Snake Mountain: A Novel

Set against the background of far West Texas' Palo Duro Canyon and the city of Amarillo, this coming-of-age novel explores the quirky and often violent culture of the American West.
Jason West, the youthful narrator, arrives from Malaysia to go to college at West Texas A&M University in Canyon and is immediately confronted by a sudden, senseless murder in the Los Angeles airport. The killing verifies his belief that America is a vicious country. His impression is confirmed when Angela, a hand on the ranch where he will live, meets him in Amarillo. Before she can even drive to the ranch, Angela is involved in an exchange of gunfire with her estranged husband. In spite of his opposition to violence and the culture shock of living in the United States, Jason soon finds himself deeply involved in the cowboy culture of West Texas. Angela introduces Jason to horseback riding, country and western music, the handling of firearms, and the pleasures of physical intimacy.

Jerry Craven is professor of literature and creative writing at West Texas A&M University in Canyon.