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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this book makes me feel in a good mood
Ever read one of those books where you wonder what is the purpose and where is this going and yet find that you have to let it continue to carry you along on the journey? American God’s is such a book. The good news is that in the end the journey was well worth it. I think! I’m still not sure I completly got all of the underlying meanings and …
One of the genres I read is magic realism and no one does it better than Neil Gaiman. One of his best IMHO is American Gods but it’s hard to choose among his books. The world of magic realism depends on making the unbelievable seem ordinary. He does it. He always does it.
For some inexplicable reason I had trouble getting into American Gods, but when I finally did, I was glad I stuck with it. The story has many twists and turns. There is laughter and tears, and (in my opinion) a few “Oh gross!” moments. It was quite enjoyable.
Shadow is a man whose life is about to get weird. The veil has been pulled from his eyes …
This books pulls the ingredients out of the melting pot of America! I loved the historically rich back-stories of the gods and how those stories propelled the characters into action. Amazing work!
I read this in 2013. From my Goodreads page, I read it in one sitting. I think it’s time to reread it.
Though it was great.
Easily one of the best books I have ever read. A friend of mine told me to read this book, and for so long I skipped over it and picked a different one. Oh how I wish I hadn’t skipped over it! It’s now part of my paperback collection of books I have read more than twice and plan to read many more times. That is just how great this book is! An …
Love this. I never knew what was coming next.
http://thesmokingpenandpad.blogspot.com/2015/04/neil-gaimans-american-gods.html?m=1
The writing in this book was simply fantastic. The bar for the kind of writing I admire had previously come from people like Hugh Howey (Wool) and Justin Cronin (The Passage). Now, however, another tier has been revealed, courtesy of Mr. Gaiman. The plot, while not a page-turner was still very engaging. Gaiman excels at character development. …
His best so far
I’ve read American Gods several times. It pushes all the right buttons from the fantastical to the mysterious. I’m a life-long lover of mythology and Gaiman’s use of it throughout the novel is absolutely delightful. He manages to fuse contemporary sensibilities and humor with those of the old gods. I’m particularly fond of Loki and Eostre, who …
Fantastic!
A war is coming between the Gods of Old and the New Gods of America in this amazing, complex world created by Neil Gaiman. Absolutely recommended!
Great book and the video series is just as good.
This book is a real wakeup. Got me thinking about something I’d never contemplated before –why we worship the things we do and how and why that changes over time. Incredibly well thought out and expertly written.
This should be read in lit classes, religion classes, sociology…great novel by a brilliant man.
I have enjoyed the weird and twisted worlds of Neil for years. From Neverwhere to the tv show Lucifer he pulls you in and you are hooked.
One of the best books ever to fall into my hands.
It is gloomy, though not depressing, shrouded in mystery and yet with a clear plot after which it is easy to follow.
It captures fascinating mythologies that are embedded in the sweeping plot and is hard to put down as soon as one begins to read.
The book is full of surprises, and exciting …