With deep regret and sorrow I just closed the back cover on one of the most astonishing books I've ever read: American Gods, by Neil Gaiman. I seldom feel this way, but right now I have half a mind to go back and open the front cover and start all over again. There is so much in this book, and I fear, because I read so fast, I may have missed a good bit of it. Mara, of Muse nLA, asked if this is the same Neil Gaiman of The Sandman series, and yes, indeed it is the very same. This guy has an amazing mind, which I first encountered reading his children's books. They're not your usual cute cuddly stories, they're warped and scary and I think actually in touch with the sorts of fears children have about the mystifying world of parents and life.
So, then I went to Gaiman's website, a place to which I must return for a considerable period of time. He has a blog there, called a journal, but - you know, same thing. Here is where you can read more about American Gods, it has its own page. You can even read an excerpt, also pages from longhand notebooks he kept while writing the book. Something I didn't know - it won the Hugo last year. That's the big lit prize for Science Fiction. I had no idea how to categorize this novel: fantasy fiction? science fiction? stoner fiction? It won the Hugo for best Science Fiction/Fantasy Fiction novel of 2003, so I guess it's everything! Having recently read His Dark Materials, I have to say I see some resemblances among these books: the interpenetration of worlds, mythic wars,mythic beings interacting with humans, etc. These are certainly the stuff of many a fantasy or science fiction book, so I guess it's actually the gods in both books that make me see a connection.
More later on this. I'm off to do some more reading on Gaiman's site.
6 comments:
wow, now i'm intrigued...thanks for the heads up...
btw, mara sent me..
hello, fellow book lover. Mara has sent me your way because I too love books. it's nice to have place to go to discuss books, I will back. :)
I just got American Gods from my library, woohoo. I'm gonna start reading it tonight. =P
I have read "American Gods" twice, cover to cover. I am a big Gaiman fan as well and you should definitely check out "Neverwhere" if you haven't already. Tis also amazing. Here is a link to my journal,
I first discovered Neil Gaiman about 10 years ago, and he still never ceases to amaze me...I don't think anything can beat the accomplishment of the Sandman series, but I loved "American Gods". I have "Good Omens", "Neverwhere", and "Stardust" on my bookshelf right along with all the Sandman books, and "American Gods" - what a collection of genius!
I also just recently bought his "Coraline" for my 11-year old daughter to read...she'll thank me one day!
-Michelle
Another book lover here, I don't have this book but I will soon. Thanks for sharing I have come across so many good recommendations just from looking at other book lover journals. Happy Reading Everyone : )
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