The Host by Stephenie Meyer
I finished reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer a couple of weeks ago and I still don’t know if I have my thoughts together on it. Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight series, tries her hand in the adult forum. I’m sure many of us asked ourselves, can she do it? Can she weave a story without Edward or Bella in it? My answer? Yes, I think she can and did.
But (yes, there is a but), I do think The Host was a good 150 pages too long and too wordy. There seemed to be a lot of unnecessary descriptions and I wish it was cut down. A lot. In fact, when I reached the part where they arrived in the caves (if you’ve read it, you know what I mean, if you haven’t well then, I’m sure you soon will) I actually put the book down for about four days without picking it back up. I even asked my neighbor (ALL of my neighbors have read it) if the characters ever get out of the caves and when does the story pick up? She assured me that they do and it will. She was right and once I crossed that hurdle I quickly finished up the book. In fact, I stayed up way to late and once I turned the last page, I looked at the clock to find it was 2:30 in the morning.
I read somewhere the tag line of The Host being “Science Fiction for those who don’t like Science Fiction.” Which would actually be me because to tell you the truth, I haven’t read much science fiction as it’s not my genre of choice. So seeing that I was indeed a member of the intended target audience, I was curious to know if that tag line were indeed true. The Host bases it’s story off of science fiction. We’re talking “worm-like” aliens have taken over Earth by inserting themselves into the human bodies and forcing the human mind or soul out. In fact, the aliens believe that they are doing humans a favor because the humans are so violent and messed up. And well, these aliens are loving, peacekeeping, and much to nice. The Host was definitely of the science fiction persuasion, but the tag line was true. It didn’t bother me and thank goodness it was more about a love story than anything else.
Wanderer, nicknamed Wanda (a name that I couldn’t stand to read, has been inserted into Melanie, one of the last remaining human lifeforms. Melanie had survived by being on the run with her boyfriend Jared and her little brother Jamie. There is only one problem. Melanie refuses to “fade away” and Wanda finds herself having to deal with the human who won’t “get out of her head.” Wanda inherits not only all of Melanie’s memories but her physical longings as well and finds herself falling in love with Jared. She decides to do something nobody in her alien race has done before, and that’s sympathize with the humans. She becomes determined to find Jared and Jamie and soon discovers more than she bargained for.
Jared and Jamie have found a pocket of resistant humans and when Wanda does finds them not everybody is happy. After all, this is Melanie’s body but Wanda’s mind. Through Wanda’s interaction with the humans, she discovers what it means to truly be human. She also learns about love. I thought there were some interesting questions brought up. Is love about appearances? Is it a physical attraction? Can two people love the same person and continue to co-exist in the same body together? Well, that last question probably isn’t very probably and likely when thinking about ourselves. Also, what does it mean to be human?
There really was only one way for this book to end and I did see it coming a mile away. I honestly, don’t know how it could have ended any other way. But that didn’t stop me from wanting to see it for myself. My mother-in-law (waving hello, because she reads all of my posts) really liked the Twilight Series and was really excited to read The Host. So I was looking forward to hearing what she thought about it. She said she didn’t like it. And for one reason. Star Trek. Did I remember that episode were Dr. Beverly Crusher falls in love with a man only to find out that he is a worm-like parasite living in that hosts body? In fact, I loved Star Trek when I was younger and my family and I watched it every night without fail. So I had to think back on this one and after looking it up I do remember this episode.
In this particular episode (which is also called The Host), the host body is hurt, so Dr. Crusher has to perform a transfer and Ryker volunteers to be the next host body until another suitable replacement is found. Can Dr. Crusher still love her boyfriend even if it’s Ryker’s body? And it gets even more interesting when the new host body does show up and it’s female. (And if you’re a Star Trek fan, this is the first appearance of the Trills, the symbiotic lifeforms that play a large role in Deep Space Nine, mostly through the character Dax. Just a bit of trivia for you.) Anyways, here’s a little trailer for Star Trek, The Host trailer.
And my mother-in-law is right. Quite similar. I wonder, is Stephenie a Star Trek fan? Did she see this episode when she was younger? Did it sit there in the back of her mind and now can’t remember where she came up with the idea of a worm? I’m sure all authors get their inspiration from all kinds of places. The similarities didn’t really bother me and in fact I didn’t even make the connection until our conversation. So there you have it, I indeed did pull together Star Trek and Stephenie Meyer together in the same review. Now who else is going to give you that?!
