June 2, 2008
5 Minutes for Books — The Host
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.
Filed under * Feature Columns, 5 Minutes for Books, Books, Contests by Jennifer
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267 Comments on 5 Minutes for Books — The Host »
#1 - Kara @ 12:31 am
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
#2 - Robyn @ 12:32 am
I LOVE the twilight Series and really want to read the Host. Stephenie’s novels really do suck you in!
#3 - Noreen @ 1:07 am
you gave a great discription, I want to read it now!!
#4 - Natalie @ 1:08 am
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!
#5 - Bing @ 1:13 am
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
#6 - Lachelle @ 1:16 am
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.
#7 - Knitting Queen @ 1:52 am
I’m always on the lookout for a great new book!
#8 - Stephanie @ 3:34 am
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!
#9 - themotherboard @ 3:40 am
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!
#10 - chyk @ 6:41 am
sounds enthralling
#11 - Courtney @ 6:52 am
I adored her Twilight trilogy and am anxiously waiting for the next book in August. I’d love to win this one!
#12 - Delilah Vela @ 7:00 am
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.
#13 - TheAngelForever @ 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.
#14 - Teresa W. @ 7:25 am
Loved her Twilight trilogy and I’ve been looking forward to this one!
#15 - Becky @ 7:35 am
My teens and I LOVE Stephanie Meyers. Thanks for the great review of The Host. I can’t wait to read it.
#16 - Jill L @ 7:46 am
Sounds like a creepy read. I love that it is without the profanity.
#17 - Steph Elias @ 7:47 am
The Host sounds like a great book. Id love to read it.
#18 - Mama Zen @ 7:51 am
This sounds really cool!
#19 - Louise Brouillette @ 7:53 am
Sounds like a great read
#20 - Katrina (Callapidder Days) @ 8:03 am
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.
#21 - Summer @ 8:04 am
This is a book I’m planning to read. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
#22 - Mya Brooks @ 8:21 am
This is such my type of reading!!! Please Enter me!!!
#23 - Kellys Krazy Kids @ 8:24 am
I’ve read the first book in the series, and now I’m hooked! I’d love to win!
#24 - Karen Everrett @ 8:37 am
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!
#25 - julie @ 8:40 am
sounds great..love sci fi fiction
3beez at bellsouth dot net
#26 - Ashley @ 8:55 am
I’ve heard great things about this series and would love to win!
#27 - Allison @ 9:17 am
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
#28 - Linda @ 9:17 am
Looks like a great read
#29 - K. Cleaver @ 9:19 am
I’d be interested in reading this. I like futuristic type books/shows.
#30 - Hil'Lesha @ 10:06 am
Sounds great!
#31 - Tobye @ 10:07 am
I’ve been wanting to read these books. Sounds great!
#32 - Char @ 10:07 am
Suprisingly I think I might enjoy some sci-fi like this. Hook a girl up!
#33 - canadacole @ 10:08 am
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!
#34 - emily @ 10:24 am
I really enjoyed the Twilight series, and would love the chance to read The Host!
#35 - Aniela R. @ 10:32 am
i love that’s it’s so creative and yet clean.
#36 - Romie @ 10:38 am
I’m on a long waiting list at the library for this too!
#37 - Adventures in Mommyland @ 10:55 am
I would love to win a copy, it is almost impossible to get one from the library:)
#38 - mon @ 11:04 am
i’d love to add this one to my summer reading
#39 - Richelle F @ 11:14 am
Sounds like a great read!
#40 - Michele @ 11:16 am
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!
#41 - Holly Blanco @ 11:27 am
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”
#42 - Mandy @ 11:43 am
Sounds like a good read! Would love to check it out!
#43 - Desmond @ 12:08 pm
Count me in!
#44 - Cocoa @ 12:31 pm
As another of her fans I’m anxiously awaiting the release of the Twilight movie this December!
