American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition

Author:  Neil Gaiman

Publication Date:  06/21/2011

Publisher:  Harper Audio

Narrators: Dennis Boutsikaris, Daniel Oreskes, Ron McLarty, Sarah Jones

Audible Synopsis:

First published in 2001, American Gods became an instant classic, an intellectual and artistic benchmark from the multiple-award-winning master of innovative fiction, Neil Gaiman. Now, discover the mystery and magic of American Gods in this 10th anniversary edition. Newly updated and expanded with the author's preferred text, this commemorative volume is a true celebration of a modern masterpiece by the one, the only, Neil Gaiman.

A storm is coming....

Locked behind bars for three years, Shadow did his time, quietly waiting for the magic day when he could return to Eagle Point, Indiana. A man no longer scared of what tomorrow might bring, all he wanted was to be with Laura, the wife he deeply loved, and start a new life. But just days before his release, Laura and Shadow's best friend are killed in an accident. With his life in pieces and nothing to keep him tethered, Shadow accepts a job from a beguiling stranger he meets on the way home, an enigmatic man who calls himself Mr. Wednesday. A trickster and rogue, Wednesday seems to know more about Shadow than Shadow does himself.

Life as Wednesday's bodyguard, driver, and errand boy is far more interesting and dangerous than Shadow ever imagined. It is a job that takes him on a dark and strange road trip and introduces him to a host of eccentric characters whose fates are mysteriously intertwined with his own.

Along the way, Shadow will learn that the past never dies; that everyone, including his beloved Laura, harbors secrets; and that dreams, totems, legends, and myths are more real than we know. Ultimately, he will discover that beneath the placid surface of everyday life, a storm is brewing - an epic war for the very soul of America - and that he is standing squarely in its path.

This is a modern epic fantasy. It took me two tries to get going on this audiobook. For some reason, the first time I tried to listen, I never could get into the story. Then, a year later, I tried again and this time I loved it! Now, I have to admit that I'd have been much happier if Neil Gaiman had narrated the story himself as he's probably one of my favorite narrators. I had a hard time getting used to the full cast especially as I felt there were some odd interjections. 

As for the story itself, it was so creative. I loved figuring out who the gods were in the original incarnations. I liked the twists and I really felt for Shadow. I also got super excited at the part that took place in Rock City (seeing as how that's my hometown area). That made it feel like the story came to me. 

Neil Gaiman is definitely at the top of my favorite writers list. Read anything by him.