LW19: Emily St. John Mandel

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed novelist Emily St. John Mandel to reflect on the ten-year anniversary of her groundbreaking novel, Station Eleven. Mandel’s poignant narrative explores the fragile balance between civilization and chaos, art and survival, in the aftermath of a global pandemic. Join us as we discuss the origins of Station Eleven, the novel's lasting impact, and its surprising resonance in today’s world. Mandel shares her journey as a writer, from crafting the complex characters who navigate a post-apocalyptic landscape, to witnessing the story’s adaptation into a critically acclaimed HBO Max series. We also explore her creative process and how she balances themes of hope and despair in her work. Whether you're a fan of dystopian fiction, literary storytelling, or thoughtful explorations of the human condition, this conversation is not to be missed. 

We are in the midst of our first Platoon Book Club Initiative in which we are funding and facilitating platoon-sized book clubs for active duty and reserve platoons in every branch of the military. Click here to learn more.