#45 - The Host by Stephanie Meyer - 3 winners | Contests 4 Moms @ 12:57 pm
[...] Where: 5 Minutes for Mom [...]
#46 - Jennifer Barnett @ 1:10 pm
Wow, this sounds like a great book. A mix of Sci-Fi Thrille with some real “human” interest.
#47 - Linda Peters @ 1:11 pm
would love to read this one
#48 - Rachel @ 1:23 pm
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.
#49 - kelli @ 1:27 pm
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.
#50 - Bradley @ 1:48 pm
My brother told me this was a good one. Looks like an interesting read! I wouldn’t mind having it to read for myself.
#51 - Nodins Nest @ 1:50 pm
would be great to read again! ( I mean something other than childrens books
#52 - Sierra Rendon @ 1:53 pm
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…
#53 - charline s @ 1:53 pm
Sounds like a great book.
#54 - Anne @ 2:08 pm
Nothing is better than a good, gripping book and a few minutes of peace and quiet to be able to read! Great giveaway!!
#55 - Roseann Kies @ 2:22 pm
I’d love to read this one!
#56 - Judy J. @ 2:28 pm
It sounds like an allegory on our battle between the spirit and the flesh. I would love to read it!
#57 - Michael Capp @ 2:43 pm
I want to win!
#58 - lace @ 2:58 pm
Just watched the trailer for the book. Sounds great.
#59 - World's Greatest Mommy @ 3:14 pm
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.
#60 - Rodney K @ 3:15 pm
I sure hope I win thanks
#61 - Beth @ 3:21 pm
Sounds like a great book that I would love to add to my collection (after reading of course!)
#62 - Donna W @ 3:27 pm
This looks like a book I would enjoy!
#63 - Krisinda Smith @ 3:32 pm
This will give me something cool to read while I’m recovering from surgery!
#64 - Megan B. @ 3:32 pm
Thanks so much, I would love this!
#65 - Tisha @ 3:42 pm
This book sounds like a cool read… I like that it is suspenseful and romantic at the same time!
#66 - Tricia @ 3:49 pm
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.
#67 - Bebemiqui @ 3:56 pm
I love her vamp trilogy and really want to read this one!
#68 - Nancy @ 4:08 pm
I would love to win. I’ve read the Twilight series and am interested to see what this book is like.
#69 - Marion @ 4:08 pm
This sounds like a great story. Would love to read it!
#70 - killlashandra @ 4:20 pm
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.
#71 - kelli @ 4:29 pm
I would love to read this!
#72 - Stephanie @ 5:05 pm
I have been waiting for this book to come out! I would love to win!
#73 - Aubrey @ 5:16 pm
I have this on hold at the library, but it would be so much better to actually own it!
#74 - Ann Fantom @ 5:30 pm
I would love to win this! Please enter me
#75 - Adrienne Gordon @ 5:41 pm
i’ve heard real good things about this book
#76 - susan varney @ 5:51 pm
sounds like a good read
#77 - Cheryl Free @ 5:52 pm
I’d love to read this
*Thanks* for the giveaway!
#78 - Tara R. @ 6:00 pm
I’d like to give it a try!
#79 - Naomi @ 6:06 pm
My husband reads only sci-fi but this sounds like one I would read, too!
#80 - geekbearinggifts @ 6:09 pm
Ooh! I just finished reading Twilight, and I’m now a Stephenie Meyer fan. Thanks for the offer!
#81 - Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland @ 6:14 pm
Great giveaway, thanks!
#82 - Kimberly B. @ 6:17 pm
This book sounds great and Twilight was terrific! I hope I win!
#83 - Staci J. @ 6:17 pm
This book sounds fabulous!
#84 - Tonya Froemel @ 6:23 pm
like to win this
#85 - Kathy Scott @ 6:48 pm
I am looking for some summer reading. Thanks for the chance.
