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The Host (The Host, #1)

Stephenie Meyer

Start date: October 1, 2012

Finish date: October 31, 2012

Discussion: Monthly Reads

Why we're reading this: This was just randomly picked.
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What Members Thought

Jul 16, 2012 Scarlett Loves Books rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, read-in-2013, book-to-movie, 2013-03

I went into this book with a lot of uncertainties. Mostly because it's written by Stephenie Meyer. Don't get me wrong, I love Twilight books and movies! But the criticisms thrown at the franchise and Stephenie Meyer herself were pretty harsh at times.

Anyways, I did love this book! I'm sure there are other books out there about aliens possessing humans, but I haven't really delved into that type of science fiction in my literary adventures. But I liked Meyer's approach with this alien story, in I went into this book with a lot of uncertainties. Mostly because it's written by Stephenie Meyer. Don't get me wrong, I love Twilight books and movies! But the criticisms thrown at the franchise and Stephenie Meyer herself were pretty harsh at times.

Anyways, I did love this book! I'm sure there are other books out there about aliens possessing humans, but I haven't really delved into that type of science fiction in my literary adventures. But I liked Meyer's approach with this alien story, in which less focus was given to the science fiction element and more focus was spent on human relationships and its complexities.

Before starting this book, I read about how the beginning was slow. I did find it slow, but I didn't mind it so much as I found the world-building and the development of Melanie and Wanderer's relationship to be fascinating.

I also love how I connected with Melanie in the beginning of this book, but then slowly but surely completely empathized with Wanderer as the book progressed. It totally broke my heart reading about Wanderer's struggles in trying to fit in with the rebel group and her family, and also her self-sacrificing ways. I'm not ashamed to say that there were several instances where tears were shed.

As to the romance, I think Meyer created two very compelling love interests for Melanie/Wanderer. I would say there is this love triangle element within a love square, if that even makes sense. I was taken aback by some of Jake's actions towards Melanie/Wanderer, specifically (view spoiler). I had to remind myself their current circumstances and the world they're living in.

One thing I thought was thought-provoking was the whole morality aspect from both the humans' and the invading aliens' perspectives. We have these aliens who, for all intent and purpose, are parasitic; they basically inhabit living creatures against their will. However, they have also managed to eliminate some of humanities' flaws, such as selfishness, greed, war, disease, etc.

I did have a couple more issues with the story:

- I felt Meyer didn't take enough chances with the plot. There were events where the tension was starting to build up, but then ended up being anti-climatic. I felt like she was afraid to kill some characters.

- Not enough action. There were several opportunities where a good action sequence would have have added some excitement, but it just didn't go anywhere.

Overall, I did enjoy the story and it totally sucked me in. I cannot wait to see the movie! I thought the ending was done well - it provided a definitive closure so that this could be a stand-alone book, but at the same time there was a glimmer for more possibilities. If Stephenie Meyer is serious about making this a trilogy, then I pray she hurry up and finish the sequel! ...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Jenn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, aliens, own-book, book-to-movie-or-tv-show

The funny thing about this book is that I refused to read it at first. I'm like "no I just can't." At the time I didn't dig alien books, so I would walk past it turning my nose up to it. Finally after the millionth time (and it was on sale) I gave in.

The whole invading soul thing was cool. They weren't actually bad, they just wanted to live too. Bad thing though, the souls take over except for the case with Wanderer aka Wanda later on. Melanie refused to give up and eventually they were able to ...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Dione Sage rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, romance, drama, science-fiction, young-adult

I rather enjoyed this book. Lately it has been difficult to find a book that is enjoyable to read that doesn't have a second or third book coming out a year later. I was a bit hesitant about reading this because I didn't want to read something I thought would be written in the "Twilight" style of writing...SO much to my surprise it was quite different and more mature than what I was expecting. I think for a sci-fi type of book this was great. I like that the character conflicts in the book becau ...more

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Jun 15, 2012 Alina rated it really liked it

Shelves: 100bkchallenge2012

Extraordinary....this book is one of those novels that haunts you after you finish it. The characters' personalities are colorful and realistic. The plot is exciting and the climax unexpected. Definitely NOT another predictable, cheesy love story. The story line is brilliant. A fantastic science fictional read. ...more

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Oct 17, 2012 Sandra rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, took-ar

I wasn't expecting to actually like this book at all. but i did indeed enjoy it. i was all most into tears on what was happening and loved the emotion in it!!! ...more

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