I agree with GoatGirl that this is many styles of book in one. It starts as a roman picaresque (a hero's traveling adventures) set in various "heart of America" locales. Soon this travel novel becomes interwoven with a pantheon of the different gods immigrants have broght to America. This brings in a sci-fi or fantasy or paranormal (take your choice) aspect to the rambling plot. Certainly there is a sprinkle of speculative fiction and a dash character development in the mix too. Although I didn't find the book perfect (I spent a lot of time not quite knowing what was going on or where Gaiman was going with all this), I think you should read this interesting book. Interesting people read it.

A good book, though I did not like how he introduced some characters and then killed them off later on

I couldn't really understand it. I'd advise catching up on your folklore knowledge, otherwise you'll be a little lost on this one.

Interesting how he weaves all the immigrant mythologies together in a modern patchwork in a backdrop of all things Americana. It's certainly an accomplishment... but I found it too sprawling and too skewed toward male fantasy.

I've read Neverwhere and all volumes of Absolute Sandman. I've also seen Coraline. American Gods is my most recent of Gaiman's books that I have finished. To say the least, none of these disappointed me. AG is spectacular in the way Gaiman interweaves so many Old World mythologies into the logical whole of his story. I'm left flummoxed at the breadth and depth of his knowledge of myth and religion. I'd go into greater detail as to the particulars that make American Gods so amazing, but I know that would be a plot killer. I'll just leave it at my saying that the "reason" American is not a good place for gods is a very good bone to chew on. And even that doesn't capture it all. If folks liked this book, I'm certain Gaiman's Sandman graphic novel series will not disappoint. Going with the Absolute Sandman collection might be the easiest way of doing that. 5 volumes and you're done.

Great book, from beginning to the surprising end!

This is a terrific book. It's part fantasy, part road trip, part mythology, part Americana, part murder mystery. It's funny and suspenseful and I really enjoyed reading it.

re-release of 2001 book. G&M reviewed, describes as a cult classic. Enjoyed this. Yet - 6 weeks later - when someone recommended it to me I had to skim a few pages before I remembered what was about. So - either not that memorable, or my memory is fading.

The old world gods and the new are preparing to battle, and a man named Shadow is caught in the middle of it all.

I absolutely loved everything about this book. From the supporting cast of gods to the main storyling, I loved it all. A good meaty story contemplating man's purpose in this world, and a study of what happens to the gods when we move on. Bet you can't read it without learning something. You will want to return to Gaimen's world as soon as you've left it!