I have been wanting to read Stephanie Meyer’s vampire trilogy (which begins with Twilight) for some time now. They were originally written for Young Adult readers, but have gained an adult following as well.
No, I’m not into vampires, nor did I think that I would be into alien parasitic life forms that have conquered earth and are using human bodies as their hosts. . . but I was swept off my feet by The Host. From chapter one, all I wanted to do was keep reading until the story had reached its conclusion. With over 600 pages, it’s a good thing that I was reading it on a relaxing beach vacation, because I stuck with this thing and finished it within 24 hours. I’m not sure how I would have managed childcare, housekeeping and meal preparation on top of the desire to get to the end of the story.
I marvel at writers who can create something from nothing. Creating an original story about regular people is hard enough to do well, but to create a compelling human drama in the midst of a new reality–as Meyer has–is astonishing to me.
The Host is set on a futuristic earth where a colony of silvery worm-like life form who call themselves Souls have taken over control of Earth by inserting themselves into the human bodies. Generally that wipes out the personality of the human, and the Soul takes complete control, but when the soul Wanderer is implanted into host Melanie Stryder, things are a bit different. Melanie is one of the few humans left, a part of the resistance who are fighting hard to preserve their race. When Wanderer takes hold of Melanie’s brain, she continues to hear Melanie’s thoughts and desires. Melanie is angry by being trapped in her own body, and Wanderer is frustrated by her lack of complete control. The struggle between the two souls trapped in one body is compelling in a strangely relatable way. Caring about an alien and a rebel human surprised me, but I did become deeply vested in these characters, as well as those in the resistance cell that stumble upon.
Reading my description just doesn’t do this story justice. If you like a good suspenseful story with a little romance, an imaginative setting and real-life twists and turns, give this a try, even if sci-fi and fantasy aren’t what you normally read.
Another strong selling point of this novel is the lack of profanity or sex. Think the creative genius and storytelling ability of Stephen King without the backdrop of profanity and other vulgarities. You can read more about the author and an excerpt of the book at Stephanie Meyer’s website, which gives a tagline that sums it up for me describing her books, “Science fiction for people who don’t like science fiction.” The publisher’s website also includes an excerpt and a cool preview video.
If you’d like to win one of three copies of this book, leave a comment here. I’ll announce the winner in next week’s column.
The winners of Sweet Caroline are #72 Aubrey and #69 The Mamahood.
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{ 265 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve been wanting to read this! Unfortunately I’m #160 in the hold list at our library so it’s going to be months before I can get it through there
I LOVE the twilight Series and really want to read the Host. Stephenie’s novels really do suck you in!
you gave a great discription, I want to read it now!!
That sounds great…I like that you mention it lacks the profanity and sex of so many other books these days. I like that so much more than books that are full of it!
I definitely love suspense story..I would rather read than watching it on the screen. And reading your descriptions makes my imagination works at all..Oh I really want to have it…Now I am looking forward to have The Host be part of my books collection. Thanks for sharing
Bing
http://mygrowingdaughter.eachday.com
I got hooked on her vampire series last summer and pretty much didn’t get anything done all week that I read them! But I definitely need a new book for my upcoming San Diego vacation and would love this one.
I’m always on the lookout for a great new book!
This definitely sounds like it will be a movie someday. I’d love to read the book before it becomes “famous” in the film industry. I’m sure it would keep me on the edge of my seat!
There are over 500 holds for this book at my library.
sigh
I would *LOVE* to win a copy of this book! I need a new book for my upcoming vacation!
sounds enthralling
I adored her Twilight trilogy and am anxiously waiting for the next book in August. I’d love to win this one!
My daughter loves the Twilight trilogy, she started a trend with her friends,when they saw her read the books they started reading the books too.
Twitter: TheAngelForever
June 2, 2008 at 7:09 am
I am currently finishing up Eclipse (3rd of the Twilight series books) and love Meyer’s writing style. She took vampire book to a new level for people who normally would not even consider it. I have heard amazing things about The Host and would love to have my own copy to read.
Loved her Twilight trilogy and I’ve been looking forward to this one!
My teens and I LOVE Stephanie Meyers. Thanks for the great review of The Host. I can’t wait to read it.
Sounds like a creepy read. I love that it is without the profanity.
The Host sounds like a great book. Id love to read it.
This sounds really cool!
Sounds like a great read
Okay, sign me up! I’m not usually into vampires or aliens either, but a good story can pull me in regardless of the backdrop.
This is a book I’m planning to read. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
This is such my type of reading!!! Please Enter me!!!
I’ve read the first book in the series, and now I’m hooked! I’d love to win!
