Neil Gaiman is an esteemed author. American Gods is his most popular book.
I enjoy it while I’m actively reading it, but I will put it down for days and have no urge to pick it up again. I’ve had it for over a month and I’m only halfway done. This is very strange for me. Usually I’ll eat up a book in a few days.
“I just don’t know where this book is going.” I thought. “What is wrong with me? The hero just seems to travel around the country –“
And of course, there’s my problem. I checked, and yes, what we have here is The Hero’s Journey, my very least favorite plot: episodic, wandering, no progression. I don’t like episodic plots. I demand progression even in my pop songs.
The only hero’s journey I can remember liking in recent memory is 1917, and if you’ve seen it you know it’s a Heroes’ Journey, not a Hero’s Journey, and that’s what made it unique and surprising.
As I say, though, I am right at the midpoint, and that’s where things can often get much more interesting. I’ll keep plugging at it, and if I don’t like it I’ll approach it as if it’s a series of short stories.
5 responses to “American Gods, or What Is Wrong With Me That I Am Not Enjoying the Most Popular Book by The Most Popular Author”
I love Neil Gaiman, but I don’t love American Gods. Got through it, but didn’t feel invested in any of the characters, and have no interest at all in seeing the miniseries. Loved Good Omens, though, book and series.
Trisha – thats the perfect way to put it. Not invested. I liked the Good Omens series. I think it would have worked better as a book. I might try reading that next.
I couldn’t get through American Gods. And, I do usually enjoy Neil Gaiman. One book that I loved is Susanna Clarke’s
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell–similar genre and recommended by Gaiman, himself.
Arlene
Arlene – Gary loved the Jonathan Strange novel. I think we might still have it. I’ll read that one next.
Be sure to read the footnotes!