Friday, August 01, 2008

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Published in 2008. 619 pages.


First sentence: The Healer's name was Fords Deep Waters.

Last sentence: "The strangest," he agreed.

The premise of the book: On Stephenie Meyer's website, The Host is called "science fiction for people who don't like science fiction." It's a post-apocalyptic tale in which humans have become hosts for a species of invaders. Their minds are taken over, but their bodies remain intact and continue their lives. Wanderer is the invading "soul" of Melanie - but Melanie refuses to relinquish possession of her mind. The plot of the book outlines what happens as these two beings interact and learn about each other.

From the book jacket: "One of the most compelling writers of our time, Stephenie Meyer brings us a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the very essence of what it means to be human."

Why I read this book:
As a big fan of Meyer's Twilight Saga, I probably would have read this - her first novel for adults - sooner or later. After getting a few recommendations from family members, I decided that I should get to it sooner than later. Since it was the July pick for Becky's Online Reading Group, "sooner" become "now." I'm also including this read on my 42 Challenge list.

What I thought: I like the Twilight books better, but I still enjoyed this one. At 619 pages, it took me a while (although my daughter Jelly Bean read the whole thing - plus five other books - during the 24 Hour Read-a-Thon). Meyer is a great storyteller, and toward the end of the novel, in particular, I was having a hard time putting the book down. The basic premise - while not particularly original - was well executed. Reportedly, there is a sequel in the works, and if that happens, I'd certainly read it.

Other book bloggers' reviews of The Host:
If you have read and reviewed this book, I would love to link your review here. Please leave me a comment or email me your link!



2008.42

9 comments:

  1. I've got it reviewed on my book blog...

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  2. I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Being that it's over 600 pages, I would have to have a burning desire to attempt it. I don't, so unfortunately, I think I'm going to pass on this one.

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  3. I really enjoyed this when I read it. My review is here.

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  4. holly and marg: i've linked you. thanks for letting me know about your reviews!

    joy: while i think you're missing a fun read, i completely respect your decision. there are only so many books that one can reasonably read in a lifetime (even at the pace you go!) and we've all got to choose the ones we really want to read!

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  5. I loved this book!! I read it last month, and couldn't put it down. But I haven't read the Twilight books. Though I can't imagine they could be any better than The Host!!

    I've reviewed it here: http://stephaniesbooks.blogspot.com/2008/06/one-fantastic-book-for-your-heart-and.html

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  6. Stephanie, I think that you would be pleasantly surprised by how good Twilight in particular is. The other two aren't as good but by that time you are sucked in and have to find out what happens next, or at least that's what happened to me!

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  7. stephanie: thanks for the link to your enthusiastic review! i agree with marg that you ought to give Twilight a go.

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  8. Hello! I reviewed this book here:

    http://abookwormsreviews.blogspot.com/2008/08/host-by-stephenie-meyer.html

    I really enjoyed it, but haven't read any of the Twlight books.

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  9. Sharon: I have - very belatedly - added a link to your review. I'm glad you liked the book!

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