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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Very good read. Worth the time.
One of my all-time favorite books! Then again, I love everything written by Neil Gaiman.
Fresh, moving, and engaging. I was entranced by Gaiman’s vision.
What’s not to like about Neil Gaiman. This was a great fantasy. I understand it was made in to a Starz series. But have not found it.
This book was so different from what i would choose. It was a gift, with a lot of punch. Had to really think about what I was reading
A terrific look at what the European gods of legend would do if they were transferred to America.
Absolutely original. Great story. One of those books that adds up to more than the sum of it’s parts.
You can’t go wrong with a Gaiman book, and American Gods is no exception!
In American Gods, Gaiman plays with both ancient and modern mythos, weaving a story around Shadow, an ex-con, and his employer, the mysterious Mr. Wednesday who is, in actuality, Odin the All-Father as they travel the United States recruiting a new crop of “old gods.”
If …
Excellent book. On the surface it’s about a war of old and new gods but it’s also about immigrants and how they’ve helped to shape America.
One of my favorite books ever. Very creative. Characters are interesting, but not always pleasant.
Great when the story is moving along but got lost in all the detail. There was just so much especially when talking about dreams and visions.
A fun revamping of very old concepts like Norse mythology made perhaps more approachable to a contemporary audience.
I would rate this as a classic must read Science-Fiction book for any library. Some of the events remain in my memory and come to mind every now and then. Unforgettable story line.
Wow. Just read everything this man has written. I have never been more invested in characters than I was in this book. So interesting and thought provoking while being entertaining. Would read 100 times over
I loved this book–original, enthralling and scary, it’s a modern day fairy tale–kind of The Brothers Grimm meet Steven King! And, from the author of Stardust and Coraline, it’s a nice switch from romantic fantasy to hard-edged mythology! Very worthwhile…
Some very good stories in this volume
I liked American Gods enough add other Neil Gaiman works to my bookshelf. This one certainly deserves the Nebula Award it received.
Another favorite Author! I’ve read American Gods 3 times.so far…
This book is fantastic! great world building. It’s part road trip story filled with mythology and folklore with excellent writing. There are multiple stories woven in to make the whole and it stuck with me long after I finished it. Highly recommended.
Despite Gaiman’s usual spectacular world building and other strengths, this book just falls flat for me. Not into it. The idea of the central character who’s nothing just…makes the book feel like it’s about nothing.