As a librarian and mom/stepmom of 3 teen girls, I can vouch for the incredible popularity of this author! Even my non-reader devoured these books! Keep going Stephenie Meyer!
sounds great..love sci fi fiction
3beez at bellsouth dot net
I’ve heard great things about this series and would love to win!
I’ve heard about this book and have been wanting to read it. I love sci fi, and lately it’s become a bit of an obsession!
Thanks
Looks like a great read
I’d be interested in reading this. I like futuristic type books/shows.
Sounds great!
I’ve been wanting to read these books. Sounds great!
Suprisingly I think I might enjoy some sci-fi like this. Hook a girl up!
All of my friends are ga-ga over Twilight but I haven’t gotten to them yet. I’d love to give Meyer a try!
I really enjoyed the Twilight series, and would love the chance to read The Host!
i love that’s it’s so creative and yet clean.
I’m on a long waiting list at the library for this too!
I would love to win a copy, it is almost impossible to get one from the library:)
i’d love to add this one to my summer reading
Sounds like a great read!
She is one of my favorite authors…I’m reading this book right now and you are so right…it’s excellent! I’m hoping to finish it sometime this week.
It would make an excellent gift!
My daughter and I enjoyed reading “Twillight”, New Moon, and “Eclipse”. We are anxiously awaiting the “Twillight” movie. We would love to win and read “The Host”
Sounds like a good read! Would love to check it out!
Count me in!
As another of her fans I’m anxiously awaiting the release of the Twilight movie this December!
Wow, this sounds like a great book. A mix of Sci-Fi Thrille with some real “human” interest.
would love to read this one
I’ve tried to get this book from the library, but all copies are being held. I’ve been wanting to read it since I heard about it, but it just hasn’t happened yet.
OOH I want to read this! I haven’t finished the whole Twilight series yet, but I just got notice the second one is on hold for me at the library, finally.
My brother told me this was a good one. Looks like an interesting read! I wouldn’t mind having it to read for myself.
would be great to read again! ( I mean something other than childrens books
I just read this by borrowing it from my sister! I’d love a copy to send to my Pop. He loves sci-fi. It’s a GREAT book!
She’s an awesome writer…
Sounds like a great book.
Nothing is better than a good, gripping book and a few minutes of peace and quiet to be able to read! Great giveaway!!
I’d love to read this one!
It sounds like an allegory on our battle between the spirit and the flesh. I would love to read it!
I want to win!
Just watched the trailer for the book. Sounds great.
I love the Twilight series. (Just got done pre-ordering Breaking Dawn.)
Haven’t read The Host yet, but it sounds intriguing. I didn’t think I’d be into a vampire book either, but I’m learning to try new things.
I sure hope I win thanks
Sounds like a great book that I would love to add to my collection (after reading of course!)
This looks like a book I would enjoy!
This will give me something cool to read while I’m recovering from surgery!
Thanks so much, I would love this!
This book sounds like a cool read… I like that it is suspenseful and romantic at the same time!
I would love to win a copy of this book. I really getting back into reading. Made Hubby take tv out of our bedroom just so I would spend time in there reading not watching tv.
I love her vamp trilogy and really want to read this one!
I would love to win. I’ve read the Twilight series and am interested to see what this book is like.
This sounds like a great story. Would love to read it!
Wow, I would love to win a copy of this book. My step daughter and I both read all the vampire books and the story really is page turner and hard to put down. I would love to read this one too.
I would love to read this!
I have been waiting for this book to come out! I would love to win!
I have this on hold at the library, but it would be so much better to actually own it!
I would love to win this! Please enter me
i’ve heard real good things about this book
sounds like a good read
I’d love to read this
*Thanks* for the giveaway!
I’d like to give it a try!
My husband reads only sci-fi but this sounds like one I would read, too!
Ooh! I just finished reading Twilight, and I’m now a Stephenie Meyer fan. Thanks for the offer!
Great giveaway, thanks!
This book sounds great and Twilight was terrific! I hope I win!
This book sounds fabulous!
like to win this
I am looking for some summer reading. Thanks for the chance.
I haven’t heard of this book before, but it feels like a good read.
No profanity and no sex. Sign me up! Actually, it sounds like an intense plot with a strong, angry heroine. You go girl! I would love to be entered in your giveaway. Thanks very much…..Cindi
I love a good book to read in the summer shade.
The author has had great success in the Teen genre; I look forward to reading her first foray into adult fiction.
sounds interesting, please enter me.
Sound like a really great book
I’ve started reading the Twilight trilogy. I’m starting the second book soon. I would love to read The Host.
Sounds interesting. I’ve been known to like science fiction – and fantasy, and while I think most of Stephen King’s stuff is freak me out in the dark creepy, this sounds like more of an internal struggle than a creepy struggle.
