I finished this book moments ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I picked up “American Gods” because it was the first “one book one twitter” selection. I enjoyed the modern mythology of how the gods of america were brought here by the people who came to this land (and how the gods weaken as people’s beliefs waver). I liked the meandering philosophy of how america’s holiest places are the man-made roadside attractions. In the midst of it all, the fantastical adventures of a man named Shadow keep the plot moving. This is a very lyrical book and an easy read, and I had very vivid, very dark dreams on the nights that I read it before bed.
As they passed their first signpost for Mount Rushmore, still several hundred miles away, Wednesday grunted. “Now that,” he said, “is a holy place.”
Shadow had thought Wednesday was asleep. He said, “I know it use to be sacred to the Indians.”
“It’s a holy place,” said Wednesday. “That’s the American Way – they need to give people an excuse to come and worship. These days, people can’t just go and see a mountain. Thus, Mister Gutzon Borglum’s tremendous presidential faces. Once they were carved, permission was granted, and now the people drive out in their multitudes to see something in the flesh that they’ve already seen on a thousand postcards.”
457 pages
4.5/5
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- Book 2: Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
- Book 16: Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane