My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book doesn’t really fit into a genre … it takes place in present day in America. Our protagonist, Shadow, and the dysfunctional relationship with his wife certainly seem realistic. Enter the gods … and suddenly magic is happening everywhere in subtle ways. American Gods is filled with suspense, hints at history, and very descriptive. Imagine a Quentin Tarantino movie where magic is a part of every day life. There is something for everyone here…adventure, violence, fantasy, and even some heart-warming moments. This book would be a great choice for a senior student who is ready to move on from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, but maybe isn’t quite ready for the Dune series. I think any adult who has tried magical realism, or who is interested in the world’s encyclopedia of gods and monsters (like all your D & D friends) would really like this book. I really enjoyed it although it took me a long time to read. Each chapter is like a bite of very rich chocolate cake. Gaiman is a wordmaster.
threadbare beauty 