May 08, 2016 assuming that odin doesnt reveal the gods true identities to shadow because he doesnt think shadow will believe it right away, why does gaiman not reveal the gods identities to the readers. Those who listened to the fullcast recording on hoopla digital through lld really enjoyed it. It was so freaking sad, and poor shadow was going to have to leave prison all alone. With most of these, the link to the realworld is very clear either by being named outright or characteristics that are easily researchable, but im having trouble identifying which god one particular character represents. If youre interested, there doesnt seem to be an abridged version of american gods. The novel is an urban fantasy story that mixes ancient mythology with americana, reimagining gods of old legends and inventing a new pantheon of deities of the modern world. The question and answer section for american gods is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel ask your own question. The novel is a blend of americana, fantasy, and various strands of ancient and modern mythology, all centering on the mysterious and taciturn shadow. Neil gaiman on good omens, sandman film rumours and his. Discussion spoilers american gods by neil gaiman this entry was posted on may 8, 2016. A couple of other, shorter works are more sequelish, though they appear in anthologies of unrelated short stories. Sep 02, 2003 shadow moon spent three years in prison, keeping his head down, doing his time. In a sense the questions raised relate to the nature of reality.
It gained a positive critical response and won the hugo and nebula. You can find it on the far west end of franklin street in chapel hill, nc. Sams speech to shadow about her beliefs was a high point. If you plan to watch american gods without first reading the neil gaiman book that its based on, youre probably going to have a lot of questions. The novel american gods consists primarily of a linear narrative, though this narrative is occasionally interrupted by short segments called coming to america, which chronicle the lives of. The book is full of fantasy, gods and mythology, with twists and turns abound. This study guide consists of approximately 62 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of american gods. The entire book is a discussion of the power of thought and persuasion. Its supposed to be a road trip novel and less of a young adult thing than his other books. Topic topic starter replies views rating last post. American gods summary from litcharts the creators of sparknotes. American gods symbols, allegory and motifs gradesaver. No new content, discussion topic does anyone live at or near any of the locations in the book. What i liked when i picked up this book, i didnt really know what it was about i assumed american gods was just a title, but as it turns out this book is brimming with gods and awesome stories about how they came to america and what has happened since.
When he is informed of the death of his wife and friend by the warden of the prison, shadow seems numb, unable to process the information. Shadows road story is the heart of the novel, and its here that gaiman offers up the details that make this such a cinematic bookthe distinctly american foods and diversions, the bizarre roadside attractions, the decrepit gods reduced to shell games and prostitution. He also said shadow would be going to chicago and there were some of the old gods that were minor characters in the first book, that will be more of a focus in the second one. In neil gaimans american gods novel, many of the gods and other mythological creatures are recognizable from realworld cultures. American gods study guide contains a biography of neil gaiman, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. As an american road trip novel that unearths the forgotten sides of america, american gods has some aspects in common with jack kerouacs on the road, though american gods has a far more optimistic and fantastical outlook. It is, quite simply, an outstanding work of literary. He also said shadow would be going to chicago and there were some of the old gods that were minor characters in the first book, that will be more of a. How does he manage to make their coexistence believable. Gaiman makes it clear this wasnt an accident, since the most common swear word in the book is something like jesus christ.
Shadows road story is the heart of the novel, and its here that gaiman offers up the details that make this such a cinematic book the distinctly american foods and diversions, the bizarre roadside attractions, the decrepit gods reduced to shell games and prostitution. An exconvict is the wandering knighterrant who traverses the wasteland of middle america, in this ambitious, gloriously funny, and oddly heartwarming latest from the popular fantasist stardust, 1999, etc. American gods 2001 is a fantasy novel by british author neil gaiman. Gaiman has managed to tell the tallest of tales in the most heartrending and believable fashion, despite the storys truly mythic scale. With most of these, the link to the realworld is very clear either by being named outright or characteristics that are easily researchable, but im having trouble identifying which god one particular character. In large branches of waterstones there is a special room. But half the time, its more talking about weird, heavily symbolic things that make me wonder whats happening even inuniverse.
The book was better the second time having read it before, even long ago, made the plot a little more understandable. This subreddit is dedicated to the television series american gods on starz and the book series it is based on by neil gaiman. After wednesdays death, the old gods band together to avenge him, finally agreeing to fight the new gods. I was confused that a book about gods skipped the figure all of us judochristianmusliminfluenced think of as god. Ive found that the best book club discussion questions are ones that are openended and that get people to share their personal opinions. Discussion spoilers american gods by neil gaiman book. Februarys book of the month was neil gaimans american gods, which we will now look at in a noholdsbarred, spoilerific form right here. Our discussion of american gods by neil gaiman october 27, 2016. Do you think that an author must be a native born american in order to accurately write a great american novel or what it means to be an american. As pablo neruda once said of another worldclass novel, not to read it is the same as never having tasted an orange. It also takes inspiration from the detective novels of dashiell hammet and raymond chandler in shadows noirlike character and the mystery of the town of lakeside. All he wanted was to get back to the loving arms of his wife, laura, and to stay out of trouble for the rest of his life. He said that he would definitely be spending more time with the new gods.
