American Gods by Neil Gaiman

588 pages (Trade Paperback) Fiction

I have read a few books by Neil Gaiman. He is touted as a Young Readers author, but has the occasional adult themed book. Up until now I have had a rather lukewarm feeling towards his books. I like the ideas, but didn’t fall in love with them. I had been told that American Gods is one of his best and I wasn’t disappointed.

The book follows a man named Shadow just released from prison. He is confronted by a strange character named Mr. Wednesday. He offers him a job being his driver. Though he turns it down, a series of unlikely events leads to him being in the employ of Mr. Wednesday. Shadow soon starts to see a side of America that no one has experienced before. As people came from other parts of the world to settle in America they brought along with them the tales and stories that were a part of their culture. The characters in those stories were brought to life by the beliefs of the people. As time has passed the stories get told less and people forget the stories of their ancestors. The characters become just another person roaming through America. Shadow becomes deeply involved in this hidden part of America and tries to find his place in it.

I have always enjoyed Gaiman ability to take a real situation and add enough fantasy to make it fun. His writing is right on and the book moves along at a great pace. The book was very engaging and a worthwhile read for most anyone.

3 Emotional/Intellectual – How would you act if you were a forgotten tale from the Old World come to life? Some try just to survive. Others try to take what they can get.

4 Style/Readability – Of all Gaiman I have read so far this is the best writing and story yet.

4 Long Term Impact – Gaiman has already made a name for himself. This is considered one of his best and will enjoy popularity for some time.

11 out of 13. This book is well worth your time to pick up. If you have tried another of his books and thought it was ok I would suggest grabbing this and being delighted.