The Host Review
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October 12, 2009 • Kayleigh Loeffler
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Books
As another one of the millions of Twilight fans out there, I was excited to find out that Stephenie Meyer had written another novel entitled The Host. Although the book differed a good deal from the Twilight series, I decided that I would give it a try. After almost two weeks of reading, I found that it was possibly one of the best books I have ever read.
It has been years since Earth was taken over by an unseen enemy. Parasitic aliens known as “Souls” are inserted into human hosts, suppressing their minds and taking over their bodies. The human all but disappears while the Soul continues on life normally and seemingly unchanged.
When Wanderer, an experienced and some-what legendary Soul, receives the opportunity to spend another life term on Earth, she is warned of the complex, powerful emotions and vivid memories that come along with being a human. She is placed inside the body of a human known as Melanie Stryder, and feels confident that she can control the body and live out her term normally. However, Wanderer soon realizes that Melanie refuses to relinquish possession of her mind. As Wanderer explores the remnants of Melanie’s memories in search of information of remaining human resistance, she begins to find herself longing for the ones that she sees: Melanie’s brother and the love her life, Jared. When difficult circumstances force Melanie and Wanderer to work together, they set off on a journey that changes both of their lives forever.
This is a science fiction novel for people that don’t read science fiction. Much like in her infamous Twilight series, Stephenie Meyer focuses more on the relationships between characters rather than the terror and chaos of a post-apocalyptic world. The characters of Melanie and Wanderer, although complete opposites mentally and emotionally, compliment each other beautifully, and their relationship is one that is inspiring. Other characters, such as Jeb, Melanie’s eccentric uncle, provide plenty of comic relief that would make any reader smile.
The themes of the novel are also evident as the plot unfolds including what it means to be human. Wanderer’s perspective on the human race allows the reader to sit back and question who we are as human beings and think about the ideas and values that we hold to be true. In addition, the idea that beauty is more important than just what is on the outside also appears, and Meyer argues her point through Wanderer and the bond that she forms with humans and another significant character.
Overall, this novel is a wonderful insight into the mind of the human race and has beautiful themes that make it worth while to read.
Copies of The Host can be found at virtually every local bookstore, including Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million. You can also purchase it via Amazon.com. The average price of the book in stores is $25.99, while purchasing it online ranges from $14-16.00.
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I never considered reading this book after hearing the plot from another friend. It just sounded too confusing. You make it sound very interesting! I might just pick it up the next time I am in the mood for a book.
The Host along with Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series can be checked out of the Allatoona library for free. It doesn’t get any better then that! I have read all of Ms. Meyer’s books and really enjoyed them. I had a hard time getting through the very beginning of the Host but then the story really took off and I couldn’t put the book down. Once I finished reading the entire book I went back and re-read the beginning and liked it much better once I knew the characters. This is a realy nice book review. Did you know that you can write brief book reviews in Destiny our library catalog? Come visit us and learn how.