Columbia University alumnus, Jeff Schnader’s debut novel, The Serpent Papers (The Permanent Press: March 1, 2022), a work of historical fiction, will be released just in time to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the April 1972 marches, building take-overs riots at Columbia University that suspended classes after the University summoned the police to remove the protesting students. Set on the tumultuous 1972 Columbia University campus during the time of nationwide demonstrations against the Vietnam War, The Serpent Papers is the first book of any kind written about the protests and is based on the real-life experiences of a participant and witness to the events of the era.

Jeff Schnader, MD is available for interviews starting Monday, February 21, 2022 through Friday, April 29, 2022. I would love to get you a copy of the book and schedule an interview with Dr. Schnader. If there is interest, please respond with a preferred date and time for the interview and a mailing address for a hard copy of the book.

The Serpent Papers is the story of J-Bee, raised in the violent world of the 1960s, who chooses to matriculate at Columbia in 1971 rather than join the military. A Southern boy who comes from a conservative, Catholic military family, J-Bee exemplifies the struggles of the generation and the challenges they faced balancing patriotism with a rejection of the war.

When he arrives at university, J-Bee is immediately thrust into the anti-war atmosphere. The mysterious “Serpent” is an invisible voice that emerges from the basement of a seedy Broadway bar. In this coming-of-age story, the Serpent is the personification of the political ideals of the age.

About the author:

Dr. Schnader, a graduate of the Columbia College class of 1975 and retired full professor from Eastern Virginia Medical College, participated in sit-ins, marches and protests, including the April 25, 1972 riot in front of Hamilton Hall where 1000 students were beaten by hundreds New York City Tactical Police in full battle regalia. J-Bee’s story mirrors Schnader’s life and follows the events of the time by telling the authentic story of what students lived through.

Although not a true memoir, The Serpent Papers reads like one.

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