Please enter me
Sounds interesting
OOHHH…sounds so interesting. Both my husband and I would really enjoy this book. Count me in…thanks :O)
This sounds like the perfect summer read – and a nice change from parenting magazines . . .
I would love this book, I haven’t read much more than childrens books in a long while.
This sounds wonderfully scary!
I LOVE Stephenie Meyer! She’s one of my favorite authors, but I haven’t had a chance to read this one yet (they haven’t gotten it in at our library yet). I’ve heard that it’s very good, and I love to be entered in your contest. By the way, you really should read the Twilight series, some of the most easy to read but complex stories I’ve ever read. Thanks for the chance to win.
I have never read any of Stephanie Meyer’s books before, but I had the great pleasure of meeting her at a TV station in Utah a few weeks ago and she is an absolutely wonderful person! Very sweet and down to earth. I am now reading one of her Twilight Series books and love it. I would love to move on to The Host when I finish this one! Thanks
You guys always have good give aways!
I’ve heard nothing but good things about this novel. I’m anxious to read it and hope I win. Thanks for the chance!
I saw this at borders yesterday and put it on my mental to read list! I’d love to win it
sweet prize.
nice
Your description was great! I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about “The Host” but I really wasn’t clear about the story line until you explained it. Now I really want to win!
This sounds like an interesting read.
I’m looking forward to reading this book as I’ve heard a lot about it.
Funny, I was just talking of these books to my husband yesterday, I would love to win… Thank you
looks like a good read
I have heard so much about these books from my dd. She has been wanting to read them. Winning one would be great!
I just finished a god book and need a new read
Sounds interesting!
Haven’t read any of her books, but the idea of a good story without the current prevalence of profanity and extreme sex would be welcome.
Ususally don’t care for vampire stories, but this sounds different. thanks
I just finished the Twilight series and LOVED it! I would love to win these and get to read another one of her books!!
Please enter me!
Thank you for having this contest. I really appreciate it.
I really enjoyed the Twilight series and I have been waiting to read this one. Thanks!
Please enter me; I would love to read this!
Please enter me. It looks like a good summer read.
Please enter me.
THANK YOU GOD BLESS
just to cool
I just bought this. I can’t wait to read it.
This is a very good read. Please enter me.
I love Stephenie Meyer. I am a member of the Twilighters fan club. I’m waiting for her next book Breaking Dawn. I would love a copy of The Host to keep me busy until then. If it’s as good as her other books…I would love to read it. Thanks!
so cool
i love it
pick me
I’d love to win!
I’d love a book to escape into for a few days!
Sounds like it would be a good read.
enter me!
I would love to read this!
I really want to read this book!
thanks for the contest
heard great things about this series
Sounds like a good read!!
I’ve been interested in reading this series for a while. Thanks for the contest.
i just recently heard about the host and its sounds sooo good. i will have to read the series.
I want to win
I read the three books in her first series…great!
Count me in! I’ve been dying to read the Twilight trilogy (my son has and he loved them)–but they’re always gone from the library!
I would to read one of her books! I keep seeing them and have just never tried one.
I’d love to win this, my 12 yr old daughter loves, loves her Twilight series and has them all!!
Love her books! Thank you.
Sounds good!
Ooohh…sounds totally good. I have not read these books, but they sound interesting. Sign me up please?! Thanks for offering!
~Tanya
the4moyers(at)msn(dot)com
Love sci-fi, so looking forward to reading this book. Thanks
i hope i am eligible.
i really want to have a copy of this book.
please?
I love Stephanie Myers
I don’t know about a vampire books but the other posters reccommendations have peaked my interest. Please enter me.
taken over control of Earth-this sounds so good!
Now that’s a different plot. Would love to read the book. If I don’t win, I’ll have to check the library.
Good Luck
Stephanie Meyer is on my list of favorite authors. I’d love to win The Host. It would be a great read during long summer days at the pool.
What a wonderful prize!
I have heard so many good things about this book! Hopefully I can win a copy!
I’d love to own this book.
too cool
good read thanks
would love to read this
I want this one sad bad! My daughter loves the Eclipse books, but I told her I have to read this one first.
would love to add this one to my collection
My daughter is having a cow to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway!
My husband is a high school teacher and Stephanie’s books were recommended to him by several of his students. He loves them! I’d love to win this for him!
i actually just discovered her vampire books the other day and looked them up on my local library…all checked out!! would love this. thanks!
love these books
I love to read!
Great Giveaway! I love Stephanie Meyer and would love to win her new book!
