Adrian C. Louis Knihy

On the title Electric Snakes, the author states these poems can be "little creatures shot up from the electricity of the computer." The poems in this book are as quick and penetrating as lightning.

The world of acclaimed Native American poet Adrian Louis is harsh and full of pain. Louis's poems bring us to a place where ghosts hitchhike and the traditional pow-wow becomes an affirmation of bitter survival, where the lives of the young end too often in acts of meaningless self-destruction, and where his own existence becomes a daily battle with his wife's decline into Alzheimer's disease.

Drawing from vivid memories of the late sixties in San Francisco, this collection of poetry captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the era. Adrian C. Louis presents a hardhitting and edgy exploration of his experiences, reflecting on a time marked by cultural upheaval and personal transformation. The poems convey a sense of nostalgia while delving into the complexities of life during a pivotal moment in history.

Set against the backdrop of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, the collection features interrelated stories that blend humor and stark reality, offering a raw portrayal of contemporary Native American life. With anthropomorphic animals and elements of traditional Trickster tales, the narratives explore themes of social issues, resilience, and the complexities of identity. Adrian C. Louis, a prominent Native American poet, crafts memorable tales that are both funny and poignant, challenging romanticized views while highlighting the enduring spirit of native communities.

In his twelfth poetry collection, Adrian Louis slays Indian Country's centuries-old demons and confronts his own grief upon losing his wife to Alzheimers, revealing a writer at his peak and a poet unafraid to take chances. There is no room for misinterpretation; his diction is as clear-cut as a logged forest.