little kid's dialogue, you don't have to put on the squeakiest shrillest voice imaginable. This narrator read every bit of this kid's dialogue like a Muppet having a crisis. Horrific. The book itself was okay, but I really didn't warm to any of the characters. Yes, we can all hit our breaking points, and sometimes in very unfortunate places/times, but there were moments when I wondered if these people were just maniacs. At one point, a grown woman jumps on a man's back (to be fair, he WAS a huge asshole) and twisted his hand until he dropped his cell phone, which she then ran over multiple times with her car. These people resorted to violence, destruction of property, violence again... I'm just saying, they got off easy with anger management classes. There's no shame in hospitalization for some of these issues, people.

[Mona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable book, I liked the author’s style.
I loved how it referenced Vancouver, great summer read.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this book are beautifully written, and I fell in love with each and every one of them. I actually laughed out loud several times while reading it, because the situations they find themselves in are so relatable. Their breaking points are so realistic that you have to laugh at yourself for knowing you'd probably snap, too. Above all, though, Nielsen has a knack for knowing the perfect moment to insert a joke to lighten an otherwise tense moment.

This is also the most unflinchingly CANADIAN book I've read in a long time. Nielsen seizes every opportunity to insert a Canadian-specific cultural reference (i.e. ketchup chips, Timbits, etc), and she doesn't water down the Canadian Criminal Code or our justice system for an international audience like you often see. I found that refreshing.

The only thing I didn't like was the single-shaming. One of the characters is in the middle of a traumatic divorce, and all the other characters are constantly on her case to start dating, even making fun of her for *gasp* not having had sex for 8 whole months!! Seriously? This is the age of unapologetic female singlehood! Embrace your freedom, Frances! I almost docked the book a star for that, but decided on 4.5 stars rounded up. It's a great book otherwise. (But please don't single-shame your friends, people. Women do not need male validation to have worth. And you really should work on becoming the best version of yourself before you try to have a relationship, or you'll just be piling your baggage on someone else's shoulders. /soapbox)

[Aly E Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything!

[Zie Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book recommended to me on Spotify; I was intrigued by the eye-catching cover and the promising description of "laugh-out-loud funny," so I opened it, and was not disappointed! I quickly fell in love with the characters and the scenarios they were in. Susin Nielsen manages to find a sweet spot between silly and serious, meaning you find yourself truly caring about and relating to the characters, but can still laugh along knowing it's fiction. I think everyone can find something they relate to in this book, and it's a nice, easy read.

[Marian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great novel with memorable characters, funny scenarios, and a satisfying resolution to three different, interrelated stories.

[Janna Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed. Endearing and redeemable characters, so funny and heart warming, and loved all the Vancouver references. I could picture it all in my mind!

[Ashley K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book SO MUCH! I couldn’t put it down, but also I wanted to put it down so I didn’t rush through it because it was so fun! I have never laughed out loud, slapping my knees so many times in a book! I loved the characters, the storyline, the relationships, the banter, the Canadiana! It was brilliant! I highly recommend this book to everyone!

[Chloé · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!! AND this is a Canadian book. AND it’s set in Vancouver!!! I was thrilled to read the characters going to one of my favourite Kitsilano restaurant. It’s funny, light but also explore more serious theme. I’m so glad I found this book!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I just snapped. Everything became too much."

Life happens to us and we react, not always as our best selves. Three characters going through tough times and the healing that come through unlikely friendships. Hefty subject matter written with a light tone. Spoiler ... there are no tigers. 🐅

[Andrea Grift · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Frances, Parker and Geraint so much!!! I need more of them!!

[Allyson Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute read! Loved how each characters storyline intertwined.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast read and a sweet story, which I was really looking forward to because this author’s YA novel No Fixed Address is amazing. I enjoyed the premise, the read, and all of the Canadiana along the way. But I found the characters too “good” and the story tied up with too neat a bow. All of the main characters “snapped” on a really bad day, but then the author went to great lengths to show us how everything was actually situational. They were all actually so nice! As was everyone in their immediate orbit. All of the vilains get taken down in the end. Everything works out for all
of the main characters. And honestly I never really felt like it wasn’t going to. This was a fun read but not a booked that gripped me or had a lot of depth.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

This was a funny adult debut by Canadian children’s author Susin Neilsen that follows three BC people sent to attend forced anger management classes after blowing up as a result of huge life incidences. I enjoyed the intergenerational friendships, the starting over in midlife and the female rage against mistreatment and abuse by men. This had a ton of Canadian references, was good on audio and gave me great First Wives’ club vibes. Definitely worth the read!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Snap! I laughed out loud and cried more than once, which doesn’t happen often for me with a book. The story balances humor and heartbreak so naturally, never feeling forced or overdone.

What I loved most were the characters. They felt real, flawed, and deeply human, and watching them grow over the course of the novel was incredibly satisfying. Their relationships (especially the way they support one another through tough moments) were written with so much warmth and honesty.

Nielsen handles serious topics with care while still leaving room for joy and hope. Snap is funny, emotional, and unforgettable. I finished it feeling full-hearted in the best way. This is definitely book I’ll be recommending for a long time!

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that this book was located in Vancouver and I knew most of the places. I loved the unlikely friendships that blossomed and the friendships that were already in place. I loved the honesty and I loved the growth of each character. I need to read more books by this author!

[Mary-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic read, from start to finish! Love the Canadian setting of Vancouver, characters were warm and had substance. Geraint felt a little too good to be true or too stereotypical (tough exterior, soft on the inside) but still likeable. At first, I thought Frances was the most relatable character (to a female middle age reader) but Parker’s story became most relatable to all female readers.

[Macauley Deck · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first third of this book is underwhelming and had me swearing off Lia’s recommendations forever. The last two thirds are charming and redeemed the book entirely. The Vancouver references are a cherry on top.

[savannah t · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a Canadian read!

This book is hilarious yet complex. All the characters were vibrant , flawed but loveable and all had their own arch.

I would recommend this book wholeheartedly !

[meg winter · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book club read. Super average, transitions felt quick / underdeveloped

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely read. I also loved that it’s set in Vancouver, B.C.

[Olivia G · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5. I love a book that's set in Vancouver. At one point in the audiobook I was walking down Broadway when Broadway was mentioned. I liked the plot and characters for the most part.

[Megan O'Hara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and funny light hearted read. Made me lol a couple times. A good summer read.