Book: American Gods (Tenth Anniversary Edition) - Neil Gaiman

American Gods is like a more adult-oriented version of Percy Jackson: a human gets pulled into the comings and goings of the world of the Gods in America. The main mechanism behind how the Gods got here is that they were all brought here by people emigrating from different parts of the old world, Africa, and even the land-bridge from Asia. The Gods, the versions of them that make it to and then stay in America, and how they are supported by a dwindling mass of belief in modern times, is what the book slowly shows you throughout its length.

The frequent interludes telling the stories of the immigrants are often the best part of the book, which is written in a deliberate yet intriguing style. I listened to the expanded 10th Anniversary version of the book, which included a full cast. The author himself, Mr. Neil Gaiman, speaks the introduction, the afterword, and many of the immigrant stories. He is the best audiobook reader I've encountered (go listen to his "The Graveyard Book", even if you've already read it). Of course, his British accent is great (I wish I knew how to differentiate between types of British accents - anyone know of a guide somehere??) and he's just so calm and purposeful as he reads.

This book is all about Gaiman's interpretation of America as a conglomeration of belief. The best representation of this comes in a speech by one of the book's best character's, Samantha Black Crow. Knows by fans of the book as the "I believe" speech, it reflects a culture that can paradoxically believe in many hypocritical maxims with all sincerity. Read that speech here.

I haven't even mentioned the main character yet. His name is Shadow and he is an along-for-the-ride kind of guy, slowly learning where his place is and what his existence is worth and what it means. Perhaps he could be a representation of your average American? It depends on what you believe.

Warning: Strong language throughout. Also a few graphic sex scenes - easy to skip over without losing much.

Books I read in 2013

Image courtesy of Nifty Swank

The demand for me to repeat my post from last year of what I read in 2012 has been so unbelievably, outrageously insistent and ravenous that I just can't hold back any more. It was a relatively low-read year. However, when you calculate in the 1400 pages of The Count of Monte Cristo, unabridged, 'actually fairly on par. (Note: I haven't actually calculated it, although I wouldn't put it past me).

