The Host by Stephenie MeyerGenre: Science Fiction
Published in 2008
Recommended Age Group: 16 and Up
Summary: The Host begins with the insertion of an alien into a human’s body. Some of the aliens were afraid of using this particular body because Melanie Stryder was part of the resistance that formed after the initial alien invasion. However, it was deemed necessary so they could have access to her memories but they got a lot more than they bargained for. Against the norm Melanie did not fade into obscurity with her memories as the only evidence that she lived. Melanie fought to keep control of her body against the alien Wanderer that now occupied her body. It was only because of their mutual hatred toward their Seeker that they bound together and eventually found a settlement of humans that had escaped the invasion. At first it was hard for the humans to trust that Melanie was still there with Wanderer, nicknamed Wanda by the humans. One by one they started to believe and they saw how she could be helpful. In the human colony they reunite with Jared, Melanie’s companion before the alien encounter. They also meet Ian who becomes their unofficial bodyguard while the other humans get used to the idea of a non-hostile alien. Complications arose because of Jared’s love for Melanie and Ian’s love for Wanda. They could not all have what they wanted. Wanda and Melanie must solve the problem while doing what’s best for everyone, the only question is what will happen to Wanda?
Personal Notes: I don’t know if it’s fair to compare this book to Twilight because they are not even the same genre. However, I think our enjoyment of Twilight is why most of us picked up, or will pick up this book. The Host was an amazing book. It did grab me from the start but not as strongly as Twilight because I actually slept that first night instead of reading it all night long, but I bought it only yesterday and here I am finished so it did grab me. This book was also intended for adults and it has a different feel to it but by no means inferior. Even though it is written for adults I do not think that I would exclude any age group. In a recent interview for All Things Girl Stephenie Meyer said, "The only reason it’s considered “adult” is the ages of the characters."
It was an amazingly complex and interesting story. I think it was a stroke of genius to combine the alien and the human in one body so we can get the perspective of both from the same experiences. It was fascinating to see how they could view the same thing so differently. I also enjoyed their internal interactions, the struggles between what is right and wrong and the love they have for different men. Overall it was a captivating story and it surpassed even my high expectations.
Other reviews available:
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
I tink...that is good book...i wun 2 weed
ReplyDeleteI think this was an amazing story. I was thrilled to see Stephenie Meyer show herself as an author of many things and not a one hit wonder. She really defined herself as an author to adore, and not just the author of a series we happen to like.
ReplyDeletelol, i ment feeling :)
ReplyDeletei LOVED it!!!!!! im only 12, i have read all 4 twilight books and read this. i enjoyed it so much i have read it 4 times!! i do not see how it is for adults, if you can understand the emotion and feeking of the book it is good for anyone!!!!!! it was well writen, maybe even more so then twilight. i love it and recemend it to everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hated that book. I thought it was a bad story and I was banging my head against the wall before I even reached the fourth chapter.
ReplyDeleteI Love THE HOST
ReplyDeleteI LOVED IT SOOOO MUCH. im only commenting again cuz i didnt finish my first one, (i accidently pressed enter b4 i waz finished.)
ReplyDeleteno, it did not grab my attention like twilight did. i read all of the twilight books and midnight sun in under a week, so i read the host. i also think its unfair to compare it to twilight. there not the same genre. ya, i will admit, the beginning disappointed me. i thought the beginning waz extremely boring. but i kept reading and waz glad i did, cuz i was just gonna stop. it was sooooooo awesome after like the first hundred pages. keep reading it if ur bored, cuz u wont be after a little bit.
The book sucked! When you finally got to an interesting part, it kept going so it just got boring. and "Wanda" is a stupid name. NOT her best work!
ReplyDelete