#86 - Nora Scott-Platt @ 7:07 pm
I haven’t heard of this book before, but it feels like a good read.
#87 - Cindi @ 7:26 pm
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
#88 - Linda Moeller @ 7:37 pm
I love a good book to read in the summer shade.
#89 - Deborah Wellenstein @ 8:27 pm
The author has had great success in the Teen genre; I look forward to reading her first foray into adult fiction.
#90 - Rebel V @ 8:33 pm
sounds interesting, please enter me.
#91 - Kathy Davis @ 9:07 pm
Sound like a really great book
#92 - Christel @ 9:07 pm
I’ve started reading the Twilight trilogy. I’m starting the second book soon. I would love to read The Host.
#93 - Heather @ 9:07 pm
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.
#94 - Dan Smith @ 10:07 pm
Please enter me
#95 - Susan Smith @ 10:07 pm
Sounds interesting
#96 - Sandy F. @ 10:10 pm
OOHHH…sounds so interesting. Both my husband and I would really enjoy this book. Count me in…thanks :O)
#97 - Belinda A. @ 11:24 pm
This sounds like the perfect summer read - and a nice change from parenting magazines . . .
#98 - Cara @ 11:50 pm
I would love this book, I haven’t read much more than childrens books in a long while.
#99 - Susan C @ 11:59 pm
This sounds wonderfully scary!
#100 - Sarah M @ 12:13 am
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.
#101 - Pauline M @ 12:33 am
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
#102 - Corrie C @ 2:12 am
You guys always have good give aways!
#103 - marleen davis @ 2:17 am
I’ve heard nothing but good things about this novel. I’m anxious to read it and hope I win. Thanks for the chance!
#104 - Carrie S @ 2:28 am
I saw this at borders yesterday and put it on my mental to read list! I’d love to win it
#105 - Stephen Saunders @ 2:43 am
sweet prize.
#106 - sandy @ 3:20 am
nice
#107 - Deborah Rosen @ 4:04 am
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!
#108 - Terra Heck @ 4:25 am
This sounds like an interesting read.
#109 - David @ 6:37 am
I’m looking forward to reading this book as I’ve heard a lot about it.
#110 - Lisa @ 6:55 am
Funny, I was just talking of these books to my husband yesterday, I would love to win… Thank you
#111 - david basile @ 7:22 am
looks like a good read
#112 - Debbie @ 7:37 am
I have heard so much about these books from my dd. She has been wanting to read them. Winning one would be great!
#113 - Lisa Fosses @ 7:50 am
I just finished a god book and need a new read
#114 - Susan @ 8:15 am
Sounds interesting!
#115 - Carol G @ 8:35 am
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.
#116 - ANNE S @ 9:00 am
Ususally don’t care for vampire stories, but this sounds different. thanks
#117 - Playful Professional @ 9:55 am
I just finished the Twilight series and LOVED it! I would love to win these and get to read another one of her books!!
#118 - Karen M @ 9:55 am
Please enter me!
#119 - Patty @ 10:01 am
Thank you for having this contest. I really appreciate it.
#120 - Nicol @ 10:03 am
I really enjoyed the Twilight series and I have been waiting to read this one. Thanks!
#121 - Linda Howard @ 10:44 am
Please enter me; I would love to read this!
#122 - Jess V. @ 10:52 am
Please enter me. It looks like a good summer read.
#123 - tim brown @ 11:21 am
Please enter me.
THANK YOU GOD BLESS
#124 - jan koontz @ 11:48 am
just to cool
#125 - Jenny @ 11:57 am
I just bought this. I can’t wait to read it.
#126 - Linda Pinto @ 12:15 pm
This is a very good read. Please enter me.
#127 - Belinda @ 12:22 pm
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!
#128 - Ana @ 12:52 pm
so cool
#129 - Angel @ 12:53 pm
i love it
#130 - Maja @ 12:53 pm
pick me
#131 - SJ @ 1:43 pm
I’d love to win!