The Host is definitely worth trying. Like the Twilight series, I think it will be one that you love or don’t love, a hit and miss. Stephenie does an excellent job pulling together the paranormal with a human interest love story that will keep you turning the page for more (well, once you get out of the caves, that is).
Up next: a HUGE Stephenie Meyer giveaway! So big, it’s getting it’s own post. Seriously, don’t miss it!! And check out my thoughts about attending Stephenie’s book signing for The Host here.
[...] a comment on my book review of The Host by Stephenie Meyer. You have to leave a comment more interesting than “nice review”. In other words, put a [...]
on June 16th, 2008 at 1:05 amAfter my wife finished The Host, she suggested I read it next because it was more my thing. She hasn’t done that with any of Meyer’s previous books, so I assumed this one was different.
Your review helps, maybe I’ll give it a shot.
on June 16th, 2008 at 6:58 amThis is probably the 5th review I’ve seen of this book. I’m always on the lookout for “sci-fi for the beginner” so I can introduce family/friends to this wonderful genre without scaring them off. It seems like this is exactly that kind of book - thanks for the review!
on June 16th, 2008 at 7:03 amI’ve been hearing a lot about this novel and it’s good to read a review that doesn’t automatically rave about Stephenie Meyer’s writing talent.
I’m actually waiting on this book from the library, so hopefully I’ll be able to read it soon.
on June 16th, 2008 at 7:28 amI have to admit that I didn’t really want to read The Host at first. I was worried that it would be nowhere near as good as Stephenie’s other books were. But, after reading your review and others like it I think I might try it out… Like you said, ‘the host is definately worth trying’.
Thanks for the review!
on June 16th, 2008 at 7:33 amOk, I have to say that I agree with you on some parts. The book to me was hard to get into at first. But (yes, there is a but lol) I loved when Wanda first entered the caves. It’s actually the part that made me want to read more and more.
I also do not like the name Wanda and think that Jeb and Jamie are to accepting of Wanda at first. I expected a little bit of dislike in the beginning.
But anyways, Great review!
on June 16th, 2008 at 7:35 amI loved the Host. I also saw the ending a mile away, but you never know so I finished it to see. It still made me cry and laugh..so I know it was worth the read, just like the Twilight series.
on June 16th, 2008 at 7:36 amThis book sound really awsome and I can’t wait to read it.
on June 16th, 2008 at 7:41 amat first, i did find the book a little too “wordy”. but my friend suggested the book to me and i really wanted to know if melanie would get her body back. the story picked up a little too late; i thought that as well. evertyime they hurt Wanda ( i preferred Wanderer, the name reminded me of the fairy Wanda in the fairly odd parents) it made me tear up. besides the fact that you found the ending suprising (i didn’t i knew stephenie meyer grows attached to her characters), i agreed a with a lot of points in your review. excellent job!
on June 16th, 2008 at 7:44 amoh entry number 2!!! wahooo! and it sounds like a good read.
on June 16th, 2008 at 7:47 amI totally agreed with you about the whole ‘Wanda’ reading the name. I think it totally humanized her, and sort of let me forget that she was an alien. Which lead me to also believe that it was ’science fiction for people who don’t like science fiction’.
on June 16th, 2008 at 7:47 amHowever, I have to disagree with you about it being too wordy and should be 150 pages shorter. Sure, it could be a little shorter, for example the beginning, but I absolutely adored the descriptions. I found it easier to picture and relate to.
Also, I loved the part when they got to the caves. I got hooked then, haha.
When I read the host it definetly felt like her writing style and a bit reminisent of twilight in the way that its two guys fighting over a girl and her being kind of timid and scared but accepts the outcome and works with it. I did enjoy most parts of the book however, I found it very very long (much longer than it needed to be) and I didnt like when people where getting physical with her all the time. I did like that the Uncle took them in and wanted Wanda there. Great review of the book!
on June 16th, 2008 at 7:48 amI agree that it was too long. But I still really liked it.
Very interesting catch on the Star Trek episode. If you ever get a chance to talk to Stephenie Meyer again you will have to ask her if she was inspired by that episode.
The name Wanda bothered me through the whole book! I’m glad I’m not the only one. I’m also glad I’m not the only one who stays up til all hours of the morning to finish a good book.
on June 16th, 2008 at 7:51 amI loved The Host. That’s interesting about the Star Trek thing, though. Hmm. I wonder if that’ll show up in any Stephenie interviews in the near future.
“Are you a Star Trek fan?”
