American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition
By Neil Gaiman
- Release Date: 2011-06-21
- Genre: Contemporary
Description
Since it was first published, American Gods became an instant classic. Now discover the mystery and majesty of American Gods in this beautiful reissue of the Author's Preferred Text edition. Featuring a new preface by Neil Gaiman in honor of the novel's 20th anniversary, this commemorative volume is a true celebration of a modern masterpiece.
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 a 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.
Reviews
An Amazing Book
5By skstummEven though it was certainly lengthy, this book was a true page-turner. The characters were fascinating and Gaiman was able to weave them into our world so masterfully. The book left me with an overall sense of fulfillment and contentment. I will admit that if you are not a fan of author's notes and uncut (aka much longer and at time rambling) versions of books, then go with the shorter version of this one. However, I think a lot is to be gained in understanding the characters as well as just being able to spend more time in this captivating world through the longer version. One of my favorite books I have read in a while, would highly recommend.Read the original edition first
4By PatrickRNMy review of this edition of American Gods likely falls somewhere in the middle of what others have said. However, let me start off by saying that I’m a big fan of Gaiman. American Gods is certainly one of his better works, despite any of my negativity. For the good, the story that Gaiman presents is both compelling and unique. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and subversive world of the Gods. Gaiman draws the reader in and leaves you with both a sense of wonder and nostalgia for the old Gods and the new. In terms of my complaints, I realized about halfway through that I should not have read this version. The 10th anniversary edition is much longer than the original and definitely gets a bit indulgent and slow. Gaiman himself acknowledges this in his introduction. Although I haven’t read the original edited version, I imagine that it’s an overall better telling. So, my advice is to absolutely read this book whether you’re a fan of Gaiman or just enjoy the idea of “contemporary mythology.” (I made that up). Just don’t read this version unless you’re OK with a pound of extra fat!Great lead up but the climax was anticlimactic. I was like “huh”? That’s the resolution?
4By Enderdog88Watch the show first to help picture the characters.Horrible
1By Robert2022As much as I tried, was unable to get past 250 pages. I have read “Graveyard”; one of the best books I’ve ever read. So, tried to get through this book. I was hopeful that it had only a few bad chapters. I tried reading the first sentence of paragraphs. Tried putting it down for a couple of days. Couldn’t stay with it. In my life, I’ve been unable to finish 2 books. This is one. The book kinda goes like this ... Here’s a new character. Here’s what they are wearing. Here’s what they look like. Here’s their social status. Here’s their financial status. Here’s where they came from. Here’s where they’re going. Here’s what people think of them. Here’s something they own. Here’s what they are doing. Here’s where they live. Here’s where they lived. Here’s where they are, now. Here’s a strength they have. Here’s a weakness they have. Okay, now here’s maybe conversations and a bit of a story about them, if they are important, or none if they aren't. The character is gone. Repeat over and over and over …. basically an unending repitition of short meetings …. for about 250 pages, which is where I couldn’t stand it, anymore.Perfect for a book club
5By CasDeanSamThought-provoking and full of things to analyze, this book is rich with themes, references, and symbolism to think about, discuss, and re-read. Highly recommend! Super entertaining and fun to read. Also I love Shadow.Fascinating Read
5By Jacob BarkerI absolutely loved this book. I found myself texting a friend who had already read it when I got to certain points in the book, and I loved using the “look up” feature to help me get a grasp of all the mythology. I’d give it another star if I was able.Sublime and Surreal
5By CheezitTerminatorI adore stories with so many levels; philosophical, magical, action, dramatic arcs,snappy dialogue. Even more, I enjoy a story that is complete at all those levels. Take what you found, be it a new philosophical mindset or a rueful shake of the head at roadside tourist traps. Happy Trails!Fantastic
5By Aurelia5I liked everything about this book. And I liked that it was so long. I feel like I’ve been in his world. I’ll look at people I meet much more carefully now.Great
5By PJohnson2025Amazing story tellingEasy Reading for the Thinking Man
4By Khaleel O.What I liked most about this book was the author’s style of writing. His easygoing style and flow make it a pleasure and a breeze to read. No words, scenarios or characters are wasted. No loose ends. No cheapness. The story is amazing and juicy with enough excitement to keep you hooked and entertained. The only complaint is that it feels rushed, even lazily written at times. Almost as if the author didn’t care to fill in certain details which would have added value. He jumps from scene to scene a bit too quickly and you feel as if he is eager to get to the next plot point.No author like Gaiman
5By -Southern-CharmDo Gods walk among us humans? If they do, Neil Gaiman tells us their backstory.Quirky
3By traipseA quirky read more than anything. Great middle school reading material with lots of incomplete thoughts and a story that grows tedious.Wow!
