Best book I've read in a LONG time! I also really hope (but doubt) that someone makes Miranda's Station Eleven comics into a real series. I would pay mad money to get my hands on that.
I just finished this book not even a week and I couldn't help but rave about it! Everyone who I knew was a reader I told them they had to read this book. There was so much I loved about the book and shocker close to the end literally made my jaw drop and I had to walk away for a second and come back. This was such an enjoyable read took me about a day to finish I didn't want to put it down. I wanted it to last longer! LOVE LOVE LOVED IT. Wouldn't even have heard of it if you didn't make a video. Thank a bunch!
Just finished it last night and loved it, too. I really liked the jumping back and forth in time and the different perspectives. The author did it so well as I never found myself confused. I also liked how all of the pieces of how everyone related to Arthur came together in the end. Also, loved how the comic book was woven into the story. My only "complaint" was that it could have been longer with more visits to different communities and how clusters of survivors were progressing. I was so curious. Great book!
EXACTLY. I would have loved to have learned more about the world and different communities but I think that is just a credit to the book because I just wanted to read more.
I'm 50 pages in and having a tough time getting through it :( the synopsis sounded so interesting, hopefully I will be enjoying it more as time goes on.
This book is so amazing! I was so intrigued when I first heard about it in an older video, I had to start it right away, although I had been in such a reding slump. My favorite part was reading about the Station eleven comic books, I wish they existed in the real world.
Great review! Like you, I am so in love with this book. The non-linear approach added so much to the story, and each POV provided great insight as well as details that would come into play later; Ms. Mandel wasted nothing. (If you loved this, maybe you'll like THE FIRST FIFTEEN LIVES OF HARRY AUGUST by Claire North; that one also blew me away.)
This is the best book I read this year! I found the narrative kind of soothing(?) despite the apocalyptic circumstances. I loved all perspectives but I knew this book was going to be one of my faves while reading Jeevan's first chapter.
Eury Jung I totally agree. Books with this subject matter usually make me really anxious, and while there were certain scenes that had high stakes, I totally could feel that soothing sense you mention
rincey reads Yes! And I think, personally, the soothing sense is largely due to how the book doesn't dwell on the morbid violence humanity falls into usually found in many post-apocalypse and dystopian novels.
I am about 115 pages into it and I am loving it!!! I am torn between wanting to just keep reading it and wanting it to last as long as possible (if that makes sense).
I've totally been thinking about the ebola thing going on while reading this. I'm absolutely loving it too! One of my favorite parts is the interconnecting storylines; that is one of my favorite literary techniques (a la Visit from the Goon Squad). Glad this book is getting a fair amount of talk right now!
I just reserved this at the library - I'm #18 on the list! Thanks for the great review - it's fun to watch someone gush about a book, and this one sounds like it pushes all my buttons. The last time I read a well done post-apocalyptic story was The Dog Stars by Peter Heller.
This book reminds me a lot of The Passage by Justin Cronin. It has a similar premise though it's more of a monster thing than a flu epidemic. If you haven't read it, you might like it! It's also a trilogy.
An epidemic just means a disease rapidly spreading in a population in a short period of time - ebola *definitely* qualifies as an epidemic in West Africa. If you were talking about the hand wringing of it spreading to the US, then I understand the eyeroll, but thousands of people have died so far. It definitely is an epidemic. (Sorry if I misunderstood.) Anyway, thank you for the review! This book has been on my radar for a little while and is so up my alley. I need to read it!
Jessica L. Sorry, I wasn't clear. I know ebola is an epidemic in West Africa. I should have specified that statement and said that I meant in the United States.
I may have to read it again to pick up all the themes scattered throughout. The falling snow, bathed in blue light onstage at Lear, the glow of a greenhouse in snow to the snow globe finally resting at the Museum of Civilization. The comic mirroring the past and post flu world. Is it significant that Jeevan was a papparazzi? Feels like there’s lots to sink your teeth into here.
Agreeed. I was thinking about re-reading it really, really soon because I can only imagine what you'll pick up on once you have the full picture and kind of know what to look for
Very pleasant read. One thing that came to my mind halfway through is "Hey, actually this is a better case scenario to the global warming problem!" (Klaatu said it all: "If you die, the Earth survives.") Or dare I say it's the best case scenario, because just between us, there's zero chance we're gonna willingly sacrifice ourselves to even remotely reduce the current CO2 emission. Well strictly speaking there's a hint in the end that warming of the globe will restart sooner than later... Anyway I was hoping the author would mention this at some point in the book but, alright, that would bring the scope to a whole new level and her intention is to tell a story about a small group of acquaintances in North America. Great read anyway.
