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Snakebite
When Nat King Cole first sang “Get your kicks on Route 66,” he sure wasn’t kidding. Guisy sets out for some inspiration on the highway and manages to find it. She’s been needing it, because she’s one screenplay contest away from being less than nobody…or so she feels. A middle school dropout from the reservation, her father drank himself to death, her mother went AWOL, and she wished her cruel foster mom would have done one or the other but had no such luck. Winning this screenplay contest and moving to the City of Angels just might save her soul after all.
John Clark finds manual labor along that stretch of highway to be almost as good as freedom. Prison life is a far cry from his former life of fame and fortune in Hollywood. Now a used-to-be celebrity dreaming only of freedom, his first meeting with Guisy is like being hit by a truck…or rather, a Subaru Outback. No really, she hits him with her car while he’s working in the chain gang on the side of the road.
So, used-to-be and wannabe have found each other and had one hell of a first meeting. Both are quick to realize that this might be the start of something they’ve always wanted, and adventure awaits. Will Guisy and John find something in each other that has eluded them everywhere else? Will their impending adventures give them an opportunity to lift each other up, or with their pasts inevitably cause each to drag the other down? Find out what awaits by purchasing Snakebite , now available on Chapters Indigo website, Walmart, Barnes and Nobles, and Amazon as well as book stores all around the globe.
John Clark finds manual labor along that stretch of highway to be almost as good as freedom. Prison life is a far cry from his former life of fame and fortune in Hollywood. Now a used-to-be celebrity dreaming only of freedom, his first meeting with Guisy is like being hit by a truck…or rather, a Subaru Outback. No really, she hits him with her car while he’s working in the chain gang on the side of the road.
So, used-to-be and wannabe have found each other and had one hell of a first meeting. Both are quick to realize that this might be the start of something they’ve always wanted, and adventure awaits. Will Guisy and John find something in each other that has eluded them everywhere else? Will their impending adventures give them an opportunity to lift each other up, or with their pasts inevitably cause each to drag the other down? Find out what awaits by purchasing Snakebite , now available on Chapters Indigo website, Walmart, Barnes and Nobles, and Amazon as well as book stores all around the globe.
107 pages, Paperback
Published October 21, 2021
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 22, 2021
Best line from the book: "Be careful what you pray for and who you pray to because it's a real kick in the ass when you get your answer. All good things come to an end and that’s when the real shit starts over again.”
What a delightful read! There's nothing better than cuddling up to an emotionally charged read that is both quirky and fresh. I just picked up Snakebite by Zena Schultz. It’s a quick read, so I was done within 2 hours. Zena writes in such an authentic and expressive voice which kept my heart racing all through to the last word.
From the moment this unexpected couple cross paths, it’s obvious that Guissi and Johny couldn’t be more different yet in the weirdest possible way, they are like the two sides of a coin. One meaningless without the other! They come from completely different backgrounds and have been exposed to divergent realities.
Guisy is an aspiring screenwriter who grew up in one of the harsher neighborhoods and has plans to create a better quality of life for the Children in the community. Johnny on the other hand, is a former Hollywood star who has been in prison for the last few years. When they meet, the pull to each other is almost instant. Their connection to each other is so weird that I kept reading to find out how it will develop. In all, a really lovable couple.
Johnny’s dry humor was one of the best things that had me cracking up at almost every turn. The realities of life depicted in the book can sometimes be sordid and painful as the story builds up really nicely. I’ll surely pick up a new book by Zena whenever I get the chance.
I can’t recommend this quick and insightful read enough! Huge thank you to Zena.
What a delightful read! There's nothing better than cuddling up to an emotionally charged read that is both quirky and fresh. I just picked up Snakebite by Zena Schultz. It’s a quick read, so I was done within 2 hours. Zena writes in such an authentic and expressive voice which kept my heart racing all through to the last word.
From the moment this unexpected couple cross paths, it’s obvious that Guissi and Johny couldn’t be more different yet in the weirdest possible way, they are like the two sides of a coin. One meaningless without the other! They come from completely different backgrounds and have been exposed to divergent realities.
