Snake Bite

(Paperback, Main)

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Description

Having just finished school, the summer of 2009 presents endless possibilities for 17-year-old goth Jez. Living with her alcoholic mother in a government rental in Canberra's outer-suburbs, with little money or future prospects, her time is spent with emo Lukey trying to conjure quick fixes for their boredom - tatts, piercings, drinking, Xbox, weed and pills. Alienated and intimidated when Lukey becomes sexually involved with the effervescent Melbournite Laura, Jez renews a friendship with her neighbour, Casey, who's working as a stripper and raking the money in. When Casey's bikie punk brother Cash enters the picture, Jez is besotted, though also terrified with good reason. At the same time, Jez's mum hooks up with a local bartender placing a strain on their already fragile relationship. Over the summer, Jez runs a gauntlet of new experiences and discovers she is not quite ready for the world outside her neighbourhood. Filled with humour, brilliant observations and shocking revelations, Snake Bite is a contemporary Puberty Blues.

Reviews

Snake Bite is a striking debut. It's sharp and darkly funny, unflinching yet tender. * Sydney Morning Herald *
You wouldn't want to live it, but the true beauty in this story is between the lines. Sweet as. * Marie Claire (Australia) *

Author Bio

Christie Thompson lives in Canberra where she teaches Creative Writing at the Canberra Institute of Technology. She has a Bachelor of Arts (English major) and is in her third year of a PhD at the Australian National University.