Neil Gaiman - American Gods -free to read online for a month

[Lady of Winterfell]

I have heard a lot about Neil Gaimen before this, so when I saw this I thought I would check out this book. Especially after it has won so many awards and received such glowing reviews from you all.

But I have to say, I was not that impressed. I read through Chapter 3 (the first 70 pages) and am just not that interested to continue. Maybe its not my cup of tea. I just don't feel like Shadow shows or experiences any emotions, and the storyline hasn't pulled me in yet.

I know how much people like it, so I am wondering does it get better from this point on? Or if I'm not interested at this point, its just not for me?

[kaneda]

Originally Posted by Lady of Winterfell

I have heard a lot about Neil Gaimen before this, so when I saw this I thought I would check out this book. Especially after it has won so many awards and received such glowing reviews from you all.

But I have to say, I was not that impressed. I read through Chapter 3 (the first 70 pages) and am just not that interested to continue. Maybe its not my cup of tea. I just don't feel like Shadow shows or experiences any emotions, and the storyline hasn't pulled me in yet.

I know how much people like it, so I am wondering does it get better from this point on? Or if I'm not interested at this point, its just not for me?

Personally, I loved the book from the first page, and only thought it continued to get better. Most of the people who love the book say the same thing in my experience. Alternatively, my ex loved the beginning of the book but hated the end of the book (which was quite bad, as was trying to convert him and convince him I had good taste in books! ).

Shadow is a really interesting character, he's quite introverted and private and thats what comes across in the book really well, you never really know what hes thinking about a situation which personally I think is fantastic. He never really becomes an expressive character, especially if you compare him to your typical fantasy protagonist.

So I would say that if you're not enjoying the book now, then it's probably not for you. But saying that, I still think that its a book that everyone should read, so please perservere!!! It's got really interesting themes. It also has these side stories, which aren't about shadow all but about the old gods - which I think you might enjoy - some of them are very emotive.

Also, please don't think of this as your typical Neil Gaiman book, because its not. If you are interested in knowing more about the author, please check out his books like stardust and neverwhere. Really enjoyable books, and as I said, totally different to american gods (in every fashion - including the writing style, the characters), very enjoyable

[Lady of Winterfell]

Thanks Kaneda, sounds like maybe its just not the book for me. Perhaps someday I will try again. But I won't write Neil Gaiman off yet. I will look into the others books by him you mentioned.

[tm37]

I have read four of his books thus far, Good Omens, Neverwhere, American Gods and Anansi Boys. I also found, in both American Gods and Anansi Boys, that I would get into it and find myself inexplicably bored. I couldn't wait for either novel to end. It was particularly strange as I was quite fond of the plot, it is an interesting premise which is usually what attracts me to a book. He seems to have a way of taking the most interesting plot and dragging it out just a bit past what I can take.

That said, I would suggest both Good Omens and Neverwhere. I thought they were both astoundingly original and well written. Particularly Good Omens, the two authors mesh beautifully, making up for each others shortcomings.

[Patrick Mahon]

Having just read Gaiman's short story "Odd and the Frost Giants", published on World Book Day (in the UK at least), I came across this thread and thought I'd have a look. So far I'm 50 pages in, and think it's a pretty interesting read. So thanks for posting the link!

[Aniri]

Must be a book I need to read...the other day, I saw it and picked it up, for the fair price of $5.95, but never made it to the register because I saw something else that I had to get (for a gift) and didn't have my credit card to purchase both. So, it seems like this book is calling out to me

[Aniri]

Oh yes, thank you for posting the link!