I hated the name Wanda too, but I see the need to give Wanderer a human name. It would have been more difficult for everyone else to accept her if she had still gone by an alien name like “Wanderer”.
on June 16th, 2008 at 7:51 amI actually set the book down for a good week or two during the caves. I mean, the caves are pretty interesting, but it slowly became monotonous. While it probably had that feel because the caves are meant to be rather tedious in the story, it was frustrating reading through all that and wanting something to actually happen.
I wasn’t expecting the ending, but then I wasn’t expecting anything in the first place. This was a good book, but it was a little mindnumbing in comparison to Twilight, especially when I first found out there were 619 pages. I think you’re right that some of it could have been cut, and I personally think that the climax wasn’t set up very well, and that there should have been a little more actually happening between the first hundred and last hundred pages.
on June 16th, 2008 at 7:54 amMy grandma is a fan but she didnt even finish The Host. A lot of people have said the same as you, not really too wordy but just didnt get their attention. Which I find weird because I loved it :-p It wasnt as good as the Twilight books but I thought it would make an amazing new series. To each their own I guess
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:00 amI liked it, too. But I have to disagree. I enjoyed the descriptios; they helped paint a picture of the setting, since I have never been to a desert. I would love a sequel because I fell in love with these characters, too. I’m eager to re-read ‘The Host’ just like I have the Twilight Saga.
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:07 amI just read this book this week and I liked it a lot - probably more than any of the Twilight books. Agreed that it’s a bit too long, but not horrible.
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:11 amI definitely agree with you that it was a slow beginning. However, I was so excited to have another book by Stephenie Meyer that I kept on reading anyway. However, I found when I decided to read the Host again that I didn’t start at the beginning. I skipped to where she was already at the caves and more exciting things were happening (aka Ian). If you could enter me in your contest I’d appreciate it.
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:13 amIn all truth i am not a big fan of science fiction…so when i heard of this book i wasn’t so thrilled either.
Your review say what i was thinking the whole time i was reading The Host. I thought that the book was a little too long and that some parts went on for a while, but at the end of the book i really liked it.
Really good review.
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:14 amI’m so behind the times. I’m never read ANYTHING by Stephanie Meyer. I just put all of the books on my bookmooch wishlist because I need to catch up. It is getting to the point where this is like not having read Harry Potter. I’m off to your other post to comment there so I can enter this contest and be ‘cool’ again.
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:19 amI know that this book is harder to read than the books in the Twilight series, but it’s worth it to give this book a chance. We should all give the book a chance or the love of Stephenie (Meyer that is). This was a review that was honest and interesting to read.
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:23 amI have to admit when i first ehard about the Host i wasn’t sure i wanted to read it because i didn’t think it would be as exciting or as GREAT as the Twilight saga!!!
But this review has made me want to read it!!1it seems just as good as the Twilight Saga!!! and i would love to read The Host!!!
AWESOME REVIEW!!!!
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:35 amI couldn’t put it down, I don’t know how you could stop reading it! But i’m with you on the Wanda, it just didn’t fit right I thought.
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:35 amWow good review! I read The Host to and I thought it was a little slow and wordy in the beginning but most of it was necessary information.
When it picked up towards the middle I reallyy loved it and it’s close to how much I love Twilight!
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:37 amThat is interesting…it is so similar to the Star Trek episode. Thanks for including that in your review.
I agree with you that it did get a little dragged out when they got to the caves. Thank goodness for Jeb…he was pretty interesting.
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:40 amI agree with your points that, it was a bit too wordy & could have been shorter, but was still a good book.
I, too, fell under the tagline “Science Fiction for the people that dont like Science Fiction” - I actually havent read any at all, but it still captured my attention.
I noticed you said your mother-in-law said it was ‘Star Trek’, I have never seen that so I wouldnt be able to make the comparison, but I dont see why relating to another thing would make it a bad book.
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:40 amI really loved that the fact that the book answered all the questions you proposed. And what it took for Wanda to be human. I sympathised with her in the caves. That was probably the sadest part for me. It aggravated me so much that she was mute in those first few weeks in the caves. I was actually yelling at her to say something. lol.
But i agree with you that the Star Trek similie is quite interesting. I guess a million people are gonna ask her if this is how she got her idea. Does anyone know has she came up with the idea?
If you haven’t read The Host and still haven’t after you read ThIS review, then somethings wrong with you.
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:42 amGreat review!
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:42 amI agree with you on the slowness of the caves part in the book. I did want to stop reading for a couple of days but I kept reading hoping it would get better (I mean it was Stephenie Meyer so it had to right).
