Station Eleven was a beautifully written boring read (non spoiler) 

My goldfish memory is such that I remember almost nothing from even my very favourite books, which is why I generally try to read all books in a series back-to-back. (I guess it would also make re-reading enjoyable, if that was something I actually did!)

I haven't heard of this book, the cover is great! I think compelling characters are a must in a character-driven story (especially since it seems to be an intimate story, as you said); it's different on a plot-driven story--but I get your feeling, I have had a few cases of not knowing why I didn't like something, and it was baffling. Anyways, happy reading, and thank you for sharing this one!

I'm absolutely with you on this one, it's been 5 years since I read this and I remember literally nothing about this book, which only happens with books I really didn't care about. Checking GR I 3 star'd it too, so I guess at the time when I read it there must have been something I liked, but nothing memorable enough to stick in my brain 5 years on . . .

I read and loved all of St. John Mandel's books. To varying degrees of course, but at least at the time when reading, I thought they we gorgeously written, nice and poignant and whatnot. And then... Each of them just faded so badly in my memory to the point where I'm not sure any of them are very good at all. Nothing else has ever been so badly affected by time after finishing them. Honestly don't fully know why, but that's kinda where I'm at. She's a great writer of empty books.

I really appreciated this review and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on her other books in the future.

NGL I was thinking of making this my next standalone after my current reads since I am in the mood again for more Post Apocalyptic after recently playing the Last of Us Part 2 (didn't love it). Your expectations are what I've heard not to expect.

I definitely agree with you in regard to the lack of impactful characters found in this book. I think it was more of a sociological study rather than a character study. There were definitely parts within the story that felt uneventful or mundane but I still enjoyed the book though. Awesome review Zara!!

Such a well rounded review. I personally enjoyed it a bit more than you did, but I agree that there was quite a bit of missed potential here, especially in the character/emotions aspects. Hope her other books work better for you!

😅😬 No, I'M sorry.😊 Because of you reading this I've added the trilogy to reread in December for "Remember December " (A reread-athon)

That's strike one Zara! 😂 But no, I get the criticisms. It was just kind of the right time and the right place for me.