Rating: 
Summary: Ambitious Writing
Review: This is the first work by Mr. Neil Gaiman that I have read. From this point on he will be an Author that I will read when he again publishes, further I will backtrack to read his earlier work. The concept of, "American Gods", is incredibly sweeping in both breadth and depth, and had he chose, he could have used a few hundred more pages to tell his tale. I wish that he had, as there are so many religions and mythologies that participate, the book is a bit overwhelming.When an Author creates a new world from whole cloth or conjures a variant on the world we know, the reader has to be given enough reference points and background to fully get immersed into his book. This is the only issue that I had with what is otherwise a thought-provoking, literate, and intelligently crafted book. It was mentioned that one reader used a book on mythology as a guide, and when I read this again I will use the same type of assist. There are literally dozens and dozens of, "Gods", that are a part of the action. A few will be familiar and understood, a few more will be recognized with some general knowledge, and others are totally unknown unless the reader has studied the fields the Author clearly studied himself. Even when some of the characters are thought to be familiar, they turn out to be infinitely more complex than the traditional view the reader probably has. If the Author gave more background on his characters the book would have substantially increased in length. He is a skillful writer so I don't see why that would have been an issue. There are other young writers creating massive works of fiction, and they have demonstrated that it can be done without losing the urgency that keeps one up most of the night flipping pages. As I said earlier this Author can create and execute on the page. Maybe I am in the minority when it comes to expansive knowledge of cultural lore. I do know that if I had the understanding or was given more information in the book, I would have gotten even more pleasure from what is already a great book.
Rating: 
Summary: Best Summer Reading - Mystery & Philosophy combined!!!
Review: This is an excellent book that really shows that talent of an artist. I ran to the bookstore to purchase the book for myself and a bunch of my friends. Though the size and heft is a little intimidating, the thrilling tale page by page keeps you guessing and wondering about what is going on aroung you. Definately a book to battle the mundane. I was a little disappointed in the end in regards to the usage of the symbolizim of the Christ and Father figure, not from a religious view point but because it has been used so many times. I was really enjoying the new mythological concepts being introduced in the book. This is a must 100% read and would make a great present for anyone.
Rating: 
Summary: Storms are coming.....again?
Review: Gaiman's new book has a little something for everyone....fantasy, horror, mythology, humor, and of course there's sex. The book is also part roadtrip (as the main character, Shadow, travels throughout the west with Odin) and part murder mystery (when Shadow settles into the quaint town of Lakeside). Its in the Lakeside story in which Gaiman's characters become realistic and memorable beings. The roadtrip plot seems aimless and almost pointless; the gods that Odin and Shadow meet are interesting, but are never fully developed. The most intriguing stories are the "Coming to America" stories, which are tales of immigrants and their gods as they settle in America. Overall, the book is good; but not great. Older fans of Gaiman will recognize familiar sayings (and plotlines) which the author has used before Also, the book is too long. Like Neverwhere, the ending drags on and on. I also recommend these books that may relate to American Gods: Brief Lives Neil Gaiman Encyclopedia of Gods Michael Jordan Empire Wilderness : Travels into America's Future Robert D. Kaplan
Rating:
Summary: A biscuit away from perfect
Review: I have always admired Gaiman's take on the gods from his Sandman days. They are often amusing, frequently diabolical, and always very, very cool. The gods in this novel are no different, but the context in which they appear here gives them a sharp little sting: every one of the gods in the book is, in the end, self-serving, and thus they are perfect gods for Americans. Even Jesus has been reduced to a god called on before football games--ouch! That hurt a wee bit. Thanks, Neil, we needed that. My only criticism is that the protagonist could be a bit more developed. Shadow's history is somewhat neglected, especially the impetus for the assault and robbery that landed him in jail. But, to be fair, perhaps Gaiman intended Shadow to be a bit flat: even his wife comments that he takes up space, but there's nothing really there. If Shadow is meant to be the token American here, then the commentary becomes even sharper, and so I can excuse the lack of development as the price paid to make a point--but I still am left wanting to know more about Shadow. Assume that my rating is 4 and 7/8 stars. What we have here is a juicy mythological buffet, a veritable cornucopia of literary ambrosia; its minor flaw is no reason not to belly up and feed. Enjoy, gentle friends!
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing.....
Review: With how fantastic Neverwhere and Stardust were, I suppose it was inevitable. Could Neil Gaiman live up to the expectations of his previous novels? Well..... It seems that with American Gods, Gaiman is trying very hard to push home a point about what it's like to live in modern America, rather than telling a wonderful story and scattering these thought-provoking ideas throughout the narrative. The premise of American Gods is a great one, but the plot doesn't follow through. With all of the side-stories and strange characters floating in and out, the main story loses focus. Shadow is not really an endearing character, like Richard from Neverwhere. He is distant from the reader at the outset, and remains so, which may have been the point, but then why is he the main character? The writing itself is technically wonderful - there's no doubt Gaiman knows how to express himself on paper - and there are a few sequences that I will never forget (Jacquel & Ibis, the bank robbery w/Wednesday) but American Gods lacks the nightmarish wonder of Neverwhere and the imagination of Stardust. In fact, in parts it seems overwritten, as if Gaiman is striving to make sure you get the point he's trying to make, instead of letting the reader decide for him/herself. American Gods is good, but not great. I can't help but be influenced by how fabulous his first two novels were (along with his magnificent short story collection Smoke and Mirrors), and am left wondering what might have been if Gaiman had decided to simply tell a marvelous story than resort to being overly preachy.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but not his best work
Review: An enjoyable book, but I thought that too many themes were repeated from earlier works of his. Putting that aside, I have to admit that I'm putting this book to a higher standard because I've come to expect more from his writing.
Rating:
Summary: an amazing read
Review: Neil has really done it again. Gaiman is truly one of the most underrated authors of our time. His ability to tell a story is incredible...once he has you in his tender hold he won't let you go until you finish the story. His collection of short stories "Smoke and Mirrors" is a great place to start if you are unfamiliar with his work. "American Gods" is truly an inventive tale that will have you turning the pages hungry for more. We are truly lucky to have Gaiman writing stories for us. Read this book and I'm sure you will agree.
Rating:
Summary: Wildly imaginative...but unfocused
Review: Fans of Jonathan Carrol will love the machinations of this book, but it does suffer some from a lack of focus, and while it has multiple plot lines it doesn't really integrate them very well. It could well have explored some of the peripheral characters (mostly Gods and other supernatural beings) a little more, but it would have made for a very long book. Plenty of room here for a sequel and, if it stayed more focused it could be really great.
Rating:
Summary: Great read, great rewards
Review: After reading this novel, you leave knowing you read a masterwork. Gaiman shows his range as a novelist in his unbelievable use of language and imagination. I found myself reading paragraphs over just so I could enjoy the passages once more. The images become so vivid through his words! It sounds pretentious to say all this, but you feel enlightened in a way afterward. I've never seen images like the ones I saw from reading this. It is awesome.
Rating:
Summary: Had Potential But Fell Short
Review: Man this book had some serious potential with the premise, but it disappointingly fell short. It is a very confusing text to wander through and at times is ridiculously confusing and I am a pretty intelligent person. It's just that he doesn't develop the plot quick enough and you are having to wait to learn more. I did read this book rather quickly and I must say that it is an entertaining trip and the ending is rather good, but trying to digest this thing is what takes the majority of ones' time.
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