I’d love to read this.
this book looks so hot!!
i’d love to read it:)
I have this book on my summer reading list!
thanks for the contest
enter me
Would love to read this one
I would love to win and read this book! Please enter me!!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Twilight series and have been dying to read the host…but money is tight this month! I would love to win the book! Thanks for letting me enter!
I’d love to read this & see what all the buzz is about.
Thanks
I have read the Twilight series and am eagerly anticipating the release of Breaking Dawn in August.
I would love to read The Host as it is most likely as good as her other books. Stephenie Meyer writes wonderful stories.
Looks like a good book, please enter me.
Now this sounds like a book I can sink my teeth into. Definitely interested in the the occupation of humanity by alien body snatchers. Good job, I look forward to reading it. Thank you.
This book sounds great!!!
I’d love to win a copy!
Great prize. Love to read.
I just started reading Twilight- I had to see what all the talk is about. Can’t wait to read this one!
The Twilight series is on my to buy list but it is not at the top yet, so this would be great.
I am really looking foward to reading The HOst
looks like a good one!
Looks like a good book. Count me in.
Ooooh scifi book! Sounds good!
I’d love to experience it in some mommy only time minutes of the day:)
I’d like to read this!
Please enter me – I love vampire novels
I’d love to read this book!
Wow, what a cool prize.
I would love to read this book.
Looks intresting!
Looks like a spectacular read!
Sounds just like my kind of read!
huge twilight fan here, would love this!
wife would love this for a summer read, thanks for giveaway
please enter me
I loved the Twilight series and agree that it is wonderful to read books without profanity and sex. It just proves that you can be entertained without them. Please enter me in your drawing. I would love to read The Host.
Sounds like good book!!
I would love a good book to read. Please enter me. thank you,Anne
I love suspense! It’s one of my favorites. I’m not into horror but suspense is so much fun to read!
Sweet niblets!
Looks like a great read!
Can’t wait for the fourth Twilight book! So The Host will fulfill my needs til then.
I LOVED The Host! I just had to read it because I loved her Twilight series so much.
When I first started reading The Host I was kind of leery because I’m NOT a sci-fi fan at all. But, I was quickly hooked on the story. Stephenie has a wonderful way of telling a story!!
I’m recommending it to everyone I know!
enter me please
Sounds very interesting!
this looks good!
Thank you for great prizes and contests !!
I would love to win
I got hooked on Stephanie Meyer by reading my daughter’s Twilight series. I would love to win this book! I’ve been wanting to read it!
Thanks!
I love to read. I’d love to win this, thanks!
Sounds great. I would really love to read. Just started reading the twilight series.
great prize
Ever since I saw Ms. Meyer mentioned as the ‘next J. K. Rowling’, I have craved her books. I have ordered the first two, and hopefully can win this one to round it out
Looking for a new author to get into and this sounds very interesting.
I auditioned to be the reader of this audiobook..it is very cool, a bit strange. Thanks for the contest…Zoe
I saw this book at Costco and almost bought it. Would love to win it!
I ~LIKE~ science fiction. A lot. Shelves and shelves of paperbacks, and a steady turnover at the Library. And this looks/sounds good to me!
Thanks for the contest
Sounds very interesting.
My genre
we are a family of readers
we’d be honored to experiance this challenge
sounds great
I would probably like this better than my daughter.
this book sounds sooo awesome!
The other books were so good and were actually books my daughter and I shared so we both want this one
Sounds good–thanks!
This book sounds very ineresting. I would love to win it.
please enter me
Thank you for the chance. I’m always looking for a good book to read.
I would love to win this for my Mom.
I need a new beach read….this looks perfect.
Both my twin daughters and I have read the Twilight series and are anxiously awaiting #4 in the series as well as the movie in December. Would love to read her other work. Thanks!
I’m an avid reader and I love something that will really keep me interested. I really want to read this.
I love to read in my bed before calling it a night!
ty!! 4 the contest!!!!!:)
Count me in!
Sounds great! Count me in.
Sounds like a great book!
count me in please
always looking for a new book please enter me
I must admit, I am a vampire fanatic. This sounds like a great addition to my collection.
please enter me thanks
Great for that rainy day
I am a reader, every chance I get, this is a great contest.
I would love to win this book.
i loved twilight, and i have to wait forever to get this at the library!
Nice prize.
Sounds like a wonderful book !!!!!!!!!!!!! In a great serious
great giveaway thanks for the chance
The twilight series are exception with Stephanie Myers; many thanks SW
Looks like a fantastic book!! i would love to read this
WIN WIN WIN!!!
Great books.
Please please please pick me!
Your complete absorbtion in this book is exactly how I felt about all three books in the Twilight series. I didn’t know there were other books by this author, but I’d love to check this one out.
I saw this in the store today! How cool!
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!