When I first found out it was a science fiction I didn’t know if I wanted to read it because that isn’t usually my kind of book. Now that I finished reading it, I can’t help but love it like the Twilight series.
This review is somewhat in comparison as to what i think of one of eclipse’s chapter. (i know this is the host but still) stephenie is a great author no doubt in that but she does get carried away sometimes when she is describing something in the host was the scene in the cave, while in eclipse it was the chapter about the legends.
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:43 amPlease enter me in the contest!!!
“the humans are so violent and messed up” LMAO It is very true about humans, just look at the wars and history, they tell all.
I found this review great because I’ve been needing to read it and I wasn’t sure if I even really did want to. Knowing what happens makes me sure to want to read it now, especially because I ahve the details and scenes of boringness in mind :D. I also don’t exactly read science fiction so I am excited to read The Host even more.
I also do want to win haha
And if I do, then I’ll be able to get The Host and not have to buy it hahaha
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:44 amGreat review- it really summed it up well, in my opinion. That’s interesting about the Star Trek episode. Enter me in your contest, please!
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:46 ami absolutley LOVED that book! im really suprised at how well you summed it up. i tried once for my friends and i just to her you have to read it to understand it! but thats weird about the star trek episode thing!
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:52 amI love to win stuff, so I’m going to double my chances with another comment. Thanks so much for hosting such a fab giveaway.
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:58 amThe Host was definitely a good book, but it’s no twilight. I hope she’ll write more to it. It doesn’t seem complete.
on June 16th, 2008 at 8:59 amI may get stoned to death in saying this that The host was my favorite book the Stephenie has written. Unlike you I found myself incredibly bored on the part in the begining. It seemed slow to me. Just full of dreams and seeker/soul terms. Sure she was doing things but they had no real meaning. I like your summary of it too. I almost completely HATE scific and this was for me. I had never noticed the conection between star treck and the host. (Maybe due to the fact that I don’t watch it.) Stephenie said that she had a dream where worms were stilling her children and decided to make souls into those. So that they could be both pretty and ugly depending on what you are. It was an overall good review.
on June 16th, 2008 at 9:01 amTEAM IAN
please add me to the contest thingy.
The Host is not as good as the Twilight series,but it was pretty good anyway. The Host was still a better book to read than some other books I’ve read.
on June 16th, 2008 at 9:03 amI have been hesitant about reading The Host because science fiction is not really my thing, but your review made it more appealing to me than others that I have read, so I’ll have to give it a shot.
on June 16th, 2008 at 9:03 amThis book sounds great! I can’t wait until I get to read it!
on June 16th, 2008 at 9:06 amMy friends tell me this book is fantastic! I can’t wait to read it! It interesting that Stephenie Meyer wouls write about aliens…
on June 16th, 2008 at 9:11 amI agree that the beginning was a little dry and boring, but once you get into it, it gets really good. Nice Review.
on June 16th, 2008 at 9:13 amThe reveiw was great and I agreed on all levels; I also thought it could have been shortened about 150 pages. Thanks for also pointing out the likeness to Star Trek! I never would have noticed!
on June 16th, 2008 at 9:17 am(Entry #2! YES!)
THat was awesome!! Especially with the star trek little trailer very good similarity! I do have to agree with you when it comes to teh caves….I kept on saying in my head “can we get out now?!” but of course yeah but it was a relief when they finally do…and we hear about more people other than that the book was awesome!! Stephenie Meyer is the only author that has been able to make me cry while reading a book…ever!! and thats a good thing!! lol again …AWESOME REVIEW!!
on June 16th, 2008 at 9:22 amThat was a great review. I totally agree with you about the whole Wanda name. It bothered me for a while but then i got over it. The whole time i was reading it though i kept hating Jared for being such a butt to Wanda, but i still kinda liked him. It was wierd. I’m with the way it ended though. I was wondering if Stephenie was going to make it a sad but peaceful ending where wanda dies or a happy ending. But either way would have been good. about the last 5 chapters i was like crying the whole time. Idk if anyone else did but when ian got all made i totally broke down. It was so sad… I really like the little star trek comparison. awesome
on June 16th, 2008 at 9:34 amthat review was so great.
on June 16th, 2008 at 9:36 amthis book was so amazing.
it really opened my eyes to different
genres of books. and this is
definitely not the last sci fi book i will
read! =)
The host was absolutely a great book, but I pick Twilight over the Host. I do agree with you on being too wordy, and I too, cant stand the name Wanderer. I was really, really tempted to get a sharpie thin line and scratch out the ‘a’ and put ‘erer’ after it..
on June 16th, 2008 at 9:39 amI’m happy that the Host is more a love story than a sci-fi story.
