By Neil Gaiman

The Short Take:

Almost 20 years ago Gaiman wrote this fascinating novel that is part American travelogue, part mythology mash up, part a commentary on modern life. It’s every bit as relevant today and every bit as fun to read.

Why?

To call Gaiman’s books fantasies is to sell them short. To say they are dark ignores the sly humor. To say they are exceptional reads is accurate to a fault — exceptional in every sense of the word.

The American gods of the title encompass both the old ones, brought to this country by various immigrant groups, from First Peoples onward, to the new gods: technology, media, cars, etc. (humanized, of course). There’s animosity between the two sides and caught in the middle is the ex-convict, Shadow. Shadow himself seems almost godlike. He fancies coin tricks and continually stumbles onto the right action to take or thing to say. However, why he’s involved is a mystery to himself and the reader.

It’s a suspenseful read, alternately thoughtful, humorous, and horrifying. What I particularly enjoyed was trying to guess who the various gods were as they appeared throughout the book. Many were totally unknown to me, which sent me to Google quite a bit. If you want a short-cut to that information, simply consult Wikipedia.

A Little Plot:

Shadow is abruptly released from prison when his wife dies. Headed home, he can’t shake a Mr. Wednesday who insists on employing him. It takes him awhile but Shadow realizes this man is a reduced version of Odin, the chief god of Norse mythology. He accepts employment only to be warned rough times are coming. And they do.

For more about Neil Gaiman and his books, click here.

By Madeline Miller

The Short Take:

Unloved by her family and unaware of her latent powers, the nymph Circe stubbornly perseveres in her quest for personal meaning. While her journey in this novel is drawn from mythology, modern women can easily relate to her challenges and victories.

Why?

Miller’s novel about the Greek nymph Circe includes elements from Greek, Roman, and Medieval literature as well as a generous helping of her own imagination. She turns a minor goddess, largely associated with seduction and witchcraft, into a fully-formed woman who rebels against the restrictions placed on her and plots her own life course.

In the course of her story you encounter the Minotaur, Medea, Daedalus and Icarus, the monster Scylla, and various gods. But it is her growth as both a witch and a woman that keeps you engrossed and ready to read more. She commits some horrible acts and is riddled with self loathing, but always strives to improve herself and protect those she loves.

It’s a great read for anyone. If you have any interest in Greek mythology, it’s a must read.

A Little Plot:

Circe is the daughter of a powerful Titan but is mistreated by her family and ignored by the rest of the immortals. She meets a human she grows to love and her desire to be with him leads her to discover her witchcraft abilities.

For more about the author and her other works, click here.