Annotated Bibliography for American Gods

Cook, Robert Guy. "Neil Gaiman: American Gods - an Infinity plus Review." Neil Gaiman:
American Gods - an Infinity plus Review. N.p., 7 Sept. 2002. Web. 01 Dec. 2015.
Robert Cook, author of the Infinity plus review, gives critical feedback on American Gods by
breaking down the main thesis and also, by reviewing the overall plot throughout. His
comparison to a novel called Small Gods is one use to critique the novel, then he also criticizes
Gaimans usage of point A to Point B tactics and then finally he points of what is really enjoys in
American Gods.
His main point when comparing Small Gods to American Gods is that the usage of belief is
similar in both novels. Power is restored to the Gods when people start believing in them again.
However, Cook points out that the usage of American Gods is nothing like that of the novel
Small Gods. His criticism regarding his usage of A-B tactics mainly revolves around Shadow
traveling from once place to another. Typical of mainly novels, which can be boring, but he
supports the book overall. He states that he enjoys how that the book relates gods to humans.
Which are full of mistakes and terribly human. He also doesnt mind that the book rarely
references God and the Greek Gods. He realizes its about the American Gods and goes with it.
Barnett, David. "A Book for the Beach: American Gods by Neil Gaiman." The Guardian. N.p.,
29 July 2014. Web. 1 Dec. 2015.
David Barnett, author of A Book for the Beach, gives a very positive review of American Gods
and why it is a great book for the beach. His first point is how it is Chilly and snowbound, it
drags you to the depths. His other point is mainly about how the novel offers a dislocation to
reality similarly to the beach. It is very confusing and busy, yet it is still reality.

I think these points are pretty spot on and I definitely could relate them to my experience with
the book. The only questions I may have for the author of this book is, How it is relatable to
Christmas? I get the sense of being pulled in and maybe a bit of an icy feeling, but Im not sure
if we are on the same page in that matter.
Noone, Kristin. A Journey into the Supernatural. Science Fiction Studies 37.2 (2010): 308
310. Web...
Kristin Noone, in this article, breaks down the supernatural aspects that Neil Gaiman creates
through into his novel. She does this by pulling out the mythological American Gods that are
described by Neil. The Media God, Celebrity God, and Television God etc. She describes this
feeling as a journey into the supernatural.
Taking this in-depth, she describes how shadow arrives in this world of humanistic gods. It lies
in between reality and the supernatural. It feels as if it is a completely immersed in a society that
is very supernatural to us. A society of Gods that rarely anyone believes in anymore and their
power is diminishing.
Slabbert, Retha M., and Gert H J Kruger. "Sustaining the Imaginative Life: Mythology and
Fantasy in Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods'" (Article, 2006) [UNC Charlotte Libraries]. N.p.,
Dec. 2006. Web. 01 Dec. 2015.
In this article, Slabbert and Kruger mainly argue that American Gods is known for its creative
and poetic expression. It points out the spiritual exploration of Gods, belief systems, shamanic
practices and the self-discovery of the deepest parts of our soul. The other two main points I read
about were mainly on Gaimans style and usage of mythical elements.

Going further in-depth, the novel is greatly creative and poetic because it uses contemporary
human concerns in a spiritual system that has been almost destroyed. The system has lost its
power and is on the climb to receive it back. In the next part, the spiritual exploration is largely
focused around shadow and they point his reconnections with the old, mysterious parts within
him. Lastly, main points are mad about the style and elements within. The style that they notice
mainly focuses around a reconnection of modern and ancient periods. They point out how it
largely illustrates the story, giving it science, myth and life. Now, regarding any questions I
would have, I do not really have many. The answers they gave made perfect sense to me and I
couldnt have agreed more with this article on its points.

"Neil Gaiman Partners with Biblio to Build Libraries in Bolivia." Neil Gaiman Partners with
Biblio. N.p., 29 Apr. 2015. Web. 01 Dec. 2015.
<http://www.finebooksmagazine.com/press/2015/04/neil-gaiman-partners-with-biblio-to-buildlibraries-in-bolivia.phtml>.
This article doesnt contain an authors name, but to point the article mainly speaks of Amber
Shehans marketing techniques with Neil Gaiman. The main point is raising money for libraries
in Bolivia by directing customers to her website.
This is done in partnership with Neil Gaiman, who completely endorses Bibio.com. A non-profit
organization that not only helps libraries, but helps provide literacy and education throughout
Bolivia. Although Neil Gaiman is mainly helping with the production of libraries. He is also
supporting the company with other issues within Bolivia.