Great reveiw.
Wow, it’s great to see a review that’s not “OMG, OMG! Jared and Ian are soooo hot!” (not that I don’t agree), but I love how truthfull the review was. I laughed when you said you couldn’t stand to read Wanda’s name. I agree that it was kind of long, but it kept me attached. At first I was a little confused when I read the first few chapters, but I went back and re-read them and was suprised by how much I missed the first time through! Great Review! 5 Stars in my book!
on June 16th, 2008 at 9:46 ami loved the host
on June 16th, 2008 at 9:48 ami read it becuz stephanie meyer wrote it or else i probably wouldn’t have been interested i read it and read it and couldnt let it go i would be devastated when i wasn’t reading it i finlly finished and have to say i wasn’t oo happy with the ending
this review really shows what the book about it shows what the book is about which is that true love know no bounds
I have not actually read The Host yet, but your review makes me wonder about the big questions in the book. I’ve never been a fan of Star Trek, but maybe the book won’t have that feel for me.
on June 16th, 2008 at 9:52 amI also thought that The Host was too long. I think she could have gotten the same point across without so many descriptions.
I did like it though. I got so carried away reading it one night, I was up until 4 in the morning finishing it.
The ending was also quite predictable. But I still enjoyed it.
(I would love to be entered into the drawing again please
)
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:05 amI liked the ending but I wish it would have gone in a different direction.
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:07 ami do agree with you on the part about it being a little bit to wordy. there were some parts were i wanted to put it down too. i was in the middle of finals week when i was reading it and it was hard to stay in the little desert fantasy. I think steph has gotten to be a better writer though and this was another good opportunity to explore her writing style. I noticed while i was reading that the humor that embodies stephenie was coming out in her writing and i could see her actuallly saying some of the sarcastic comments mentioned.
haha. a lot of the parts about the inner confrontations between mel and wanderer about the boys cracked me up! i will agree with you on the other fact that it was a like it or hate it book. but regardless ive already read it twice. haha
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:08 amI’ve been wanting to read this because I am a fan of Stephanie Meyer, but not a huge fan of reading sci-fi. I do love watching it on tv though, lol.
Thanks for the great review! I am definitely intrigued now.
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:14 amgreat review!! the only thing is that i actually think that they needed to spend time in the caves. it helped build the characters personalities and such. plus, if i knew that one of stephenie meyer’s books was cut down 100 PAGES, i think i’d explode. i can’t get enough of her writing.
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:19 amI do, however, agree with you on the name Wanda. I swear, i hate that name. ugh.
maybe i am just blind, but i had no idea about the ending! it was a complete suprise for me!!
I think the Host was a REALLY good book. Yes, it was a bit wordy but it didn’t really bother me, it just helped me get a better picture of what was going on. The beginning was a little bit boring but after that I could not stop reading. I laughed and I cried AND I loved the ending.
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:20 amwow i’m sooo incredibly glad that i’m not the only one who didn’t fully love love love this book. i talked to all of my friends and they all enjoyed it, but i have to say that i didn’t really.
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:22 ami agree with a lot of your points - it was kinda too long for me, and i kept putting it down wondering if they were ever going to get out of the caves. [and no offense to anyone named wanda, but it did get kind of annoying reading it - just not one of my favorite names in the world]
I’m glad you gave both positive and negative comments.It does seem interesting though.I think ill read it.
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:23 amI agree with you on most of this . I thought it was too lengthy, and I struggled to get through those 100+ pages . But, I did enjoy the descriptions . It helps me get more into the books .
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:30 amI didn’t like the ending . I didn’t want Wanda to leave Melanie’s body, no matter how inevitable it was .
: )
I loved The Host. When I finished it, I moped around the house for two days, attempting to read other books but quickly deeming them unworthy after reading such a masterpiece. Personally, I was really into science fiction when I was younger so this book wasn’t much of a jump between genres for me.
I’m so glad Wanda got a new body. To be honest, sometimes her complete selflessness irritated me at some points throughout the novel. I felt like saying, Think about yourself for once! The character of Ian was awesome and although my heart will always lie with Edward (wink, wink), Ian certainly holds a special place inside me. In general, Jared was an annoying character for me. Yeah, he’s gorgeous, but he abused Wanda in the beginning! I guess I can see where he’s coming from, but still…I didn’t really like him. Jamie was adorable and reminded me of my little brother.