With american gods, im at the end of the phone or at the end of an email, or even around for a meeting if people can come and find me, and im always willing to offer advice and help, but its. The novel is a blend of americana, fantasy, and various strands of ancient and modern mythology, all centering on the mysterious and taciturn shadow the book was published in 2001 by headline in the united kingdom and by william morrow in the united states. Sep 01, 2014 book discussion american gods by neil gaiman erika chung. Were considering expanding this synopsis into a fulllength study guide to deepen your comprehension of the book and why its important. After years of hints, teasers, and mysterious omens appearing in the night sky, neil gaimans american gods is finally hitting the small screen. It is our intent and purpose to foster and encourage indepth discussion about all things related to books. Welcome to the very first installment of our american gods reread, a rambling literary road trip through neil gaimans hugo, nebula, and locus awardwinning novel soon to. But just a few days before his release, he learns that laura has been fatally injured in a car accident. Sign in or create your guardian account to join the discussion. American gods introduction shadow moon spent three years in prison, keeping his head down, doing his time. American gods topics for discussion neil gaiman this study guide consists of approximately 62 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of american gods.
Sep 19, 2012 welcome to the very first installment of our american gods reread, a rambling literary road trip through neil gaimans hugo, nebula, and locus awardwinning novel soon to be an hbo series. American gods study guide from litcharts the creators of. American gods season 1 book spoilers discussion bald move. American gods contains both the magical and the mundane, a fantastic world of divine beings and bizarre happenings and a world of prisons, rundown roadside attractions, and quaint small towns. It also takes inspiration from the detective novels of dashiell hammet and raymond chandler in shadows noir. Okay, now that weve gotten rid of the american gods virgins, here we can discuss more in depth topics. An active book discussion forum for both fiction and nonfiction books including forums for religion, philosophy, science, politics, current events and more. A site dedicated to book lovers providing a forum to discover and share commentary about the books and authors they enjoy. Nobodys american, said wednesday, not originally p96. I dont know about you, but after i read the line when laura died i started to get tearyeyed. As with a lot of great television, american gods started life as a novel.
Reading guide for american gods by neil gaiman discussion guide for book clubs. It was one of those books i almost couldnt stand the entire time i. How is gaiman able to bring these worlds together in the novel. Does anyone agree or is there something wrong with me. As youll see in the pictures, it lives up to the name. This category contains all characters in both the 2001 neil gaiman novel american gods and the starz television series american gods. Aug 21, 2017 ive been in a lot of book clubs, and i know its not always easy to get a conversation going on a book. My first was neverwhere, so it was an easy jump to american gods, imo. Shadow insists on sitting wednesdays vigil as he had promised to, which means being tied to a tree for nine days. Released from prison after serving a threeyear term, shadow is immediately rocked by the news that his beloved wife laura has been killed in an automobile accident. Book discussion american gods by neil gaiman erika chung. American gods, a fiction fantasy novel by neil gaiman, concerns shadow moon, who is in prison. American gods contains both the magical and the mundane, a fantastic world of divine beings and bizarre happenings and a world of.
American gods is one of those books that has a potential to make more sense to the reader after finishing it and doing some research into who the characters are. Apr 27, 2017 after years of hints, teasers, and mysterious omens appearing in the night sky, neil gaimans american gods is finally hitting the small screen with a premiere on starz at the end of the month. The odin met at the end of the book, on the other hand, was the original, the template from which wednesday was molded. Several people had read american gods in 2001 and read the tenth anniversary edition containing the authors preferred text for our meeting. All he wanted was to get back to the loving arms of.
I recognize im woefully late to this conversation, but if youre still listening, i just want to thank the both of you for your insights. Nancy and is largely unrelated to the american gods storyline. There is a ton of amazing books available in the market but fewer of them are this much interesting. A few of my thoughts on american gods and how gaiman cant seem to write a. Topics about this book topics that mention this book. What is the significance of coins in american gods. If you havent read the book and want to be surprised, then dont read this blog. The tribe soon forgets about their mammoth god as they create new gods on american land. American gods summary from litcharts the creators of.
Shadow moon spent three years in prison, keeping his head down, doing his time. Relevant and prescient, american gods has been lauded for its brilliant synthesis of mystery, satire, sex, horror, and poetic prose michael dirda, washington post book world and as a modern phantasmagoria that distills the essence of america seattle postintelligencer. Unfortunately, many people who ask me for book recommendations arent exactly avid readers and american gods isnt for the faint of heart. Shadow is released from prison the day after his wife and best friend are killed together in a car accident.
219 883 1382 893 1394 1475 565 425 159 897 1147 752 612 828 132 814 704 204 1334 321 1470 349 201 143 1114 923 335 66 995 874 1439 883 463