Plus if you think about it, global warming probably wouldn't be at the top of these people's minds when they are still trying to figure out basic survival and community reconstruction. Plus with the lack of connection to other people in society and lack of available technology, they might not have a way to really track those things the way we can now
Interesting. I didn't love this one. Everything seemed too coincidental and calculated for my liking. I couldn't believe that all of these lives could be so absolutely entwined before and after the epidemic. The writing was okay, but again it felt a little lacking for me. The pace of the story was good however - it certainly was a page-turner. I'm glad you enjoyed it though :)
I can understand that. I think it was one of those things where it is like six degrees of separation in action. Like everyone has ways that they are connected even though they don't necessarily know it themselves.
I guess so. It was just a little too convenient for me. I won't be rushing to read her other works. It's really taken off on Twitter since your review though!
I'm reading this now and feel a bit cheated. At least 1/4 of it is a romance novel and there's a lot of pages of love letters and mundane storytelling about different women and their relationships , and dragging romance novel plot lines. I'm almost done with the book and am a bit disappointed; the story moves well but there isn't anything that's very detailed or phrased in a way that doesn't feel like it was edited past the first draft Edit: you are quite pretty though
Best book I've read in a LONG time! I also really hope (but doubt) that someone makes Miranda's Station Eleven comics into a real series. I would pay mad money to get my hands on that.
I totally agree! :)
I just finished this book not even a week and I couldn't help but rave about it! Everyone who I knew was a reader I told them they had to read this book. There was so much I loved about the book and shocker close to the end literally made my jaw drop and I had to walk away for a second and come back. This was such an enjoyable read took me about a day to finish I didn't want to put it down. I wanted it to last longer! LOVE LOVE LOVED IT. Wouldn't even have heard of it if you didn't make a video. Thank a bunch!
Yay that makes me so glad to hear that :D
How.
This sounds like an exciting read for sure! I was waiting for your review on this. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much!
Thank you! And it really was, just so engaging. It was so good.
Just finished it last night and loved it, too. I really liked the jumping back and forth in time and the different perspectives. The author did it so well as I never found myself confused. I also liked how all of the pieces of how everyone related to Arthur came together in the end. Also, loved how the comic book was woven into the story. My only "complaint" was that it could have been longer with more visits to different communities and how clusters of survivors were progressing. I was so curious. Great book!
EXACTLY. I would have loved to have learned more about the world and different communities but I think that is just a credit to the book because I just wanted to read more.
I'm 50 pages in and having a tough time getting through it :( the synopsis sounded so interesting, hopefully I will be enjoying it more as time goes on.
It does take a little bit to get into the story, from what I remember. I think around 100 pages in I just got sucked into it
This one was super cheap on Amazon recently, so I bought it. I'm so glad to know you loved it! I'm looking forward to it.
Oo good find! I hope you enjoy it
This book is so amazing! I was so intrigued when I first heard about it in an older video, I had to start it right away, although I had been in such a reding slump. My favorite part was reading about the Station eleven comic books, I wish they existed in the real world.
Ieva Vaicekauskaite RIGHT? They sound so interesting, I would totally buy them
Great review! Like you, I am so in love with this book. The non-linear approach added so much to the story, and each POV provided great insight as well as details that would come into play later; Ms. Mandel wasted nothing. (If you loved this, maybe you'll like THE FIRST FIFTEEN LIVES OF HARRY AUGUST by Claire North; that one also blew me away.)
Thanks for the recommendation! I'm going to go look that one up :)
rincey reads I hope it suits you. Seriously, I love these two books so much I'm going straight into rereads of them both before the month is out!
This is the best book I read this year! I found the narrative kind of soothing(?) despite the apocalyptic circumstances. I loved all perspectives but I knew this book was going to be one of my faves while reading Jeevan's first chapter.
Eury Jung I totally agree. Books with this subject matter usually make me really anxious, and while there were certain scenes that had high stakes, I totally could feel that soothing sense you mention
rincey reads Yes! And I think, personally, the soothing sense is largely due to how the book doesn't dwell on the morbid violence humanity falls into usually found in many post-apocalypse and dystopian novels.
I am about 115 pages into it and I am loving it!!! I am torn between wanting to just keep reading it and wanting it to last as long as possible (if that makes sense).
Monica Rico I was in that exact same boat, but my desire to not put the book down won out over wanting it to last longer.
I've totally been thinking about the ebola thing going on while reading this. I'm absolutely loving it too! One of my favorite parts is the interconnecting storylines; that is one of my favorite literary techniques (a la Visit from the Goon Squad). Glad this book is getting a fair amount of talk right now!
I totally agree, especially when it is so intricately plotted out that you can tell that the author thoroughly thought through the entire timeline
I just reserved this at the library - I'm #18 on the list!
Thanks for the great review - it's fun to watch someone gush about a book, and this one sounds like it pushes all my buttons. The last time I read a well done post-apocalyptic story was The Dog Stars by Peter Heller.