The ending was really good. I too could see it coming, but that didn’t make it any less sweet. I really, really hope Stephenie writes a sequel, or maybe even a trilogy!
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:36 amI agree with you about the name Wanda. It never really stuck with me and I think I preferred Wanderer. My friend also agrees with your views on the book’s wordiness, but I love long books so I didn’t mind the descriptions. I’m glad you ended up liking it. I don’t watch Star Trek so I never would have noticed the similarities, but I don’t think Stephenie Meyer would ever copy the plot of a tv show on purpose. Maybe she did see the episode and forgot, like you mentioned. Anyway, great review and I can’t wait to read one on Breaking Dawn!
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:42 amI really enjoyed the Host myself. Maybe even a little more than the twilight series. I do understand the whole slow start of the book though. When my mother started reading the book she thought the beginning was too slow too. I also didn’t like the name Wanda it just reminded me the cartoon character from the Fairly Oddparents. I still very much enjoyed the book and it has become one of my all time favorites!
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:44 amI loved The Host. It gripped me from the very beginning. It was hard to read certain parts, yet they were so true to the volatile parts of human nature! It would be interesting to see where a trilogy would lead.
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:44 amhmm, i totally agree with you! Esp. about the ‘too wordy/long’. I wonder if SM actually will continue The Host and make a trilogy or whatever? Wanda…not sure if i like it or not. I guess it’s okay!
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:48 amI’m split between if I loved The Host, or if it was just okay… I have to admit, when I started reading it, I didn’t like it very much, but because it’s Stephenie Meyer, I gave it a shot. I agree with you on many things. The Host brought up questions about love, life, and what it means to be human. I found myself bawling at the end. Yes, there were plenty of slow parts that could’ve easily been cut off. I don’t mind reading long books, but some of it was just unnecessary. Overall, I’ve come to the conclusion that I loved it. I mean, how can you not love Ian O’Shea?! But he’s no Edward Cullen :].
I really like your reviews, by the way.
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:52 amThat review was good! I wonder if Stephenie really did get the whole thing from Star Trek? It’s something to look into. I’d like to be entered for the contest too, thanks!
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:59 amI totally agree with you. I loved the Host, but the entire time I was waiting for Edward to pop up (and I think he did, sort of, in Ian). Once I FINALLY realized that Edward wasn’t going to show up, I was a fair bit into the book.
When I started re-reading it, I completely skipped the first half, because I thought it droned on too much. I understand that the story has to be established, but it was too long.
I loved the review. It completely sums up MY opinion on the book too!
on June 16th, 2008 at 10:59 amhmm, i agree with you all the way. It was REALLY long! Awesome job on the review!
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:02 amI have not read the host yet, but I plan to as soon as I can aford it. lol ^.^ I love to read reviews on it though so that I can get more of a feeling for the book. I love science fiction, so I am sure I will love this book also. thanks for sharing your ideas about the book with me. ^.^
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:06 amI pretty much agree with your review…cept that once I got past chapter 8, I couldn’t put it down. It is kinda predictable, and I did love Ian pretty much from the start and saw that coming, but I liked it. And I cried at the end. And I do hope she continues on the story. “Wanda” was tough for me too cuz that’s my grandma’s name, lol. Thanks for the offer for the book!
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:06 ami completely agree with what you said. At first I did not want to read The Host. I thought that Stephenie Meyer could not write anything as good as the Twilight Series. Also I’ve never like Sci-Fi, but man was I ever glad to be wrong. I completely loved it.
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:07 amThanks for the awesome review.
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:13 amI thought it was really interesting with all the in-depth you went on with the Star Trek/Host Similarities. This is my second review I have read of the host and by far the best.
I love how you add in all of those rhetorical questions because it really gets my mind thinking and working. Keep up the good work!
The beginning is the part my friends tell me they couldn’t get through. I personally like the beginning, but I haven’t even made a dent in finishing it =[
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:17 amThe beginning is the part my friends tell me they couldn’t get through. I personally like the beginning, but I haven’t even made a dent in finishing it =[
I do agree that it is lengthy, but it is an adult novel. I guess that means more description? No clue. But I’m sure it’s amazing. I have to finish it.
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:18 amGreat review. As much as I love Stephenie Meyer’s books, it gets old always reading reviews that gush about her writing style and new fame. I also found the book a little wordy, but it didn’t seem like padding to me, so I kept reading, and ended up loving the book, once it gets going. The Star Trek connection is interesting, I’ll have to ask my brother if he remembers that episode!