1. To Have and Have Not - Ernest Hemingway
• I love Hemingway. So much. His writing is just soothing and melancholy and gently optimistic, if it can be all those things at once. This one is structurally unique for Hemingway and for novels in general, as it makes a dramatic switch in perspective in a later section of the book. Essentially it might be a treatise on the fact that how much you do or do not have to struggle for your daily subsistence does not necessarily directly affect your happiness in life. I then watched the movie, with a script written by William Faulkner. Those who have read it might ask, "How can you make a great Hollywood film out of such a book?" Faulkner's answer was the same of Hollywood today: take the main setting and characters and completely rewrite the story, then add big Hollywood actors (Humphrey Bogart & Lauren Bacall). It was great.
2. Casino Royale - Ian Fleming
• This was such a fun read. My first James Bond thriller. Fleming has a great command of language that, although not as subtle and transcendent as someone like Hemingway, mirrors that great writer in how he interprets and portrays a strong-willed, passionate man with a quiet heart and a dry sense of humor. Don't get me wrong - Fleming is not making any really serious statements on the poignancy of the transient nature of life. He does show parallels bewteen gambling, love, and espionage that teach Bond a lesson or two. But it's a thriller through and through. It's fundamental, it's elegant, and it drives along by its style and not over-the-top melodrama. I loved reading it. See my full review here.
3. Trails to Testimony: Bringing Young Men to Christ Through Scouting - Bradley D. Harris
• This is pretty much a must for any LDS Young Men or Boy Scout leader. Other Scout leaders, especially religious-focused, may get some good things out of it as well. I was Assistant Scoutmaster and then Varsity Scout leader. It didn't last long as I had moved, but this book helps ease you mind a bit on the many, many tasks available in scouting, allowing a leader to focus on what they see as the most essential parts of the program.
4. The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
• I just realized I never wrote my thoughts down on this. This was 6 months of reading. I was reading slowly but consistently - its not that the book was that hard to read - although it was large, as I read it unabridged. It was epic. It was entertaining and with lots of great lessons. I loved the interplay between the many different characters. Ultimately, though, I felt like it was kind of hypocritical. This guys goes through this entire life seemingly focused on revenge and enacting all these huge changes in others' lives, and then at the end we're supposed to believe he just changes and its all ok? I think I may have missed something here. I should review my notes. Thoughts?
5. Cat's Cradle - Kurt Vonnegut
• My first Kurt Vonnegut book was a great read. It was like Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" in its structure of blissful coincidence, but from a cynical point of view. I love his mini chapters, each of which is a witty little whimsical thought on its own and directs the timing and rhythm for both the story-telling and the humor. It was fun and thought-provoking.
6. The Fault In Our Stars - John Green
• I had really no expectations going into this book - I didn't know it was a teen book until I downloaded it (on Audible). I had noticed recommendations from a diverse range of people and the title was intriguing (I had no idea of the original reference). I'd been reading some heavier, dense, and less accessible books at the time so this was a refreshing change of pace. I was drawn in to the characters quickly and really enjoyed all the kids' distinct personalities. The love story between the two main characters is really well done in that it mostly develops slowly and deeply and is just a lot of fun to experience. And I love the quick-witted dialogue - although I don't know enough teenagers to know if there really are kids that are this brilliant and well balanced. Because, despite the situation they're in, they are pretty well balanced people - despite constant thinking of death, suffering, and pain. Of course, maybe that's the lesson. The interaction between Hazel and Gus is really the best part of the book. Check out the trailer for the movie coming out this summer. 
7. Ask Without Fear: A Simple Guide to Connecting Donors with What Matters to Them Most - Marc A. Pitman
• I'm a fundraiser by profession, although still early in my career. This was a nice little book read purely for professional development.
8. Moving in His Majesty and Power - Neal A. Maxwell
• Neal A. Maxwell was an LDS apostle, a member of one of the senior leadership councils of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I love his style of writing and speaking. It's characterized by simple, but profound lessons garnered from casual stories from throughout his life and favorite readings.
9. I Am Legend - Richard Matheson
• Read this in a volume that is a collection of many works by Matheson, and don't look at page numbers. That way you'll be more surprised at when the book ends. While I don't think it's that noteworthy, I understand its historical and generic significance, and I love works that embody their title with a singular focus.
10. How Music Works - David Byrne
• A joyous exploration of just about every philosophic aspect of music. It has just about something for everybody. My full review here.

That's it. Have you read any of these? Let me know what you thought - I love to discuss it.

Film: The History of Future Folk

The History of Future Folk is truly a hidden gem. All you really should have to know before watching it is that it labels itself as "probably the only alien-folk-duo sci-fi-action-romance-comedy movie ever made," which just about makes it the best of its kind. That speaks volumes as to the fun these filmmakers have in store for you when you watch this movie. It's a raucously delightful indie comedy that keeps you smiling the whole time through.

The film follows General Trius, a legendary military leader from the distant planet Hondo, marooned on Earth for years after being assigned a mission to save his people from an impending comet, and with killer chops on the banjo. He goes by Bill. His mission was to find a planet to take for the people of Hondo, but he discovered something commonplace here on Earth that he had never before experienced: music. He grows to love the human race, which now includes a wife and daughter (the first half-human/half-Hondonian in the universe, I suspect).

Kevin, another Hondonian, is sent to finish General Trius' mission but ends up joining with him and forming a loveably goofy and truly rocking folk-duo. Beautiful insanity ensues as they attempt to escape the law, fight off assassins, and win the heart of the women of their dreams, all while attempting to stop the comet on its way to kill Hondo and save the planet earth from a terrible fate.

This flick's short 85-minute running time is padded with glorious, full-on musical numbers as the duo of Future Folk just can't keep from expressing how much they love music. They sing their hearts out in fantastic form about the perils of living far from Hondo and once they start you'll be begging for more (I especially loved the song "Space Worms"). This was just pure delight from beginning to end. Please go find and watch this movie. And in case you're wondering, this would qualify for an easy PG-rating (nothing more than a few shots of lasers).

Available in Video On Demand everywhere including Amazon & iTunes. Currently streaming for Netflix subscribers.