I haven't heard of that before, I need to look it up!
just finished this book...I totally understand the urge to tell everyone about it! so so amazing. (the prophet reveal though!!)
codycaptures Yes!
Great review :) I'm reading it now and loving it! Just out of interest... What are you doing now that we're all in a similar position to them?
I'd hardly say we are in quite the same situation but just hunkering down with my giant stacks of books
Placed at hold at my library :) can't wait to pick it up! great review Rincey! :)
Yay! I hope you enjoy it :D
I
YES. That was such a great element and was handled so well
I can't wait to read this. CAN'T. WAIT.
I can't wait for you to read it :D
This book reminds me a lot of The Passage by Justin Cronin. It has a similar premise though it's more of a monster thing than a flu epidemic. If you haven't read it, you might like it! It's also a trilogy.
I've heard of that one, but because the last one isn't out yet and isn't confirmed yet I don't want to start it yet.
1:49 ahahhahahahhah
Here for this
An epidemic just means a disease rapidly spreading in a population in a short period of time - ebola *definitely* qualifies as an epidemic in West Africa. If you were talking about the hand wringing of it spreading to the US, then I understand the eyeroll, but thousands of people have died so far. It definitely is an epidemic. (Sorry if I misunderstood.)
Anyway, thank you for the review! This book has been on my radar for a little while and is so up my alley. I need to read it!
Jessica L. Sorry, I wasn't clear. I know ebola is an epidemic in West Africa. I should have specified that statement and said that I meant in the United States.
i adored this book too! making everyone read it!
I may have to read it again to pick up all the themes scattered throughout. The falling snow, bathed in blue light onstage at Lear, the glow of a greenhouse in snow to the snow globe finally resting at the Museum of Civilization. The comic mirroring the past and post flu world. Is it significant that Jeevan was a papparazzi? Feels like there’s lots to sink your teeth into here.
Agreeed. I was thinking about re-reading it really, really soon because I can only imagine what you'll pick up on once you have the full picture and kind of know what to look for
I cannot wait to read this, I think I'm going to have to ditch Kindred and start this instead!
Do you think I will like it?
I think so!
Very pleasant read. One thing that came to my mind halfway through is "Hey, actually this is a better case scenario to the global warming problem!" (Klaatu said it all: "If you die, the Earth survives.") Or dare I say it's the best case scenario, because just between us, there's zero chance we're gonna willingly sacrifice ourselves to even remotely reduce the current CO2 emission. Well strictly speaking there's a hint in the end that warming of the globe will restart sooner than later... Anyway I was hoping the author would mention this at some point in the book but, alright, that would bring the scope to a whole new level and her intention is to tell a story about a small group of acquaintances in North America. Great read anyway.
Plus if you think about it, global warming probably wouldn't be at the top of these people's minds when they are still trying to figure out basic survival and community reconstruction. Plus with the lack of connection to other people in society and lack of available technology, they might not have a way to really track those things the way we can now
I loved this one too! So much so that I bought a second copy to loan out to everyone I know. My Dad currently has it. :)
michelle fuller haha that is smart!
I've been searching for a book for my extended essay. Is this a good book for the essay? Is there enough to write about?
I think there could be
I liked this book too
OK, you talked me into reading it :)
Beth Knight YES
Interesting. I didn't love this one. Everything seemed too coincidental and calculated for my liking. I couldn't believe that all of these lives could be so absolutely entwined before and after the epidemic. The writing was okay, but again it felt a little lacking for me. The pace of the story was good however - it certainly was a page-turner. I'm glad you enjoyed it though :)
I can understand that. I think it was one of those things where it is like six degrees of separation in action. Like everyone has ways that they are connected even though they don't necessarily know it themselves.
I guess so. It was just a little too convenient for me. I won't be rushing to read her other works. It's really taken off on Twitter since your review though!
Sounds amaziiiiing
hikkipedia It iiiiiiissssssss
I actually have a hold on this and forgot about it. Due back today...we'll see if these shitty patrons actually obey the rules!
+stevereadsbooks I'm so stoked to read this..Want to maybe casually buddy read this?
read susie read SteveReadsBooks DO IT. I wish I was reading this with someone because I wanted to talk about everything with someone
If it actually comes in on time absolutely!
Oh no rush. I don't have my copy yet!
I'm reading this now and feel a bit cheated. At least 1/4 of it is a romance novel and there's a lot of pages of love letters and mundane storytelling about different women and their relationships , and dragging romance novel plot lines. I'm almost done with the book and am a bit disappointed; the story moves well but there isn't anything that's very detailed or phrased in a way that doesn't feel like it was edited past the first draft
Edit: you are quite pretty though
I hated this book for all the reasons you loved it😂. It made me dizzy and was so happy it was over.