Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman, Morrow, 2005

This tells the story of Fat Charlie (who isn't fat anymore) and how his life changes after his father dies-a father who long ago left him and always embarrased him. Fat Charlie learns that he has a "brother", who wreaks havoc on Charlie's dull life, and that his father was actually Anansi, the trickster spider god. This story alternates between London and Florida, proving that quirky, humorous, and well-written characters can be found on both sides of the pond.

I was pleasantly surprised at the contemporary setting and absence of too many fantastical creatures. This book was also funny, captured my attention, and even throws in a scene reminiscent of the serial killer from Silence of the Lambs. I would be open to reading more by Neil Gaiman.

Readers who enjoy this book may also enjoy these fiction titles: Divine by Blood by P.C. Cast, Luna, 2007 is the story of a girl who is raised "normally" in Oklahoma,only to discover that she is actually the daughter of a goddess from an otherworld. The Dark Half by Stephen King, Viking, 1989 leans a bit more toward horror, but King's writing generally contains fantastic elements. The parallels of "good twin not knowing bad twin exists" and WHY are eerily similar.

Readers who enjoy this book may also enjoy these non-fiction titles: Anansi, the Spider Man: Jamaican Folk Tales by Philip Manderson Sherlock, Crowell, 1954 should expand on the trickster tales touched on by Gaiman. Secret London: Exploring the Hidden City, with Original Walks and Unusual Places to Visit by Andrew Duncan, Interlink Books, 2006 is filled with tidbits about the London most people never see and the physical "secrets" that exist.