Guisy is an aspiring screenwriter who grew up in one of the harsher neighborhoods and has plans to create a better quality of life for the Children in the community. Johnny on the other hand, is a former Hollywood star who has been in prison for the last few years. When they meet, the pull to each other is almost instant. Their connection to each other is so weird that I kept reading to find out how it will develop. In all, a really lovable couple.
Johnny’s dry humor was one of the best things that had me cracking up at almost every turn. The realities of life depicted in the book can sometimes be sordid and painful as the story builds up really nicely. I’ll surely pick up a new book by Zena whenever I get the chance.
I can’t recommend this quick and insightful read enough! Huge thank you to Zena.
June 19, 2021
Isn’t this cover just gorgeous? That, plus the story inside makes me wish I had paperback edition– Snakebite is the perfect book to read while sitting at an outdoor café with the rays of sunlight warming your skin and vaguely inhaling the cigarette smoke from someone a few tables down. I found this book totally unputdownable.
It’s a story told in shifting points of view and timeframes: Guisy, a Native woman, a screenwriter, a stripper; a brave and brilliant, hopeful dreamer. She meets John with a literal crash —in a moment that is almost comical in how shocking and unexpected it is, and how simply the news is delivered – as she nearly kills him with her car. He was outside but a prisoner at the time, though “they released me early on good, well, almost dead behaviour.” John and Guisy kind of stumble into a relationship that feels meant-to-be and just-for-now at the same time, and they don’t really escape each other from the moment they meet.
“She did more than just knock me out. She knocked a sliver of hope into me.” says John at one stage, and he does the same for Guisy. I found the romantic turn in their relationship quite sudden, but not uncomfortable or unwelcome. I really enjoyed reading these two characters, and the way they spark off each other was a fascinating ride. Both are characters you immediately want to get to know and spend more time with: Interesting, intriguing, entertaining people who you would want to hang around with, to see what they get into and how they’ll respond.
“What we have done to the land and to the first people is a tragedy in so many ways.” We spend time in LA, in New York, and on the Reservation where Guisy grew up. The Indigenous spiritually is beautifully and casually integrated into the narration. While we are given a real sense of the community present on “the Rezz”, we are also shown the struggles. We visit Guisy’s childhood home, watch as the couple tears it down and rebuilds it into something entirely new. We visit a community recreation center used by people young and old. I enjoyed the gentle, quiet ways that John ventures deeper into the physical space and spirituality of Guisy’s people – of who she is and where she’s from; and slowly, her community becomes his, too. He is a kind and considerate man who acknowledges the damage done and, without really thinking too much about it, wants to be a part of the healing.
“I’m invisible, John. I’m invisible here in my own land and territory, but they will see you and take it serious.” The moments where Guisy shows her vulnerability are so pure, and will feel relatable to many marginalized people; I certainly related to the truth of her voice having no weight in a situation where she is the person who knows best, who should be heard loudest in that moment. –Especially in the powerful moment where she has to tell John that she knows the police won’t come for them; They won’t respond to the domestic abuse without the purposeful presence that John becomes. The author does a fantastic job of bringing in these realities of being a Native woman both on the Reservation and away from it without making the story feel too dark or heavy.
Schultz’s writing here is often lyrical, poetic, sometimes melancholic, but at times it also made me laugh out loud. The opening line is perfect: “I’m tired. My body needs a break.” Snakebite has petty theft, home renovation projects, hospital stays, an overall Hollywood-adjacent vibe (Guisy is an up-and-coming screenwriter, John a once-a-star actor.) I loved the many moments where John does not have his glasses and simply accepts that he can’t see what’s going on.
“All good things come to an end and that’s when the real shit starts over again.” There were several time jumps that I’m still not fully sure I understood, but the story swept me up as it moved along regardless, and I did not feel left behind. I adored chapter titles like ‘Allen Wench, Wrenching My Heart’ and ‘Come In, the Door’s Unlocked’, though I do wish there were headings at the top to inform me of the POV I’m reading when they switch. (It’s easy enough to figure out, I just have a personal preference for not having to figure it out as I’m reading.)
