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Adventurous,
Romantic,
Insightful

12 reviews

The Host: A Novel
by Stephenie Meyer

Published: 2013-01-08
Paperback : 656 pages
16 members reading this now
23 clubs reading this now
29 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 10 of 12 members
The phenomenal #1 bestseller is now a major motion picture: "Startling and addictive. . . . An epic story of love, family, and loyalty." -USA Today

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.

Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy that takes over the minds of human hosts while leaving ...
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Introduction

The phenomenal #1 bestseller is now a major motion picture: "Startling and addictive. . . . An epic story of love, family, and loyalty." -USA Today

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.

Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy that takes over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. But Wanderer, the invading "soul" who occupies Melanie's body, finds its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Soon Wanderer and Melanie-reluctant allies-set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human.

THE HOST movie opens in theaters on March 29, 2013.

Editorial Review

Amazon Best of the Month, May 2008: Stephenie Meyer, creator of the phenomenal teen-vamp Twilight series, takes paranormal romance into alien territory in her first adult novel. Those wary of sci-fi or teen angst will be pleasantly surprised by this mature and imaginative thriller, propelled by equal parts action and emotion. A species of altruistic parasites has peacefully assumed control of the minds and bodies of most humans, but feisty Melanie Stryder won't surrender her mind to the alien soul called Wanderer. Overwhelmed by Melanie's memories of fellow resistor Jared, Wanderer yields to her body's longing and sets off into the desert to find him. Likely the first love triangle involving just two bodies, it's unabashedly romantic, and the characters (human and alien) genuinely endearing. Readers intrigued by this familiar-yet-alien world will gleefully note that the story's end leaves the door open for a sequel--or another series. --Mari Malcolm

Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

Wanderer goes back and forth on her opinion on humans several times. Discuss what is truly means to be human. What is our nature: kindness or cruelty? Can Wanda be considered human in any sense of the word?
Discuss the physcial autonomy of both Wanda and Melanie. Who truly owns the body? Who has a right to make decisions when it comes to physical contact? Does Wanda have the right to be physical with either Ian or Jared?
In Chapter 45 (page 472) Wander ponders the nature of human love. Discuss why humans love so fiercely and why it is so much more complicated than the way "souls" love. Why is human love more desirable than the"souls' "perfect" love for all?
by RockinRenee (see profile) 04/30/13

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

No notes at this time.

Book Club Recommendations

Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
  "A Fun and Interesting Book on What It Truly Means to Be Human"by Nicole A. (see profile) 04/30/13

I agree with the other reviewer, who says this is a fast and fun read, but I disagree with the idea that it is nothing but pure fantasy. I think Meyer actually has something to say here (unlike in Twilight).... (read more)

 
  "The Host"by Jen O. (see profile) 03/18/13

This was a fun easy read....just plain fantasy, but well written

 
  "So Unique"by Erin R. (see profile) 01/23/12

I adored this book. It was such a fun read. You fall in love with every character and get drawn into their world so quickly. The imagery is amazing and I just loved reading it!

 
  "The Host"by Kelly R. (see profile) 12/30/11

There were a few surprising opinions/thoughts that came from the reading of this book. Since science fiction isn't everyone's favourite genre to read, some went into this book quite hesitant... (read more)

 
  "The Host"by Kandee W. (see profile) 01/03/11

I had much more fun with the Twilight books.

 
  "The Host"by Lynn W. (see profile) 11/13/10

I wasn't sure I'd like the book, not being much of a science fiction fan. However, I found it hard to put down. My daughter read it at the same time and we argued over whose turn it was to have the book.... (read more)

 
  "The Host"by Michelle S. (see profile) 08/27/10

Loved the book! It was a real page turner for me. I couldn't put it down. It was very well written, maybe a tad slow for some in the beginning but well worth reading it till the end. The ending was left... (read more)

 
  "Great!"by Margery C. (see profile) 05/25/10

Really like this book, easy to read and hard to put down.

 
  "Good read"by Callie s. (see profile) 05/15/10

Sci-Fi, unlike my typical reading selection. I enjoy survival tales, and this was an interesting read. Starts slow, but give it a try.

 
  "Tracy Strassburg"by tracy s. (see profile) 03/29/10

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