TestFirst published in 2001, American Gods became an instant classic—an intellectual and artistic benchmark from the multiple-award-winning master of innovative fiction, Neil Gaiman. Now discover the mystery and magic of American Gods in this tenth anniversary edition. Newly updated and expanded with the author’s preferred text, this commemorative volume is a true celebration of a modern … volume is a true celebration of a modern masterpiece by the one, the only, Neil Gaiman.
A storm is coming . . .
Locked behind bars for three years, Shadow did his time, quietly waiting for the magic day when he could return to Eagle Point, Indiana. A man no longer scared of what tomorrow might bring, all he wanted was to be with Laura, the wife he deeply loved, and start a new life.
But just days before his release, Laura and Shadow’s best friend are killed in an accident. With his life in pieces and nothing to keep him tethered, Shadow accepts a job from a beguiling stranger he meets on the way home, an enigmatic man who calls himself Mr. Wednesday. A trickster and rogue, Wednesday seems to know more about Shadow than Shadow does himself.
Life as Wednesday’s bodyguard, driver, and errand boy is far more interesting and dangerous than Shadow ever imagined—it is a job that takes him on a dark and strange road trip and introduces him to a host of eccentric characters whose fates are mysteriously intertwined with his own. Along the way Shadow will learn that the past never dies; that everyone, including his beloved Laura, harbors secrets; and that dreams, totems, legends, and myths are more real than we know. Ultimately, he will discover that beneath the placid surface of everyday life a storm is brewing—an epic war for the very soul of America—and that he is standing squarely in its path.
Relevant and prescient, American Gods has been lauded for its brilliant synthesis of “mystery, satire, sex, horror, and poetic prose” (Michael Dirda, Washington Post Book World) and as a modern phantasmagoria that “distills the essence of America” (Seattle Post-Intelligencer). It is, quite simply, an outstanding work of literary imagination that will endure for generations.
more
It’s been a while since I read a book that made me think about it time and time again after closing the covers.
Neil Gaiman’s Stardust is one of my all-time favorite books, so I was really excited to give this one a try. The premise is absolutely fascinating: all gods are real, and they feed off the admiration and belief of their human worshippers – even in modern-day, small town America.
Unfortunately, I didn’t love it as much as I wanted to. I think the …
I finished American Gods yesterday with what turned out to be very poignant timing—the epilogue takes place on the 4th of July! This is a very strange book (as Gaiman himself admits), but I really enjoyed it. Who else has read it? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Neil Gaiman is someone I discovered in the last 10 years, and he has climbed into the top echelon of fantasy writers for me. This book contains humor, great characters, and raises questions about life and alternate life that I still find intriguing. I recommend it.
When I occasionally stop and ask myself “huh, that’s strange, why do you believe that particular thing?” the answer almost always lies in the way this book shaped me as a kid. This is one of only a few books that I’ve re-read, and I’ve re-read it so many times that I had to tape the binding together. For a while, I read it once a year. Then I lent …
What a ride! This is only the second audiobook I’ve listened to and it probably spoiled me with its all-star cast.
American Gods is looooong but the storytelling was amazing. It’s lyrical, poetic, highly engrossing. No wonder it was adapted into a TV series.
As a Cultural Mythologist I found American Gods original, refreshing, and imperative reading for these chaotic times. The characters are products of our times with the Gods desperate to be worshipped as they once was.
Neil Gaimon ask very important questions we should all ask in this mutilple religious times where battles & even wars are …
I started reading this book when I saw that Showtime was doing a series on it and it looked really good to me. I gave the book 4 stars because it was a roller coaster of enjoyment. There were times when I didn’t want to put the book down and then there were other times when I feel like the author was all over the place and I didn’t want to pick …
Although I spent most of this book being not quite sure what was going on, once I finished it and took the whole thing in I loved it. The revelations at the end are also what really sealed the deal for me, finding them very clever and fulfilling.
The imagination that this book took took is just breathtaking. It covers not just our religious beliefs, but also all the things we have come to worship and gives them a persona. It show us our human afflictions and also our need to believe in something no matter how ridiculous or nonsensical. the characters are deeply drawn and well thought and …
As a fan of Neil Gaiman, I would be remiss if I didn’t give this a review to do it justice. Of course, anyone who’s read anything by Gaiman will know just what an intricate world he builds once he’s started. It begins with Shadow Moon–already I’m hooked because I can read so much from just the name. But I’m getting ahead of myself. The reader …
Absolutely fabulous in every way.
Neil Gaiman is absolutely brilliant! This story could be an entertaining addition to any mythology lovers’ collection. The ‘old gods’ are close enough to literary tradition as to be informative. Gaiman’s characters are so wonderfully written, readers cannot help develop sympathies for them despite their flaws.
I have read and re-read American …
Loved the unusual plot, and the use of religious lore in an anachronistic, and familiar setting. It was worth getting the 10th anniversary edition, for the additional (original) text. Definitely one I’ll recommend to friends.
It seemed interesting, but lost my attention halfway through. I might give it another go at some point, but I don’t feel the need to at the moment.
I don’t know what to say about this book. It’s fantastically weird but poignant and deep. I was so impressed at the kind of story Mr. Gaiman was able to put together. It definitely not one that you see very often. Loved the book and look forward to the tv adaptation soon.
One of my favorite all time authors and people. This wonderful novel holds up to rereading.
Gah, this book was so refreshing! I don’t typically read outside of the romance genre, but when I do, it’s always a treat. And this book came HIGHLY recommended to me from some of my close friends.
When I dived in, I was immediately hooked. The way the author writes is captivating. There is an element of mystery and uneasiness, as well as dashes …
Bravo to anyone who could write a comprehensive summary of this book! There is so much to unpack. I did enjoy it, but honestly can’t find the words to sum up the why of it all in a way that won’t measure up to a book of its own. I agree that you should read it without any distractions-there is A LOT going on. For those who dislike lots of …
Absolutely Brillant! The story is complex, and it moves along quickly, but until the end is revealed, I really didn’t connect the dots. The tale begins with the premise that as immigrant groups migrated to America, they brough their gods with them. As time went on, they no longer believed in those gods, so what became of them? the story …