Snakebite is a wonderful chance meeting between us (the reader) and this strange, eclectic couple who were lucky enough to find hope in each other. Some small things that happen feel implausible, but you move on from them quickly to continue this fun romp. You can easily read this book in one sitting – I certainly did, and it’s one that you could read again, often, where you’ll surely discover new beautiful sentences and gain unique perspective each time.
(I do feel a bit weird about Guisy feeling comfortable sleeping in the car with a stranger when she first meets John, and also going into his house alone, knowing she just picked him up from jail... but it was fine.) Content warnings for: car accidents, near-death experiences, brain injury, rescuing children after an abusive incident and from having been regularly abandoned at home.
I was provided an ebook copy of Snakebite for review.
It’s a story told in shifting points of view and timeframes: Guisy, a Native woman, a screenwriter, a stripper; a brave and brilliant, hopeful dreamer. She meets John with a literal crash —in a moment that is almost comical in how shocking and unexpected it is, and how simply the news is delivered – as she nearly kills him with her car. He was outside but a prisoner at the time, though “they released me early on good, well, almost dead behaviour.” John and Guisy kind of stumble into a relationship that feels meant-to-be and just-for-now at the same time, and they don’t really escape each other from the moment they meet.
“She did more than just knock me out. She knocked a sliver of hope into me.” says John at one stage, and he does the same for Guisy. I found the romantic turn in their relationship quite sudden, but not uncomfortable or unwelcome. I really enjoyed reading these two characters, and the way they spark off each other was a fascinating ride. Both are characters you immediately want to get to know and spend more time with: Interesting, intriguing, entertaining people who you would want to hang around with, to see what they get into and how they’ll respond.
“What we have done to the land and to the first people is a tragedy in so many ways.” We spend time in LA, in New York, and on the Reservation where Guisy grew up. The Indigenous spiritually is beautifully and casually integrated into the narration. While we are given a real sense of the community present on “the Rezz”, we are also shown the struggles. We visit Guisy’s childhood home, watch as the couple tears it down and rebuilds it into something entirely new. We visit a community recreation center used by people young and old. I enjoyed the gentle, quiet ways that John ventures deeper into the physical space and spirituality of Guisy’s people – of who she is and where she’s from; and slowly, her community becomes his, too. He is a kind and considerate man who acknowledges the damage done and, without really thinking too much about it, wants to be a part of the healing.
“I’m invisible, John. I’m invisible here in my own land and territory, but they will see you and take it serious.” The moments where Guisy shows her vulnerability are so pure, and will feel relatable to many marginalized people; I certainly related to the truth of her voice having no weight in a situation where she is the person who knows best, who should be heard loudest in that moment. –Especially in the powerful moment where she has to tell John that she knows the police won’t come for them; They won’t respond to the domestic abuse without the purposeful presence that John becomes. The author does a fantastic job of bringing in these realities of being a Native woman both on the Reservation and away from it without making the story feel too dark or heavy.
Schultz’s writing here is often lyrical, poetic, sometimes melancholic, but at times it also made me laugh out loud. The opening line is perfect: “I’m tired. My body needs a break.” Snakebite has petty theft, home renovation projects, hospital stays, an overall Hollywood-adjacent vibe (Guisy is an up-and-coming screenwriter, John a once-a-star actor.) I loved the many moments where John does not have his glasses and simply accepts that he can’t see what’s going on.
“All good things come to an end and that’s when the real shit starts over again.” There were several time jumps that I’m still not fully sure I understood, but the story swept me up as it moved along regardless, and I did not feel left behind. I adored chapter titles like ‘Allen Wench, Wrenching My Heart’ and ‘Come In, the Door’s Unlocked’, though I do wish there were headings at the top to inform me of the POV I’m reading when they switch. (It’s easy enough to figure out, I just have a personal preference for not having to figure it out as I’m reading.)
Snakebite is a wonderful chance meeting between us (the reader) and this strange, eclectic couple who were lucky enough to find hope in each other. Some small things that happen feel implausible, but you move on from them quickly to continue this fun romp. You can easily read this book in one sitting – I certainly did, and it’s one that you could read again, often, where you’ll surely discover new beautiful sentences and gain unique perspective each time.
