The Host

The Host
by Stephanie Meyer.

Okay, So Vicki told everyone that I'm a Twilight fan, so yes...I am. Not hugely a fan of the movie's though. When my bestest friend told me she had bought The Host and couldn't get into it, I thought I would give it a try.

When I first started this book, I hobbled through the first couple of chapters. It's a Sci-Fi novel, and I have never been much into those. But as I kept reading it, more for something to do rather than interest, I found myself being sucked in.

It's a strange mix of reality and what-ifs about the universe. So without spoiling the book, I hope I can give you some insight. It starts out with the main character, Melanie becoming a "host" to the new aliens that have taken over the earth because they think us humans are too violent. The aliens get implanted into the back of the head and take over the brain. The person still looks and sounds the same, but instead of being mad at crazy drivers they stay calm and let everyone in..happy-hunky-dorey society. By the time people start figuring out what is happening, the world has mostly been taken over by these aliens. People start running from it, and end up in groups hidden away or fighting against them. Melanie is one of those who ran and hid with her little brother after her father and mother were turned into hosts. For the first little while it's really confusing, because Melanies host is named Wanderer, and Wanderer can't get Melanie to turn over her mind. So there's a lot of back and forth, but as the book continues on it makes more sense- Melanie and Wanderer become friends, and against all odds, they join a group (that is actually headed by Melanie's Uncle Jeb) of all Humans. Melanie/Wanderer finds her little brother, and her long lost love, Jared hidden in a bunch of caves that she almost dies trying to find. Most of the book takes place in this cave where she is bullied, threatened, and almost killed by the people she now loves and trys to protect.

In the end, she makes the hardest choice. Wanderer has fallen in love with someone other than Jared, and while Melanie is still a part of her conscience and still in love with Jared. Wanderer decides to end Melanie's misery and leave her body and end her own....but there's a catch. She leaves it to the doctor to carry out all her wishes and unknown to her the plan changes.

Here are a few of my favorite parts!

"Wanda." He said my name slowly-unwillingly, I could tell, though his voice was even and toneless." Is Melanie still alive- still part of you? Tell me the truth."
Jared, I love you, she tried to scream. I'm right here.

Ian squeezed my hand and leaned in to whisper through all the hair. His voice was low so I was the only one who could hear."I held you in my hand, Wanderer. And you were so beautiful."

These are only a few of my favorite parts, and maybe, if you're not into vampires, you'll try the aliens. I thought they were quite clever myself! I hope you take the chance and give it a try. Remember to push through the first 10 chapters...after that it's a gimmie!

Joyce

PS- If you decide to read it, leave me a comment on what you thought! I'd love the feed back!