I foolishly began reading this the day before a very busy week. Not smart. American Gods is a captivating book. The tone is all at once serious and funny, with witty narrative and moments of deep thought. And it is not a “fluff” book; it effortlessly captures the essence of American history, culture, and social customs while interweaving a fascinating and at times deeply moving road story with mythology and dreams.
Shadow is a three-year prisoner who, upon being released from parole, finds himself a sudden widower and strangely pursued by Mr. Wednesday, a man who obviously knows more than he lets on. Shadow becomes his bodyguard, envoy, and driver, and together they embark on a recruiting trip. Mr. Wednesday warns that a storm is coming.
The fight between the forces of time and mythology clash with modernity and technology in a marvelously written tale that will resonate inside you.