(I do feel a bit weird about Guisy feeling comfortable sleeping in the car with a stranger when she first meets John, and also going into his house alone, knowing she just picked him up from jail... but it was fine.) Content warnings for: car accidents, near-death experiences, brain injury, rescuing children after an abusive incident and from having been regularly abandoned at home.
I was provided an ebook copy of Snakebite for review.
June 24, 2021
This book is about two strangers that cross paths and end up finding that their paths crossed for a reason. They were led to each other by a higher power.
Guisy and John both have the same desire to make it in the entertainment industry. Guisy aspires to be a screen writer. John has had success as an actor, but has taken a fall after playing a not so desirable role. She is looking for an actor for her role and he fits the look.
In today’s world it is hard to find someone who trusts the way that Guisy trusts John after just meeting him. She trusts him like it is someone she has known for a lifetime. Despite John’s somewhat reckless side, he is attracted to her innocence and knows that he needs something dependable in his life. They both feel that spark when they are with each other and deep down know that they need each other. It is the sweet romance story that leaves you wanting more.
In many ways when one of them is completely devoted the other ends up being lost and vice versa. They always seem to find their way back to each other. Guisy’s love of her Native American heritage shows John the importance of being there for others and giving back to the community. He appreciates the way the Native American community comes together and is always there for each other. The world he has experienced before then has been cold and each for their own, so it is refreshing for him to have involvement in this community and he finds himself going back.
I enjoyed the way sweet romance between the characters. I loved how quickly they trusted each other despite their past journeys. I also appreciated the way that the Native American culture was appreciated and recognized. It is refreshing to read about people sticking together and taking care of each other in a world that can be judgmental and harsh. The ending left me wanting to read more about them. I am hoping there is a sequel to follow!!
Guisy and John both have the same desire to make it in the entertainment industry. Guisy aspires to be a screen writer. John has had success as an actor, but has taken a fall after playing a not so desirable role. She is looking for an actor for her role and he fits the look.
In today’s world it is hard to find someone who trusts the way that Guisy trusts John after just meeting him. She trusts him like it is someone she has known for a lifetime. Despite John’s somewhat reckless side, he is attracted to her innocence and knows that he needs something dependable in his life. They both feel that spark when they are with each other and deep down know that they need each other. It is the sweet romance story that leaves you wanting more.
In many ways when one of them is completely devoted the other ends up being lost and vice versa. They always seem to find their way back to each other. Guisy’s love of her Native American heritage shows John the importance of being there for others and giving back to the community. He appreciates the way the Native American community comes together and is always there for each other. The world he has experienced before then has been cold and each for their own, so it is refreshing for him to have involvement in this community and he finds himself going back.
I enjoyed the way sweet romance between the characters. I loved how quickly they trusted each other despite their past journeys. I also appreciated the way that the Native American culture was appreciated and recognized. It is refreshing to read about people sticking together and taking care of each other in a world that can be judgmental and harsh. The ending left me wanting to read more about them. I am hoping there is a sequel to follow!!
June 23, 2021
A novella that is written in a unique style, which presents the story of an unlikely couple, a former actor who is broken in many ways, and a Native American woman, who is still trying to find her place in the world.
It was an interesting read, that is for certain! From the theatrical writing style to the quirky couple around which the story is centered, this is the kind of book that will leave you wanting for more. I loved how Guisy, who is an aspiring screenwriter, appears as the perfect counterbalance for John, a shadow of who he used to be, most defined by this sarcastic attitude.
They each had rough lives, yet Guisy manages to maintain a positive outlook on life. Her meeting with John will take her on a journey like no other, one defined by a whirlwind of good and bad emotions. These two characters are undeniably drawn to each other, making you want to follow their journey until the very end. They come from different worlds, yet once they meet, their encounter is like a stellar explosion, leading to all sorts of consequences.
I think the author wanted to show that it can happen to meet someone who will change your life forever, taking one step further to offer a glimpse into the future of such a relationship. It was also interesting to read about the challenges of being a Native American woman, as well as about the traditions associated with Indigenous life.
