Neil Gaiman's "American Gods" can proudly parade next to books like "Harry Potter", "Lord of the Rings" and "A Song of Ice and Fire" series (better known as the "Game of Thrones" series). "American Gods" is one of those books that are described as fiction and as a result of this genre who dont read may take it as suspicious, but this book in a way that read several hundred pages probably one time, hastily eating lines, as flammable from mad curiosity, what will happen next.
"American Gods" tells the story of deities life in America, where they were brought here for a week or of wonder will the settlers themselves. The Vikings, slaves from Africa, immigrants from Russia, Ireland and Eastern Europe - with them to the new world traveled and their beliefs. But in a land where old quickly forgotten gods proved difficult - lacking sacrifices and worship ancient deities engaged as knowledge: predicts future carnage drives a taxi, fraud and robs. In their place, meanwhile, occupy new people beliefs of technology, media, TV - powerful and prosperous as adored.
The new and the old deities preparation occur in the fight against one another, in this story himself unexpectedly gets involved ordinary mortal nicknamed Shadow, just released from prison, and dreams of a quiet and simple life with no criminal adventure. Like Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter, The Shade of their bleak everyday life suddenly falls into a world where there is magic and spells, travel in time and space, in addition, there is something large and threatening, which, like some Hollywood movie, threatens to change the world, but ordinary mortals do not know anything about it. At that time, one of the gods to serve sworn Shade spend enormous effort and risk their lives in order to avoid the bloody encounters.
However, more than a lot in this book is a cruel and bitter reality, where the gods and forced to exist. Paradoxically, GAIMAN gods live not far from the divine violence, crime, horror, lust and other worldly nonsense full of life, staying in poor motels, knock back whiskey and descends into an overnight adventure.
It is because of this realism and authenticity book can be attractive even non fans of fiction. Although the plot is far from being realistic not to be named, the events described in it is easy to identify, and the author's vivid language easily allows us to imagine the details of the described situations. In addition, it is not just a fantastic story, but also an interesting glimpse into the nature of America, its people and history of religion.
All this makes the "American Gods" very pleasant and engaging to read. In addition, now that the book they have so far not read to read the same time - as early as next year should prove to be established in accordance with the series.
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A thoroughly entertaining book, written by a fantastic author. I love Gaiman and almost everything he does.
I remember when American Gods came out originally over 10 years ago. I was working at a bookstore in NY, one which was lucky enough to be on Gaiman's book tour!
Gaiman is one of the most gracious and down-to-earth authors out there. Before the signing event, he sat in the back office and invited any of the staff with books they wanted signed to come in. He signed several for me, including my advance reader's copy of Stardust. We even chatted about the design of the cover for a few minutes. It was a great experience!