I don't actually have anything to say yet. I'm still finishing up When We Were Orphans. But I thought I would get this started so people can start posting.

I am probably the worst book club moderator in the history of online book clubs. I apologize. But, hey, at least I didn't quit.

I could not find a copy of the book yesterday, but I've ordered it online, so I should be on board soon enough. I hope the event invitation yields a good response. For my part, I'd like to see maybe 8-12 people taking part in the discussion; from my years of teaching, that seems to be a good size for promoting diversity of opinion coupled with a sense of belonging.

Tiffany--you're doing great! Keep up the good work. I wouldn't pick another moderator at all--and there's no way I'd know what to do.

Yeah, let's try for 8-12--I agree. That's pretty much perfect!

And Walker--what do you teach? I'm a secondary teacher--high school drama.

I am going to pass on this one as this was a book I could not finished. I had read Neverwhere A Novel and love it, but I couldn't get into this one. I will be reading your comments though to see what you all think about it.

I received American Gods yesterday, and I am 50 pages or so into it. Having never read anything by Neil Gaiman before, I have nothing with which to compare the book. Moreover, there are 600 pages to go, so my observations are based entirely on incomplete information. That said, I'm nevertheless happy to get the discussion going.

The protagonist, aptly named Shadow, seems a bit bland and one-dimensional so far, and his reaction to the news he receives (I'm trying not to give away anything here) is really flat. But maybe that's intentional, as if to say that's what prison does to a guy.

I must confess, I am puzzled and also put off by the closing scene in Chapter One, a segment entitled "SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA." I assume it will be germane to the plot, but right now it feels like it's there primarily for shock value.

Meg. I teach high school as well--English. 28 years and no regrets (so far).

Page wise, I don't know where I am at (that is the down fall to audio books)

So far I am right on base with Walkers comments. Shadow seems to have no reaction to this life changing news. There are other incidents that I have read, that I expected more of a reaction and received little to no reaction from Shadow. My 2 theories on it so far are 1. That is what prison has done to him (same as Walker said) or 2. He just has a personality that, rather then over react, he doesn't react. This might be what makes him perfect for Mr. Wednesday and what ever he has planned for Shadow.

"SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA."~ I really hope this has something to do with the book, other wise it is just weird.

@ Walker~ reading my comments may drive you crazy. I don't speak/write English. I prefer American :)

Not to worry Becca. I consider myself more or less off duty here on Goodreads.

I am through Part One, entitled "SHADOW," which I would say puts me at about the 1/3 marker--200 pages out of 600. I continue to have mixed feelings about the book. I understand Shadow, the character, much better now, but I still find the basic story convoluted, and I am especially annoyed by the "SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA" segments. Whatever momentum is generated by the dreamlike central narrative (and there are parts that are very well done) is derailed periodically by these sections. It's kind of the same feeling I get watching "Headline News," where there's a main newscaster, a related news box inserted somewhere on the screen, all the while there is a news streamer running along the bottom. Too kinetic for my old monorail brain.

My son says I don't know how to do visual multi-tasking. Apparently, I don't do literary multi-tasking any better.

Anyhow, I press on. I await the appearance of the American money god.

I am almost finished. It does improve. My advice though: skip the "SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA" sections (several are interesting, but I did not find them crucial to the narrative). You can go back and read them at a later date if you are so inspired.

I am a little over half way, and I admit I am having a hard time keeping with it. I am glad to hear it improves, that will keep me motivated to finish. I am relieved that I know I don't need to read the "Somewhere in America's" because they kind of disturb me.

I finished a couple days ago; it gets maybe two and a half stars. Given this and the various responses I note from this group--Elena could not finish it, Becca's having a hard time with it, and no one else has weighed in--I'd say we might think about working towards another book for December. I am currently reading Justin Cronin's Summer Guest, and I really like it. So, I have already placed an order for his highly-acclaimed first novel, Mary and O'Neil (winner of the PEN/Hemingway Award and the Stephen Crane Prize). Anyone else up for that in December?

I am on page 116 and so far I am very interested. It is unusual, but accessible, if that makes sense. I don't like too weirdy, but I do like unique, and this feels unique. Becca said she thought it was really interesting and grabbed her attention at first and then found it slowed and she was bored...maybe that will happen to me as well, but I am having a hard time putting it down thus far. As a quick character judgement, I care not at all for Shadow's wife, deceased or otherwise. I will write more as I go along, but so far so good!

Thanks for the heads up about the "Somewhere in America" sections. I only read the first one and was pretty horrified. I actually think it's a sign of weak writing when an author relies on shock value and sex to...what? Get street cred or something? I don't understand it at all.

Happy Thanksgiving one and all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

That sounds good Walker. I think I may bestow the honor of group leader to you. Heaven knows I haven't been doing my job lately. Ha ha... But seriously, sorry guys. I am glad that everyone is still participating to the extent they can.

I am only about a third of the way through the book. But I like it. It is definitely crude and I could do without that, but I like the premise of the book. It is like no plot I have encountered before (sure, there's the fight between good and evil, although I get the feeling that neither of them are really good... anyway... the idea of the Gods of the past fighting to keep their place in the age of new Gods is new for me).

And I promise I will be better and finish Decembers book long before December is over. And I will join in the discussion before the last day of the month too.

So, Justin Cronin's "Mary and O'Neil" it is for December. I will pick it up on Saturday.

I just got American Gods from my library today, and knowing them, I won't be able to get Mary and O'Neil before you guys finish reading it anyway... nor do I even have the time to do two-a-months during the holidays... so I think I'm just going to finish American Gods this month.

Can we pick ahead a couple of months for next year, maybe? Stay two months ahead and help my public library out? Somehow if I get behind I just STAY BEHIND... y'all know how it is I'm sure :)

(Did y'all just hear my 'Texan' come out to play?--all y'all know y'all love it!... and yes "all y'all" is the plural of y'all :)

@ Meg~ lol! Love the Texan'

Someone just needs to say... we are reading this book next month. So someone, anyone just say what we are reading next month and the rest of us will just join in.

I think if Walker or Meg is interested, they should be the Group leader. You 2 seem to be the most active.

I will talk to Tiff about putting you guys on as administrators

I submit vote #1 for Walker! In general, I shirk responsibility...