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:18 amI have not read the book The Host yet, but I want to. Your review makes me want to go get the book and compare. And [[you're really good at writing reviews]] Good Job. =]
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:21 ami havnt read the host yet but i also heard it was really long. awsome review! at first, i didnt want to read twilight, but my friends forced me to, so i read it and got hooked. im pretty sure the same thing will happen when i read the host.:]
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:22 amI love the Twilight saga but sometimes Stephenie Meyer makes the books a little too long (especially in New Moon) so I’m not surprised that The Host is like that too. I was actually thinking about what I should do while I’m waiting for Breaking Dawn to come out and I guess I should give The Host a chance. I’m not really that into science fiction but reading your review made me want to read the book. =)
(And BTW I would like to be entered in the draw please.
)
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:24 amI havent read the Host yet…but it’s on by TBR list…if only i had more time
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:29 amI have yet to read “The Host” but judging from you’re review I can’t wait till I do. I know nothing can top off the ‘Twilight’ series but at least it’ll give me something to do while waiting for ‘Breaking Dawn’. Keep writing more reviews! I’m glad you included some negative aspects of the book as well, not everyone does that.
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:29 amI haven’t read The Host yet, but your review has convinced me to go and buy a copy. I actully like the tagline for the book, because I also am not a huge sci-fi fan.
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:29 amThe Host was an amazing book. It was, as i just knew it would be, long and very well written. I have always loved to read and Stephenie’s books are definatly ones I can read over and over and yet still laugh and smile at something that happens. Your review of the book was also very well written. I relly enjoyed reading it. I give you two tunbs up! Great job!
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:31 amI would love to enter to win the host.
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:31 amI thought The Host was a wonderful book. A more mature or “important” story, I guess you could say, than Twilight. Of course, it didn’t suck me in quite as much as Twilight did- for the first little while, at least. But such beautiful insight into what it’s like to be human…
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:39 amGreat review!! This is the kind of review everyone needs ’cause it’s down to earth and actually shows what someone in the real world thinks of the Host. And it shows the book’s faults and flaws. And it still makes people want to go read the book! Thanx Natasha!
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:40 amWell, I’m commenting for the giveaway, but I DO also have my own opinion of the book!
I rather enjoyed it, though I did find the trekking through the desert a bit tiresome >.>
And what’s the point of a book other than to entertain the reader? The storyline entertained me, so I felt fulfilled
Although the ending did make it seem to me as if she had just Given Up. Even though there really was no other way, I couldn’t let go of the feeling that she’d just…stopped trying with Melanie. Or something.
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:49 amStephenie has amazed me once again! I was very nervous about reading The Host because, as the teenage girl I am, didn’t know if I myself could handle a book without Edward and Bella. But, I most certainly did. This book is amazing, realy, teaching us about ourslefs and the way we act, who we are and why we do what we do. Her writing just got ten times better (I did not think it possible)and her discriptions captivate you. You learn many life lessons that Stephenie brings out brilliantly in this epic novel. I can’t wait for the many she has in store.
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:54 amI haven’t even read The Host yet and I’m already hooked up. This was incredible. I loved the rhetorical questions cause it made me think about it.
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:58 amIt’s also very interesting how you referred to Star Track - I have never seen this episode, in fact, I haven’t watched Star Track at all , but now I am really curious .
I was entirely sure ( 100%) that I would buy this book, cause I’d read everything by this genius woman, but now I’m even more convinced
it’s in my hands.
CAN’T WAIT TO READ IT NOW :O !!
First, I want to say that was a well thought out review. Second, I do agree with you on most accounts. Sometimes it did get tiresome. I always told myself it would get better. That’s how I finished it in 3 days.
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:58 amTo be honest, I haven’t actually read this review yet. I am still in the process of reading the Host (I work full time and act on a Murder Mystery Train at night so my time is limited). I didn’t want anything spoiled, so I didn’t read the review yet. I’m only about 100 pages in to the book so far. I’m really enjoying it so far. I think the concept is really interesting, and I’m really looking forward to reading more… I just wish I had more time! (Now can this count as an entry in the contest?