This is, without doubt, an original idea. The book is written in a fresh style, with a tint of melodrama. Strong points include: well-developed characters, ability to pain a dysfunctional relationship, healing journey, glimpses into the lives of Native Americans. There are also potential triggers to consider, including accidents, near-death experiences and the rescuing of abandoned children. Overall, an interesting read!
It was an interesting read, that is for certain! From the theatrical writing style to the quirky couple around which the story is centered, this is the kind of book that will leave you wanting for more. I loved how Guisy, who is an aspiring screenwriter, appears as the perfect counterbalance for John, a shadow of who he used to be, most defined by this sarcastic attitude.
They each had rough lives, yet Guisy manages to maintain a positive outlook on life. Her meeting with John will take her on a journey like no other, one defined by a whirlwind of good and bad emotions. These two characters are undeniably drawn to each other, making you want to follow their journey until the very end. They come from different worlds, yet once they meet, their encounter is like a stellar explosion, leading to all sorts of consequences.
I think the author wanted to show that it can happen to meet someone who will change your life forever, taking one step further to offer a glimpse into the future of such a relationship. It was also interesting to read about the challenges of being a Native American woman, as well as about the traditions associated with Indigenous life.
This is, without doubt, an original idea. The book is written in a fresh style, with a tint of melodrama. Strong points include: well-developed characters, ability to pain a dysfunctional relationship, healing journey, glimpses into the lives of Native Americans. There are also potential triggers to consider, including accidents, near-death experiences and the rescuing of abandoned children. Overall, an interesting read!
June 24, 2021
It’s my first time reading Zena Schultz’s work, and this is definitely not my last. This novella was a quick, fun, and quirky read. It took me on a 1.5-hour emotional rollercoaster ride, and I enjoyed every second of it.
At first, the main characters, Guisy and John, couldn’t seem any more different. Guisy, an aspiring screenwriter with big dreams, and John, a former star who fell from grace, end up being star-crossed lovers, meeting in the most unusual circumstances. Even though they each bring drastically different experiences and perspectives to the table, Guisy and John embrace this and build upon their unique relationship. It’s inspiring to see Guisy’s dream of making it in Hollywood, and perhaps John also sees part of his former self in her that draws him closer to Guisy.
I also appreciate the intricate details Schultz includes about life on a Native American reservation. Sometimes, you may forget that the storyline is in one of the wealthiest nations in the world until cities like Seattle or LA are mentioned. Snakebite brings awareness to some challenges the aboriginal community faces—including poverty, violence, and limited resources—through John’s eyes.
It’s a great short poolside read for anyone wanting a refreshing and diverse storyline. I only have one complaint: Why did the book have to be so short? Snakebite will definitely tug at your heartstrings, so brace yourself!
At first, the main characters, Guisy and John, couldn’t seem any more different. Guisy, an aspiring screenwriter with big dreams, and John, a former star who fell from grace, end up being star-crossed lovers, meeting in the most unusual circumstances. Even though they each bring drastically different experiences and perspectives to the table, Guisy and John embrace this and build upon their unique relationship. It’s inspiring to see Guisy’s dream of making it in Hollywood, and perhaps John also sees part of his former self in her that draws him closer to Guisy.
I also appreciate the intricate details Schultz includes about life on a Native American reservation. Sometimes, you may forget that the storyline is in one of the wealthiest nations in the world until cities like Seattle or LA are mentioned. Snakebite brings awareness to some challenges the aboriginal community faces—including poverty, violence, and limited resources—through John’s eyes.
It’s a great short poolside read for anyone wanting a refreshing and diverse storyline. I only have one complaint: Why did the book have to be so short? Snakebite will definitely tug at your heartstrings, so brace yourself!
June 26, 2021
Spellbinding from beginning to end!
This book took hold of me and I couldn’t stop myself from reading it in one sitting. It tells the beautiful story of a love that seems unlikely at first. This odd pairing captivates you and holds your attention until the very last word. It’s a fantastically written tale of two quirky people who get a chance at true love after their paths cross at the right time. It’s refreshing and well-paced.
Guisy is a young Native American woman hoping to build a successful career as a screenwriter. She is enigmatic, wild, and free-spirited. John enters her life unexpectedly. Although much older, John offers a solace and becomes a true companion for the young woman. John’s life didn’t pan out the way he would have hoped, but to Guisy there is a magnetism in him that she can’t ignore.
