Saturday, May 24, 2008

The Host

For all those fans of the Twilight series, Stephenie Meyer just came out with her new book The Host. It reads just like Twilight - fast and easy. For those of you who haven't read Twilight (gasp!) Meyer's writing style is similar to John Grisham in that it's really compelling and quick. I was up until after midnight a couple nights, unable to put The Host down.


The Host is much more science-fiction than I would normally read. Here is how Meyer's site describes it:

"Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.

When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind."

While it is Sci-Fi, Meyer's develops a story that focuses on the relationships, with a love story at the heart of the novel. There are no vampires and no stupid teenage girls, but there is also less suspense. I was more impressed with both Melanie and Wanderer from The Host than I was with Belle from Twilight. I can't see Melanie ever wanting to become a vampire... The basic premise is really interesting and it's easy to get lost in the story.

Overall I'd describe it as a great, light read. I'd definitely recommend it.

11 comments:

FOX said...

I will tell my family! I am not into stories (go ahead and mock), but Jacob has pretty much read everything and he is all into the series.

He will come home from church and sit and completely read a 400 page book straight through before bed.

This totally blows my mind and makes me feel ADHD! Cuz I just can't sit still that long doing the same thing!

Randi said...

Good to know!

I liked the Twilight books, but I wondered about her as a more adult writer. Bella is just so um, silly and emptyheaded.

Yea for The Host.

Vern said...

"fast and easy" - no wonder you liked it

allison said...

ganelle, you should contact one of my friends who just finished it and is dying to talk to someone who has read it. if you get on my blog her name is camille...she would love to discuss it with you!

Lorie said...

A few girls in our ward are so obsessed with these books that our Relief Society President actually banned them. Heaven forbid they find out there is another one out!! (okay, that person is actually me) J/k

ganelle said...

fox: I can't believe Jacob is such a speed reader - I don't know that I could have finished the book in just one afternoon...

justrandi: I couldn't agree more about Bella. I loved the story, but Bella drove me nuts! Not so with The Host. Yeah!

Vern: Absolutely!

Allison: I'd love to chat with someone about it. I checked your blog, but couldn't find a link to her. She's welcome to contact me!

lorie: So funny! So, are you the RS Pres. or the obsessed women? (I wonder what I should do in that I'm both the obsessed women and the RS Pres... hmmm...)

tz said...

i wish i had time to read!

tz said...

i mean read fun books....there's plenty of time to read text books

Mom of Three said...

Thanks for the recommendation! Can I borrow yours?

Brittany said...

Thanks for the idea, I am always looking for a good book to read on the light rail.

allison said...

the horse ride is in NV. about 15 min. from our house. the kids love it!