)
on June 16th, 2008 at 11:59 amThis was a really good review, and I do agree with you on somethings. I think it took a while for me to actually get into reading the book, but once I did I couldn’t put it down. Some parts seemed to drag out a bit though and could have been cut out, I did like the ending though. It seemed like there was still hope for Earth. =]
on June 16th, 2008 at 12:03 pm(contest entry)
I think that your absolutely right when you say that many people questioned whether stephenie could write something w/o bella and edward. it wasn’t just the author either. myself, being a reader, had a hard time reading w/o bella and edward. it was a great book and i’m in love with all things meyer. star trek and stephenie meyer all in one? that’s a connection to be remembered.
on June 16th, 2008 at 12:04 pmbella&edward101
I enjoyed reading The Host. I do have to say that it took me awhile to finish it. It seemed a little drawn out and yet I could have just been impatient.
The best thing about The Host is that it is her best written book so far. Her writing has developed a lot since Twilight.
Thanks for the review.
on June 16th, 2008 at 12:06 pmThe host was AMAZING…. (I reread it 3 times before i started giving it to my friends to read!!!!!!!!!!) =D
Stephenie is just a FRICKING GENIUS!!!!!!
on June 16th, 2008 at 12:07 pmI agree with most of your review (including a distracting choice of Wanda), except for when you described The Host as too wordy. That’s what I especially loved about the book. Stephenie took the time to make sure every reader understood what was happening in the book. Although the cave part was a bit draggy, I still enjoyed the details.
on June 16th, 2008 at 12:12 pmTo tell you the truth, I haven’t read “The Host” yet. My friend was actually telling me about it the other day but I zoned her off the minute she said “science-fiction type of book.”
on June 16th, 2008 at 12:23 pmI hope your right that it really isn’t like that and that it’s more of a love story. You did a better job in convincing me with your review than my best friend of 12 years did! =)
I agree with alot of your points about the book. It did get a little wordy at times, though I love long books. I also wasn’t a fan of the name Wanda, but hey, it’s Jeb.
on June 16th, 2008 at 12:27 pmI’m a huge Twilight fan and had a little bit of a tough time getting into the Host. But I once I was I couldn’t put it down.
Now, you said you saw only one possible outcome for the book. I saw two. I thought that Wanda was acutally going to die, but I guess Ian and everyone wouldn’t have let that happen.
I was a little reluctant to read this novel because it sounded a little too out-of-this-world, but I think I’ll read it for sure, now. I just need to find the money to buy it…
on June 16th, 2008 at 12:29 pmI liked this book a lot, and I also wondered if she was a Trekkie. I liked that the book was going for people other than sci fi lovers and I think it works.
on June 16th, 2008 at 12:29 pmI really enjoyed your review. I completely agree with most of your comments. Accept for the Star Trek (I’ve never seen it so wouldn’t be able to actually compare them) i agree with them all. The book did drag a little for me at the beginning when Wanderer (agree with you there to the name Wanda annoyed me) was in the desert and then big action in the caves. It went in waves for me for a while, exciting then less. Didn’t stop me from reading the entire book in two days but hey, I’m a Myers fan we’re all crazy.
on June 16th, 2008 at 12:29 pmI actually feel that the cave seen was long but somehow i liked every minute of it..this sounds like me avoiding an answer but very honestly i cannot explain why i would i usually hate scenes that continue forever. I’ve never been much of a fan of miniscule details. I laughed when I saw the name Wanda so i just had to mentally ommit it and replace it with Wanderer. I too am not a big sci-fi fan, and I don’t watch much Star-Trek but I find it interesting that both the title and theme of the episode and books are the same. Overall i did enjoy the Host but have yet to actually own a copy(wink wink)and the rest of the twilight series for that matter(nudge nudge) Stephanie certainly did make fantasy and sci-fi enjoyable for a usually real-life story fan. I never thought i’d see the day where I would say that books about vampires,werewolves,and aliens are extremely well written
on June 16th, 2008 at 12:30 pmNow I haven’t read the Host yet but now I definetly want to. Sci-Fi is definetly not my genre of choice (forced to watch Star Trek 1 to many times) but I love Stephenie’s writing so much I think I’ll give it a try. When I first heard about the Host I didn’t think it would be a long as it was but when I saw it I was shocked! It is so big! Maybe she could cut down a word or two.
on June 16th, 2008 at 12:30 pmThat’s funny but I thought the same thing about Star Treck…And I don’t know for you but I think SM sometimes takes obvious elements from other books, in twilight, for example, there was a lot if it…
And I agree, there were a lot of unnecessary details in The host. I bought it the day it went out and I still HAVEN’T FINISHED IT YET ! Which is really weird for someone like me…
on June 16th, 2008 at 12:31 pm