Helpful Score: 19
This is one of those books that people either really hate or really love. Myself, I enjoyed it. Some reveiws on Amazon.com review how some readers thought it was hard to get through--somewhat slow. I can understand why people would think that, but I found myself trying to interpret what Gaiman is trying to say. Much symbolism abounds in "American Gods." Not a quick read, but for me, it was worth it.
A. J. C. (Bibliocrates) reviewed American Gods: The Author's Preferred Text on + 252 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 12
I had mixed feelings about this book. It was well written and original. However, I found the subject matter, while interesting and imaginative, unbelievable, unreal. Don't get me wrong, I love a good epic adventure! I love fantasy! The characters were great and will remain imprinted on my mind for a long time. Perhaps the problem was that it was all too unfamiliar, that sort of mythology, American Gods. Regardless, it was an enjoyable page-turner. I'm glad I read it. I will definitely read more of Neil Gaiman's work in the future and I will give this one another shot as well to see what I think of it the second time around.
Helpful Score: 11
Amazing book. I couldn't put it down. It has one of my favorite passages in any book. You'll love it especially if you like myths and legends.
Dustin (Child-of-Odin) -
Helpful Score: 7
This was, in fact, the second Neil Gaiman novel I read (Coraline being the first, which I would also reccomend). Under fear of sounding fanboy-ish, I would first of all like to say that Neil Gaiman is... just unbelievable. He's just one of those authors that has me in awe sometimes, on the same level (in my book) as Terry Pratchett and Philip Pullman. But on to the actual novel.
Honestly, I don't think there is much not to like about this book. It is COMPULSIVELY readable (particularly to someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, like me). The plot idea in itself is brilliant, and the wonderful writing just adds to that. I would also like to mention how much I enjoyed Shadow as a character. Male main-protagonists usually bore me, and I end up more interested in supporting characters, but Shadow was just awesome (not that the supporting characters weren't equally fascinating).
I would highly suggest this book. I will note that this book is not for everybody. It has graphic sex and language, and I guess the premise could be off-putting to religious people. (Though I read it when I was 14, so, you know, I guess it's just personal judgement and whatnot)
Honestly, I don't think there is much not to like about this book. It is COMPULSIVELY readable (particularly to someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, like me). The plot idea in itself is brilliant, and the wonderful writing just adds to that. I would also like to mention how much I enjoyed Shadow as a character. Male main-protagonists usually bore me, and I end up more interested in supporting characters, but Shadow was just awesome (not that the supporting characters weren't equally fascinating).
I would highly suggest this book. I will note that this book is not for everybody. It has graphic sex and language, and I guess the premise could be off-putting to religious people. (Though I read it when I was 14, so, you know, I guess it's just personal judgement and whatnot)
Helpful Score: 7
This author has such a gift with words it seemed as if i had read poetry instead of a novel. A thoughtful and horrific view of our america.