“She was a beauty in my eyes, but tonight, I saw something else in her.” As the love develops between these two people, we see a vulnerable side to Guisy. She shares her fear of being invisible, being unseen by the world. We see Guisy completely and naked as the inspiring woman she is and we can’t help but love her more.
These two share a love that is without judgement. It is a love with complete trust. Their journey is one filled with emotion, frustrations, and laughter. It is a romantic tale that is sweet and heartwarming.
This brilliant novella is a delight to read. Zena Schultz is an author who excites me and I can’t wait to read more of her work.
This book took hold of me and I couldn’t stop myself from reading it in one sitting. It tells the beautiful story of a love that seems unlikely at first. This odd pairing captivates you and holds your attention until the very last word. It’s a fantastically written tale of two quirky people who get a chance at true love after their paths cross at the right time. It’s refreshing and well-paced.
Guisy is a young Native American woman hoping to build a successful career as a screenwriter. She is enigmatic, wild, and free-spirited. John enters her life unexpectedly. Although much older, John offers a solace and becomes a true companion for the young woman. John’s life didn’t pan out the way he would have hoped, but to Guisy there is a magnetism in him that she can’t ignore.
“She was a beauty in my eyes, but tonight, I saw something else in her.” As the love develops between these two people, we see a vulnerable side to Guisy. She shares her fear of being invisible, being unseen by the world. We see Guisy completely and naked as the inspiring woman she is and we can’t help but love her more.
These two share a love that is without judgement. It is a love with complete trust. Their journey is one filled with emotion, frustrations, and laughter. It is a romantic tale that is sweet and heartwarming.
This brilliant novella is a delight to read. Zena Schultz is an author who excites me and I can’t wait to read more of her work.
June 21, 2021
The perfect tale of two strong but damaged souls brought together!
Snakebite is told from the perspective of two characters: Guisy and John. Guisy is a young Native screenwriter. She is poor though, but she is strong and does not play the pity card. John is an aged-out actor from Hollywood, however, he is mysterious, tough, and sarcastic. As the saying goes, "Life is what happens to us while we're making other plans," and this is exactly what happens to them. Destiny brings them together. Snakebite is a thoughtful exploration of love, betrayal, identity, suffering, failure, and hope.
This book has a lot of things that I liked about it.
firstly, I enjoyed the author's writing style; it is easy to read and understand for someone like me who is not a native speaker.
Second, I like how this novella depicts the hardship of Native people by giving glimpses into their lives, which leaves the readers a little depressed and helpless at some points.
The book maintains its pace throughout; the second half is as engaging as the first. Characterization is excellent and all characters feel real and tangible and often relatable.
Snakebite is my first book by this author and I’m deeply impressed by her captivating writing style. I'm sure I'm going to look for more of her work in the future. Highly recommended.
Snakebite is told from the perspective of two characters: Guisy and John. Guisy is a young Native screenwriter. She is poor though, but she is strong and does not play the pity card. John is an aged-out actor from Hollywood, however, he is mysterious, tough, and sarcastic. As the saying goes, "Life is what happens to us while we're making other plans," and this is exactly what happens to them. Destiny brings them together. Snakebite is a thoughtful exploration of love, betrayal, identity, suffering, failure, and hope.
This book has a lot of things that I liked about it.
firstly, I enjoyed the author's writing style; it is easy to read and understand for someone like me who is not a native speaker.
Second, I like how this novella depicts the hardship of Native people by giving glimpses into their lives, which leaves the readers a little depressed and helpless at some points.
The book maintains its pace throughout; the second half is as engaging as the first. Characterization is excellent and all characters feel real and tangible and often relatable.
Snakebite is my first book by this author and I’m deeply impressed by her captivating writing style. I'm sure I'm going to look for more of her work in the future. Highly recommended.
