Glad to see coverage of American Gods here. I do think that American Gods is one of the finest fantasy novels of our current century, alongside such work as Perdido Street Station and Black Leopard, Red Wolf. Alongside The Sandman, I find that American Gods is Gaiman's magnum opus. But it's also one of those novels that people don't really know what to think about it, and I've met people who love and hate it for reasons that I find are totally understandable. I, for one, love it and it's one of the fantasy novels that causes me to consider what this genre could be and all of the untapped potential of the fantasy genre that's laying around and waiting to be explored. A good video Dr. Chase!
Love the book and you definitely get more from it on a re-read. I saw an annotated version that has the novel on one page and explanations of the references on the facing pages. It's on my wish list for another re-read. Enjoying your videos.
Thanks so much! This book is one of my favorites to teach in my fantasy novels class because it’s thematically rich and so well written. Definitely a book that rewards multiple reads!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy That's awesome that you teach a fantasy novels class. The closest we had when I was an English major was a Gothic Novel course. Some of it was really enjoyable, but then there was the Mysteries of Udolpho which we all found quite tedious. A fantasy novel class would have been excellent. I'm sure your students enjoy it.
I just revisited this through audio for the first time in about a decade. I love Gaiman’s writing, I love many of the settings and lore, but mostly the characters and plot fall pretty flat for me. Outside of Mr. Wednesday, I don’t have a deep connection to the rest of the cast. It’s a 3 star read that I enjoy, and want to really love. Wonderful review as always!
Thanks, Scot! I get what you mean about the characters. Shadow in particular can seem a bit blah, but that's part of the point of his character in a way -- finding his identity is part of his journey. You're also right about the plot -- the book is part road trip, part mystery, and part urban fantasy with a load of "flashback" scenes, and it's not entirely seamless. In spite of that, it's a book that's rich in themes, which is one reason I love it and find it so teachable.
I’m most of the way through this book rn. I’m getting the “urban-“.. but not quite the fantasy? Its certainly is fantastical but it’s also very grimy. It can get really gross in the midst of all the cool stuff. I get it’s a adult book with a nihilistic streak but it’s something to be aware of.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I just gobbled up the whole 3rd portion of it. I’m a bit in shock honestly. I’m so glad I took your recommendation. I confess, I got my words mixed up when I called it “nihilistic”, I meant pessimistic. That being I assumed there would be a sense of security for our protagonists, (but it made the conflict richer for it) and that it was a generally more grim tone than I was expecting. It’s a couple of years out of my my age range as well, which explains a lot . In the end, I’m so happy I picked up this title.
@@droodle5091 I’m happy you got a lot out of the read! It’s a challenge in a few ways, not least the tone, which you described well. I’ve read it several times and have gotten something new from it each time. All the best!
Glad to see coverage of American Gods here. I do think that American Gods is one of the finest fantasy novels of our current century, alongside such work as Perdido Street Station and Black Leopard, Red Wolf. Alongside The Sandman, I find that American Gods is Gaiman's magnum opus. But it's also one of those novels that people don't really know what to think about it, and I've met people who love and hate it for reasons that I find are totally understandable. I, for one, love it and it's one of the fantasy novels that causes me to consider what this genre could be and all of the untapped potential of the fantasy genre that's laying around and waiting to be explored.
A good video Dr. Chase!
Thank you! It’s definitely a book I’d love to see get more attention on BookTube!
The idea of a god of the internet sounds so weird because I think of gods as ancient and primal, but also makes perfect sense. I'm sold.
It’s a pretty crazy book, but it makes sense that what we worship becomes our god/s. I hope you’ll enjoy the read, Debra!
Damn, "it's in the trunk" still hits soooo hard, even years after reading this novel...
Subscribed!
Thanks, William! American Gods is one of those books that richly rewards multiple reads each time. All the best!
Love the book and you definitely get more from it on a re-read. I saw an annotated version that has the novel on one page and explanations of the references on the facing pages. It's on my wish list for another re-read. Enjoying your videos.
Thanks so much! This book is one of my favorites to teach in my fantasy novels class because it’s thematically rich and so well written. Definitely a book that rewards multiple reads!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy That's awesome that you teach a fantasy novels class. The closest we had when I was an English major was a Gothic Novel course. Some of it was really enjoyable, but then there was the Mysteries of Udolpho which we all found quite tedious. A fantasy novel class would have been excellent. I'm sure your students enjoy it.
@@TeamSnitchSeeker Yes, the students make the course so much fun! Most of them are fantasy fans, of course.
An absolutely wonderful novel, one of my favourite stories! And another great video!
Thanks! Gaiman deserves much more attention on BookTube, in my opinion. I appreciate you watching!
Thanks for the wonderful summary. Would you recommend getting the expanded version?
The expanded version is the author’s preferred edition, so I would say yes!
I just revisited this through audio for the first time in about a decade. I love Gaiman’s writing, I love many of the settings and lore, but mostly the characters and plot fall pretty flat for me. Outside of Mr. Wednesday, I don’t have a deep connection to the rest of the cast. It’s a 3 star read that I enjoy, and want to really love. Wonderful review as always!
Thanks, Scot! I get what you mean about the characters. Shadow in particular can seem a bit blah, but that's part of the point of his character in a way -- finding his identity is part of his journey. You're also right about the plot -- the book is part road trip, part mystery, and part urban fantasy with a load of "flashback" scenes, and it's not entirely seamless. In spite of that, it's a book that's rich in themes, which is one reason I love it and find it so teachable.
Sounds like an interesting read. Will have to check it out!
I hope you’ll enjoy it!
Cool! Looking forward to more.
Thanks, Tyler! I’m glad you’re watching!
I’m most of the way through this book rn. I’m getting the “urban-“.. but not quite the fantasy? Its certainly is fantastical but it’s also very grimy. It can get really gross in the midst of all the cool stuff. I get it’s a adult book with a nihilistic streak but it’s something to be aware of.
Grimy is a fair way to put it, I think. I’d be curious to see if you still think it’s nihilistic after you finish. Best wishes for the end!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I just gobbled up the whole 3rd portion of it. I’m a bit in shock honestly. I’m so glad I took your recommendation. I confess, I got my words mixed up when I called it “nihilistic”, I meant pessimistic. That being I assumed there would be a sense of security for our protagonists, (but it made the conflict richer for it) and that it was a generally more grim tone than I was expecting. It’s a couple of years out of my my age range as well, which explains a lot . In the end, I’m so happy I picked up this title.
@@droodle5091 I’m happy you got a lot out of the read! It’s a challenge in a few ways, not least the tone, which you described well. I’ve read it several times and have gotten something new from it each time. All the best!