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.
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Quite possibly this one will be on my “10 best ever” books.
Meh.
If you’re the type that loves an immersive book, with an original premise, American Gods is for you. Set primarily in central region of the United States and focused around American obsessions and oddities, it uses an amusing premise to analyze American culture.
I could not put this book down. This was the first Neil Gaiman book I read but certainly not the last. There is so much going on in this story. It is dark, and haunting, and hilarious all at once. I completely fell in love with Shadow and still sometimes wonder what he up to.
Gaiman at the top of his form. Not an easy read, but a rewarding one.
This book is entertaining all of his works are usually very well written and he’s a master storyteller. My two personal favorites are “Good Omens” which he co-wrote with Terry Pratchett and my number one favorite is “Neverwhere”. This story in my opinion falls short of those two but it holds its own as a stand-alone novel worthy of your time and …
Disappointing
It’s a classic must read for any fantasy/ mythology fan.
This story is an interesting twist on how we create “gods” to meet our needs – told from the gods’ perspective. Although it won several awards, it felt a bit forced. I much prefered, and highly recommend, Gaiman’Neverworld and The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
Strangest book I have ever read – and I read A LOT!
Amazing authorand another magical journey.
The greatest theological volume of this century.
It want so cool
A classic
By far and away one of the best books I’ve ever read
I gave up a third of the way into the book. Just too boring to keep my attention. Maybe it picked up later – I just couldn’t make it that far.
Neil Gaiman writes fairy tales for adults. If you have never read his works and like smart fantasy, I highly recommend him.
Great story about the general USA religious beliefs and disbelief
I first heard Neil Gaiman read from this book before its publication – I never forgot that reading. Initially, I found several characters more disturbing than I wanted to read (Neil’s voice for one character remained with me for the entirety of a different book of his), but, by the time the book came out, I came around. And I am glad I did.
Copied out sections. Shared with friends and enjoyed immensely