June 19, 2021
Snakebite was fresh and diverse. The story had a unique yet choppy style with a theatrical vibe that just worked for this quirky couple with an unexpected connection. They say that people are put in our path for a reason. Guisy, an aspiring screenwriter, is the perfect balance for John, the former actor turned convict with his broken ways and sarcastic attitude. Despite her rough upbringing on the reserve, she’s a breath of fresh air, positivity, and strength. Yet every strength has its weakness, and John is hers. There was love, betrayal, help, hope, trauma, success, and failure during their journey. But most of all, there was an undeniable draw to each other that kept me hooked. I loved getting to see the different worlds that they lived in and the ones they both came from. The characters had me laughing out loud, smiling, shaking my head in frustration, and cursing under my breath. John and Guisy were a lovably odd couple, and I find myself wanting more of their tale. Zena Shultz’s expressive style was a pleasure to read and, I will definitely be checking out more of her books.
June 23, 2021
"Snakebite" was a short but intriguing read, perfect for a morning coffee break or afternoon tea. While I found it difficult to invest myself in the first couple chapters, the plot soon drew me in and the characters became real. Schultz writes the main characters realistically and with all their flaws visible, but that makes them even more relatable.
A favorite section of the book was chapters 10 and 11, in which the author cleverly shows the difference between present Native American realities and the amazing potential of individuals within that community. Too often, stereotypes are made about Native Americans and then perpetuated in literature. Schultz very clearly defines Guisy as an individual with goals and a plan to make it happen, but who is constantly facing the consequences of abuse, poverty, and lack of justice at home. These are distinct from true Native identity, but you'll need to read the book to see how this is depicted!
A favorite section of the book was chapters 10 and 11, in which the author cleverly shows the difference between present Native American realities and the amazing potential of individuals within that community. Too often, stereotypes are made about Native Americans and then perpetuated in literature. Schultz very clearly defines Guisy as an individual with goals and a plan to make it happen, but who is constantly facing the consequences of abuse, poverty, and lack of justice at home. These are distinct from true Native identity, but you'll need to read the book to see how this is depicted!
June 21, 2021
A refreshing perspective, Snakebite succeeds in opening eyes blind to the lives of those who receive the swiftest judgment. It humanizes and pleads for empathy as it weaves together one life that creates to survive, with another that survives to create. Guisy is a dreamer, full of grit, but tethered to her past with the invisible strings of trauma. John's nature is brash and abrupt, but his thoughts betray his outward portrayal of confidence and vigor. Both will find answers in the one thing they do their best to avoid: connection. While the timeline can sometimes be difficult to follow, it is quickly made up for by the playful banter and revelatory quarrelling between Johnny and Guisy and within themselves. Their histories will guide you as you are led through the familiar battles we all face, of desire, self-loathing, and love.
June 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this read! This story explores the relationship between two very different people with extremely different backgrounds. Guisy is a Native American screenwriter with a passion for her work and children. She crosses paths with John, a former movie star who is dissatisfied with his life. Upon meeting, they instantly connect not even realizing the important role they are to play in each other's lives. Both of these characters have an unconventional relationship, which is contributed greatly by the choppy writing style, and face unforeseen challenges that grow their love for one another. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes reading about romance with a touch of sarcastic humor. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and connect with them and the story did a good job of making you want more!
June 22, 2021
This is the first novel I've read by Zena Schultz and I can say that it was a great escape from reality (at least my reality) for an afternoon. Two people, from two different cultures collide in a series of events thrown at them by life. Love can be hard enough between any two people, but throwing in two very different cultural upbringings gives this story a bigger perspective about how we view the world based on the color of our skin and our personal life experiences. This story is about a journey of love and how communities can heal the soul. For anyone interested in learning more about the Native American perspective of life, this is also a good read. Overall, I enjoyed Scultz's writing style and look forward to future novels.
June 25, 2021
Snakebite faces Hollywood stardom mixed with the struggle of progressing professionally as an Indigenous figure. The contrasting circumstances are a phenylalanine highlight to a strong Indigenous/Native character, without being a story ABOUT Native culture. It gives a spotlight on two extremely dynamic leads in a tangled crossroads, and having an Indigenous counter lead is so refreshing. I highly recommend you pick this up, as it faces in parts the mash up of growing up on the Reservation as part of a tribe and classic Hollywood. A fantastic contrast and a fun read about two very genuine humans.
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