Michigan Reads discussion

This time, in their infinite wisdom, the committee has selected Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven. The book is set in the Great Lakes region, partly in Michigan. Even though Michigan is not called by name, the traveling players are here if you read the description of their travels carefully.

In a near-future time, a virus has killed the majority of people and has disrupted government and infrastructure, forcing people to fend for themselves without the usual amenities - electricity, running sanitized water and law enforcement. The story revolves around a group of itinerant actors, who have reincarned Shakespeare's plays, and stop in towns hoping for food, lodging, and maybe a little cash. The reception is not always welcome.

It's worth reading, despite my awkward introduction above.

Theme is "Survival is Insufficient".

What does the theme mean to you?

Unfortunately I'm just now starting the book. I am interested to hear what others thought!

I just re-read it because I'm leading a discussion group at my library. Pay attention to the people - I found it a little confusing. At one point, I started a list to keep track. The book brings out several themes: how people react when technology and government are lost; how a character becomes a charismatic leader. The links between the past and the present day of the story are important.

Thank you

We had our book discussion group here. Some found it a little hard to keep track of all the characters, particularly the orchestra members. They were referred to by their positions in the orchestra (clarinet 1). The orchestra members who became friends of Kirsten were then referred to by name. Also confusing was the switching back and forth between Arthur's story with his wives, and the story of the Traveling Orchestra. There was some concern in the group that the book did not particularly represent Michigan even though the group was in Michigan most of the time. There was a feeling that by the end of the book there was hope for civilization and technology to return.

The airport group, with Clark as defacto leader, was a very important aspect of the book. This group did not leave but stayed at the airport to create the beginnings of a new civilization.

All in all, a good read.

Any interest in starting another book?

Dave wrote: "Any interest in starting another book?"

I, for one, am very interested in getting things going, being a new member to this group. Maybe we could branch out to Michigan authors of various genres and not just Great Michigan Reads winners?

Liz, yes. We've got a couple of others interested. Suggest a book.

Dave wrote: "Liz, yes. We've got a couple of others interested. Suggest a book."

I've opened up a new thread for suggestions here.