"American Gods" by Neil Gaiman

This book reads more like a Graphic Novel, just without the graphic part.  Gaiman has experience in the genre.  The idea of different deities, from different cultures, living today in the US as more or less ordinary people is not new, but Gaiman takes it to new heights.  He primarily relies on the Scandinavian and Slavic pantheons, which I am quite familiar with, and quite unimpressed with his portrayals, while other pantheons, like the Native American and Afro-Caribbean are secondary, though those were more interesting to me, as I am less acquainted with them. 

The main character, Shadow Moon, is a very likeable character, and towards the end one finds oneself rooting for him.  Who doesn't like Baldur, the god of Peace, Light and Forgiveness!? His former dead wife Laura is the opposite - very unlikable, cynical, self-centered, egotistic, even telling Shadow that it is his fault that she was sucking and fucking his best friend Robbie for two years, as he left her to "go to prison."  On top of the fact that he willingly went to prison to protect her sorry ass.  Her dying with Robbie's cock in her mouth was very appropriate. 

Shadow's father, Mr. Wednesday, in actuality, the death-rejoicing, maiden-ravaging god Odin, is not sympathetic either.  Almost in line with his lying, conniving partner in crime, Low Key Lyesmith, the god Loki, Baldur's half-brother.  Actually, in the entire book it is very difficult to find a sympathetic character other than Shadow himself.  The Egyptian gods come close, especially Bast, but not really.  Maybe life itself is not sympathetic?

There are plenty of twists in the book, but most feel forced, and are of the kind of witholding information about the caharacter until the reveal.  The modern gods seem especially unconvincing, especially Media and The Men in Black, though Technical Boy is well-developed.  I never figured out who were "The Children" that were beating Shadow during the first encounter with Technical Boy in the stretch limo.

Overall an enjoyable commute read as an audio book, and a full-length series is coming from Starz, so let's hope it is not another disappointment, although methinks Sir Ian McShane will make a delectable Mr. Wednesday!