5By Desde LuegoIt has been a long time since I have read a novel that I could not put down. I was up well after midnight just to learn what would happen next. This book deserves all the awards it has won.Phenomenal Read
5By Revitalized ReaderIt’s hard to find a book that pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the end. This book had me invested in every way from the get go. Neil Gaiman does a spectacular job of weaving an emotional, thrilling, and magical story about a regular man in a chaotic world of gods. From mythology to mystery, this book proved that it was a phenomenal read.What?
5By Betlaurent999It started me at the last page and I was so confusedNothing more than mortal
5By Steaming pile of myselfIt proved that people are more likely to be obedient than compassionate, indifferent than morally discerning. It's the doubled edged sword. See just like being gaslighted. Gang stalker are perpetrators and victims of the same thing. People internalize and question an experience based upon fear of rejection but also label feelings as good or bad. Taking far too much ownership of them. Praised, when we don't complain, scolded when we do and tortured and shackled by silence. See people are extremely predictable that's what the study of marketing and psychology has proved. what we do is not the work of wizards, false idols, neon gods more appropriately defines these mob leaders. They are not the one teaching anything only proving... it's learned.... from each other created exactly when energy and matter was. We are more pre-destined, witnessing something rather than participating. When the credits role you have to say I did nothing to be here, I had nothing to do with anything here, nothing to be the influence of absolute laws of the universe and as we play with the Idea that we are behind the direction of creation really we are only participating in delusions of grandeur practicing in futility. Whistling in the dark, but we are all fooled by ego great example is pranks or hidden camera shows because we believe that foolishness is a lack of control. I can not be tricked, people would not and my ego would not allow for it but like clock work April 1st could be any moment. Mary Schelly, Orson Wells, Scott Card, twain all realized the vulnerable is everyone and we all can be the one holding the brush painting fences planted there by an idea by the likes of troubled, selfish And sick sense of humor of the Tom Sawyers. Your beautiful transformation into.... Beautiful butterflies is a good idea but your plan aborted them from your ill conceived plan and taking peaceful precious, beauty, innocents and potential transmogrification of perfection to a sci-fi hi tech expire this lab and excitement turns to outrages as you realized atonement is impossible god created perfection man created "planned parenthood" uhhhh Community enrichment and your left with Jeff Goodblums coming out of mechanical cocoons the symbol of wickedness not heavenly perfection has been created and the vile abomination awaits insidiously mirroring the shame. Why do you think? Do you think we are a product of the entirety of world. Possibly witness to production of evolved beliefs and opportunity? Thoughts on the responsibility of individuals and institutions to be held accountable for roles as the directors and regulators of dangerous human behaviors. If you intend on creating an atmosphere that directs experiences into condemning, not self respecting and deviant by taking away opportunities and stacking the deck then who is ultimately the responsible party? Where does complicity start? Extreme physical and emotional stress while imprisoned has shown to provoke false statements, cause people to perform acts against their will or break it til the no longer defend their will, their values or life. over longer periods of time the will even defend their captures accepting they are helpless. Creating and evolution of human development til people will take less then they had before and slowly through the insecurity of losing more happily massa take the inhumane treatment than suffer more brutality and cruelty.Z
5By Darth DakotaUp The zzz zIkon niiixuiûfgkvccf dcdefdxidI love America. This is how to headlock.
5By Landin 2827This is good book. Hahahaha stop it round kick. Birthday back, I tied it better.Disappointed
1By ladybug725I tried very hard to get into the story. It is hard to follow. The themes are not well organized. The story is extremely scattered, like a bad trip.