#132 - Tarah @ 1:50 pm
I’d love a book to escape into for a few days!
#133 - Angela J @ 1:57 pm
Sounds like it would be a good read.
#134 - Sarah @ 2:09 pm
enter me!
#135 - Linda Lansford @ 2:15 pm
I would love to read this!
#136 - Forgetfulone @ 3:13 pm
I really want to read this book!
#137 - israel y @ 3:16 pm
thanks for the contest
#138 - jeanette malan @ 3:21 pm
heard great things about this series
#139 - Holly @ 3:28 pm
Sounds like a good read!!
#140 - Amy @ 3:40 pm
I’ve been interested in reading this series for a while. Thanks for the contest.
#141 - judy brittle @ 3:56 pm
i just recently heard about the host and its sounds sooo good. i will have to read the series.
#142 - Mike Weisberg @ 5:23 pm
I want to win
#143 - Lina Correa @ 5:33 pm
I read the three books in her first series…great!
#144 - Lisa writes... @ 5:43 pm
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!
#145 - Jessica Mcghee @ 7:00 pm
I would to read one of her books! I keep seeing them and have just never tried one.
#146 - Kari Follett @ 7:00 pm
I’d love to win this, my 12 yr old daughter loves, loves her Twilight series and has them all!!
#147 - Adriana BH @ 7:07 pm
Love her books! Thank you.
#148 - Barbara Fox @ 7:10 pm
Sounds good!
#149 - Tanya Moyer @ 7:23 pm
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
#150 - DeeAnn @ 7:32 pm
Love sci-fi, so looking forward to reading this book. Thanks
#151 - Ivan Girl @ 8:47 pm
i hope i am eligible.
i really want to have a copy of this book.
please?
#152 - Catherine copeland @ 9:00 pm
I love Stephanie Myers
#153 - megan @ 9:20 pm
I don’t know about a vampire books but the other posters reccommendations have peaked my interest. Please enter me.
#154 - Vicki Wurgler @ 10:10 pm
taken over control of Earth-this sounds so good!
#155 - Kat Bryan @ 10:26 pm
Now that’s a different plot. Would love to read the book. If I don’t win, I’ll have to check the library.
#156 - Linda @ 11:18 pm
Good Luck
#157 - ~Leigh @ 11:36 pm
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.
#158 - Valerie Mitchell @ 1:08 am
What a wonderful prize!
#159 - Crissybug @ 2:07 am
I have heard so many good things about this book! Hopefully I can win a copy!
#160 - Patricia Simpkin @ 9:59 am
I’d love to own this book.
#161 - Rebecca Snodgrass @ 10:03 am
too cool
#162 - mindy @ 10:41 am
good read thanks
#163 - william causey @ 11:58 am
would love to read this
#164 - Karen @ 12:29 pm
I want this one sad bad! My daughter loves the Eclipse books, but I told her I have to read this one first.
#165 - Timothy Glenn @ 12:56 pm
would love to add this one to my collection
#166 - P. Adams @ 12:58 pm
My daughter is having a cow to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway!
#167 - Shannon B. @ 1:26 pm
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!
#168 - Trisha Dowling @ 6:39 pm
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!
#169 - Gayle Morgan @ 7:12 pm
love these books
#170 - Erica G @ 10:32 pm
I love to read!
#171 - Paula S @ 11:04 pm
Great Giveaway! I love Stephanie Meyer and would love to win her new book!
#172 - Renee @ 11:28 pm
I’d love to read this.
#173 - deidra cox @ 1:24 am
this book looks so hot!!
i’d love to read it:)
#174 - Kim @ 9:41 am
I have this book on my summer reading list!
#175 - valerie mabrey @ 10:00 am
thanks for the contest
#176 - Jennifer Hedden @ 11:24 am
enter me
#177 - Sonja Hubbard @ 2:15 pm
Would love to read this one