American Mythology

“American Mythology is a riveting, big-hearted novel about a group of pilgrims who encounter both the mysteries of nature and ultimately those of the human heart. Giano Cromley has given us a much-needed reminder that, if sought, wonder may yet be found in our world.” —Ron Rash, author of The Caretaker“With mysteries most eerie, abiding, lifelong friendships, and an earnest desire to believe in wonders bigger than ourselves, American Mythology has completely stolen my heart. Is the Basic Bigfoot Society taking on new members? Sign me up!” —Erin A. Craig, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Thirteenth Child“An absolute delight. American Mythology is an action-packed story about friendship, art and the nature of belief. It’s also funny, mysterious and filled to the brim with heart. Giano Cromley has written exactly the book we need right now.”—Daisy Alpert Florin, author of My Last Innocent Year“Funny, bighearted, and suspenseful, American Mythology follows a band of singular characters on a quest for Bigfoot—all of whom are engaged in trying to understand the crucial difference, as Giano Cromley puts it, between believing and believing in. I loved the deep respect for mystery suffusing the pages of this novel, and I was rooting hard for its characters to find what they were seeking.”—Clare Beams, author of The Garden“Giano Cromley’s American Mythology brings together a ragtag group of explorers on that most quintessential American quest: finding Bigfoot. Each has their own reason for being in the wilderness, and each has secrets. The story is fast-paced, funny, spooky, and has incredible generosity of spirit. American Mythology is a testament to the magic of friendship, the necessity of protecting our natural resources, and the astonishing power of belief. It’s the Bigfoot novel we need right now.”—Nora Fussner, author of The Invisible World“[An] entertaining adventure… . Cromley hits just the right tone, balancing satire, horror, and heartfelt drama. It’s a lot of fun.” —Publishers Weekly“Cromley imbues the book with an intoxicating whimsy, propelling the story with unexplainable mysteries, a diary that spans generations, and quiet battles for each member of the group… [an] easily digestible fable … Family drama, deep friendships, and the power of belief bring reality to this otherworldly novel.” —Kirkus Reviews

Born and raised in Montana, GIANO CROMLEY is the author of two young adult novels and a collection of short stories. He is a recipient of an Artist Fellowship from the Illinois Arts Council and was a BookEnds Fellow with Stony Brook University. He is an amateur woodworker, a certified wildlife tracker, and an English professor at Kennedy-King College, where he is chair of the Communications Department. He lives on the Southside of Chicago with his wife and two dogs.