The Host: A Novel

This is science fiction only in the loosest sense, being that it has aliens from other planets. It doesn't suffer at all from the pseudo-science speak that has come to replace plot, characterization and dialogue in much of today's sci-fi. Instead, it simply imagines a world where body snatchers can exist. The book was pretty easy reading and kept me somewhat interested through most of it.

I do have some criticisms though. The main character (Wanderer) was intentionally written as being both weak and kind-hearted, but I found her to be incredibly selfish. Suicide seems to be a common theme throughout (the book even begins with an attempted suicide), which is really annoying. Wanderer is constantly trying to figure out how to kill herself and imagining scenarios where someone else might kill her. She is way too obsessed with self pity. It may be a device that emphasizes the weakness of the character, but I think it is used too often and does not generate any sympathy. Other characters in the book seem to react to it in a way that makes me think this is what the author was trying to achieve, though.

Besides Melanie and Wanderer, the other characters seem very flat and fit into well defined gender roles. There are no other major female characters in the book to act as a contrast to the Wanda/Mel duo. The men are generally strong, protective bread-winning types and decision makers. The women mainly work in the kitchen, take care of the children and fulfill other domestic responsibilities. For the most part they are only mentioned in passing and don't contribute in any significant way to the development of the story.

Speaking of gender roles, and being a guy myself, I found some parts of the book to be just a little bit icky. I suppose this was intended more for a female audience, but I didn't like the romantic scenes very much, especially the beaten fiery-touch, lava-flowing metaphors. Romance readers might like that though. I mainly just gritted my teeth through those parts so I could get back to the main story.

Overall, I think the book is ok for bathroom reading but not great. Having said all of that, this isn't the type of book I normally read. I used to read a lot of sci-fi, but that was 20+ years ago. Most of my reading tends to be non-fiction these days.

In a dark time where the Earth is taken over by parasitic alien "souls," love and a sense of family prevail and provide hope. Melanie Stryder is unwillingly made the host to a soul named Wanderer. However, Melanie's love for Jared and her brother Jamie is so great that she refuses to simply disappear.

The relationships in The Host are quite complex. Meyer presents another love triangle (i.e. Edward/ Bella/ Jacob). This time it involves Wanderer (and Melanie) and the two men that she loves - Jared and Ian.

As a Twilight Saga fanatic, I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this novel and have it spoil my Edward and Bella high. I am so glad that I decided to read it. Meyer has proved with this novel that her talent extends past vampires and werewolves. It is a touching and thought-provoking must-read!

"Okay, this book is huge, so it can be a little intimidating for people who read slowly, but let me assure you that it is extremely worth it.
The blurb on the flyleaf could lead you to think that the book is kind of 'cheesy' with all the love stuff it mentions. That would be completely wrong. I don't even like romance novels and this is nowhere near one.
This is an awesome story about AFTER aliens have pretty much taken over the planet. But, it's not a violent takeover, for the most part. This book is not about fight scenes and gross alien abductions. This book takes you inside the alien viewpoint in a wonderful way. You actually care about both the alien and the human viewpoint.
I was afraid it would have a really bad ending (have had that happen with some really awesome books). But, you will love this book in its entirety from beginning to end.
Fast paced, articulate, engaging, and insightful. Stephanie Meyer has done a great job on her first 'adult' book. If you want a GREAT read, buy this book today!"

Rarely do I read fiction, but this one kept my attention despite its length (probably because I like space alien shows). The parasite in the neck thing reminded me of the Stargate TV series where parasites (symbiotes) take over hosts. It also had a taste of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but better.

What interested me was the allusion I thought Meyer was making to real world groups. Since Myer is Mormon and I grew up with that as well, I kept wondering if she was hinting that the "souls" (alien parasites) were like church members... oddly calm (like in the sleepy, boring church meetings), peace loving, desirous to push their views on others even though most don't want it, all of the same mind, and robot-like conformity. I know this isn't a perfect comparison, but I wondered if she was implying this.

Others have compared Mormons to the Borg on Star Trek, though that alien group is too militant for a truly good comparison. The "souls" of this book are closer. My thought was: Could she be making a subtle hint to Mormons (and other groups that think uniformly) that they should try to think outside the group at times, rather than thinking so uniformly?

I thought this partly because the "souls" were the nice beings who brought order, peace and goodness to the universe, to "improve" species like humans who were were emotionally ravaged and violent. (Sort of reminded me of Mormon missionary efforts to convert people from their evil ways to the peace of the gospel)

Plus, it is a rare person from any group that is able to see the error of his/her group and really do something to alter the group's course. So, when the "soul" in the girl's body came to realize its invasion wasn't really moral, "it" thought for a long time about whether to do the right thing even if it meant going against its kind, and it took action to reverse the invasion (conversion)....similar to what some dissidents from religions (exMormons) or political movements do.

Anyway, I enjoyed the book, but some people I know had a tough time following the first couple of chapters where each paragraph flip-flopped between thoughts from the host and the "soul".

This book is worth reading. This is the first Sci-Fi type book that I've read, but I've read Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, and at first, I was a little sketched out about this one, but it turned out to be a fantastic read! I could not put it down; it only took me three days to read the 624 pages! The way Stephenie describes the area where the book is to take place is excellent; I could really picture what she was taking about. The soul called "Wanderer"/"Wanda" has "gone native". She adds a significant amount of helpful work to her new found friends.
The suspence and romance added together creates such a spectacular story.
The first ever, love quad(for lack of better word) between three bodies.
Overall a clever novel =D.