Ray, If Someone Asks Are You a God, Say “YES!”

With trade news regarding a TV series (or miniseries or whatever it’s been decided to be) of American Gods popping up, I decided it was time for me to reread Neil Gaiman’s book. Mostly because none of the discussed character names really rang any bells and if pressed, I couldn’t have really summed up the plot other than anthropomorphic gods trying to get by in America, a godless land. Eh, kind of close? My pea brain’s inability to hold onto plot details for more than a few weeks aside, I do remember it being an enjoyable read!

Guys, don’t worry, it was still good, not that I’ll remember why by the time the series, mini or otherwise, begins to air. The book opens with Shadow, a man in prison, but near the end of his sentence. He finds himself released a few days earlier than expected though so that he may attend his wife’s funeral. With nothing to live for and no other job prospects available, Shadow takes a job with Wednesday as his bodyguard despite reservations about him being a conman. Shadow meets a few of Wednesday’s varied companions and acquaintances and soon learns that Wednesday and his associates are the personification of the Old Gods. A war is brewing between the Old and New Gods and Shadow soon finds himself stuck dealing with it.

This was so enjoyable to re-read. As I was reading, certain plot points came to me, like the Lakeview children, but it didn’t matter, getting there with the book was still a worthwhile way to spend the time. There’s a reason that Gaiman is considered to be such a good author. Maybe in five more years, I’ll revisit this again.