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Original poster

Finally - a book I've enjoyed

31 replies

codswallopandbalderdash · 11/04/2018 20:25

Right so I've started reading much more this year simply by giving up telly.

However, I have been completely underwhelmed by the books I've read this year - House of Names, Colm Toibin; Pillars of the Earth, Ken Follett and 'we are all completely beside ourselves' were disappointing. Read some thrillers - e.g. karin slaughter and OK but predictable.

However finally - 4 months in - I've read a book I've really enjoyed and has stayed with me - Station 11 by Emily St John Mandel.

Anyone else read it? Did you enjoy it too? And do you have any other recommendations? I can't bear to read anything else rubbish after this

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 11/04/2018 21:11

It's a book that has divided opinion on the 50 Books threads!

TheSecondOfHerName · 11/04/2018 21:15

I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't say I was blown away by it.

Sarsparella · 11/04/2018 21:16

I have it on my kindle to read, I must remember to read it next!

Wildernesstips · 11/04/2018 21:17

I loved it too. I'm intrigued to know if her other books are as good as Station 11.

HumphreyCobblers · 11/04/2018 21:19

I really enjoyed this, I liked the post internet dystopia a lot, thought it was an interesting take. I particularly enjoyed the way it all tied up at the end.

Original poster
codswallopandbalderdash · 11/04/2018 21:51

I can understand it's divided opinion. I would rate it 4/5 stars as there are elements in it that are flawed / under-developed imo. I do think it was thought provoking and tried to avoid most of the usual cliches ...

But my main point is why are so many books just a bit disappointing / don't live up to their promise / need a bloody good editor. Definitely think quality is a bit lacking

OP posts:
GeorgeHerbert · 12/04/2018 17:16

I liked it. Why not try Margaret Atwood? Oryx and Crake series?

Original poster
codswallopandbalderdash · 12/04/2018 20:07

Ah I've read oryx and crake series - loved those too. First one in particular

OP posts:
KirstenRaymonde · 12/04/2018 20:09

I really enjoyed it too, wizzed through it in about 2 and a half days. But then I went online and saw all the people pointing out plot holes which dampened my enthusiasm a bit! Still think it was brilliant though.

thatmustbenigelwiththebrie · 16/04/2018 14:42

I love this book! Read it so many times. I read a few more of hers off the back of it but they weren't nearly as good.

mynameisnotmichaelcaine · 18/04/2018 22:10

I loved it. You might enjoy The Enemy series by Charlie Higson. YA but wonderful. Also try The Bees.

bakingdemon · 20/04/2018 16:55

I loved it but then I will read just about anything about the end of the world!

Charley50 · 20/04/2018 21:02

I loved it too.

Charley50 · 20/04/2018 21:02

Was going to recommend you a great thriller but I can't remember what it's called so I'll have to keep you in suspense! Grin

Paranormalbouquet · 20/04/2018 21:08

Liked it, didn’t love it. I liked how it all tied together. Read it for my book club at the same time as world war z and much preferred WWZ.

buckeejit · 21/04/2018 21:53

Ok loved station eleven. Agree about most books being disappointing & clicked on this thread to find a rec!

Recent great reads are the hearts invisible furies & asking for it. Also started the knife of never letting go but shelved for a gentleman in Moscow as its borrowed. Both good so far!

Bellaposy · 21/04/2018 22:08

I loved it and it's really stayed with me. I look around now thinking how easily it could all fall down.

PixieN · 21/04/2018 22:16

I downloaded it onto kindle, but not got round to it yet, though my DH has read it & enjoyed it. Have you read ‘Wool’ by Hugh Howey? A fantastic read & you won’t read another book where the word ‘cleaning’ has such sinister connotations.

Recently read ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ - very different genre, but enjoyed that too.

PixieN · 21/04/2018 22:20

If you like dystopian fiction, you could also try ‘The End of the World Running Club’ by Adrian Walker’ or ‘The Girl with all the Gifts’ by M.R Carey.

Charley50 · 27/04/2018 19:59

I am Pilgrim is a proper gripping thriller. Not fully dystopian, but civilisation as we know it is in danger of being destroyed.

Troubleandstrifebagforlife · 28/04/2018 09:14

Also the Louise welsch trilogy is good as an end of the world type book
I am a sucker for them though
The Justin Cronin books are also fantastic really addictive

CoteDAzur · 14/05/2018 17:43

"But my main point is why are so many books just a bit disappointing / don't live up to their promise / need a bloody good editor."

Because you read popular authors and first books from Bestsellers' lists.

Come over to the 50-Book threads to have recommendations for good books.

As for Station 11 - It is a very VERY mediocre sci-fi book with a ludicrous premise and pitiful 'world building', if it can be called that. If you liked the post-apocalyptic aspect of it, I and others would be happy to recommend some good books in that sub-genre for you.

Original poster
codswallopandbalderdash · 20/05/2018 22:19

Hi Cote
Would love some recommendations please. I have been looking at the 50 books threads but haven't been inspired

OP posts:
CristalTipps · 21/05/2018 19:24

I know I read Station 11, because I have a copy complete with the "I read this at some point" dog eared page corners, but I don't remember a thing about it...

I did enjoy We Are All Completely Besides Ourselves though.

CoteDAzur · 21/05/2018 22:51

codswallop - Here are a few SF recommendations:

Hyperion - Dan Simmons

Seveneves - Neal Stephenson (actually, most books by him. Snow Crash and The Diamond Age are also excellent).

Flood - Stephen Baxter

Daemon - Daniel Suarez

Red Rising series - Pierce Brown

Dark Eden - Chris Beckett

Lock In - John Scalzi