Reviews of “Snakebit”
 Snakebit“Herpetophobia is a fear of reptiles, and it’s an affliction that Leslie Anthony doesn’t suffer. He spent his childhood battling snapping turtles, fascinated by a class of animal that terrify most people. This eventually led Anthony to the world’s most dangerous climates to face off with its deadliest creatures.” National Post, Dec 20, 2009 Read more about Snakebit >> |
Snakebit"By the time I finished the prologue, I was hooked. Anthony's writing style is engaging and his insights into the herpetological community and biology of amphibians and reptiles are genuine and accurate. … The exotic locations are made all the more exotic by the expedition members and the author's ability to tell a good story… If you have any inclination towards biographies or true life adventures, you will probably enjoy this book." Herplit a Journal of Herpetology from the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, Jul 15, 2009 Read more about Snakebit >> |
SnakebitPart memoir, part sociological investigation of herpetologist culture, Anthony explores what it means to be "snakebit" from a young age, having collected his first garter snake at age six, in the suburbs of Ontario. Chapters describe the adventures of the herpetology Ph.D.-turned-nature writer, including trips into the field to go "herping," Anthony's made-up term for "tromping around outdoors looking for reptiles." ...As Anthony joins scientists in the field, his old passions frequently draw him out of his reporter role, happily landing him (and readers) back in the thick of things, collecting vipers in Armenia or king cobras in Vietnam. Publishers Weekly, Mar 30, 2009 Read more about Snakebit >> |
Snakebit“…a fascinating and often thrilling peek into the world of herpetology.” Edmonton Journal, Jan 3, 2009 Read more about Snakebit >> |
Snakebit“…a haphazard tour through the natural history of snakes and amphibians enlivened with vivid anecdotes that will make everyone who has ever dreamed of an Indiana Jones-style career glad they chose a desk job over the jungle.” Globe and Mail, Dec 20, 2008 Read more about Snakebit >> |
Snakebit“A trove of smart, stylish writing about linguistics, biology, geography and mythology – as well as snake lovers with missing digits, hysterical gardeners and church ladies.” The Tyee, Dec 18, 2008 Read more about Snakebit >> |
Snakebit“[The book] leads off with a funny prologue about searching for venomous snakes on a snow-covered ski hill in Yllas, Finland. A lifelong snake lover, he relates laugh-out-loud funny stories of childhood trips… [and] travels the globe, taking readers everywhere from a poisonous-snake-infested volcanic island on the Equator to the jungles of Vietnam… It’s not all snakes and fun in Snakebit. …Anthony writes in a careful, respectful way and never shies away from science. He covers many different –ologies – biology, zoology, ichthyology… and, of course, herpetology, but he is careful never to overload the reader. All the scientific facts and figures are clearly explained. …He takes scientists out of the world of labcoats and pocket protectors as he details fieldwork that would fit right into an Indiana Jones adventure film, but he never lets us forget that these are highly trained people doing important work.” Vancouver Sun, Dec 12, 2008 Read more about Snakebit >> |
Snakebit“Anthony blends science writing with travelogue and history in this learned but lighthearted memoir of an adventurer obsessed with snakes, salamanders, frogs, and turtles. …He also creates amusing portraits of the eccentric, often hard-drinking fellow ‘herpers’ he meets along the way. For high-stakes fun, it beats bird watching.” Georgia Straight, Dec 11, 2008 Read more about Snakebit >> |
Snakebit“Snakebit is a romp through the world of snakes and those that study them. Witty, serious and a reminder of the wonder of nature and those that study it, it’s a must for the naturalist in all of us.” Owen Sound Times, Dec 5, 2008 Read more about Snakebit >> |
Snakebit“Leslie Anthony, an explore contributor, shares his adventures studying slithering beasties – from childhood encounters of the garter variety to dodging poisonous Yellow-lipped Sea Craits in Fiji.” explore Magazine, Nov 26, 2008 Read more about Snakebit >> |