This book is about dreams coming true, and about finding true love when you didn't think it was possible. This book is like the best book in the world. If you liked the Twilight books this book will top them all. This book is the best book ever and everyone should it. You also understand what all of the characters are thinking and feeling. I think everyone should read it and it's like totally amazing. ( )

Love it ! Just one of the most science fiction books ever! And I think it's because it's about a love story and not the end of the world, monsters or that sort of things which are usually in that kind of books :)

Another intriguing scifi/ fantasy story from Meyer. A little confusing at the beginning but worth persevering. Some unexpected twists. Enjoyable. ( )

For me this novel was very enjoyable, a nice break from Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series. One doesn’t need to be a fan of sci-fi novels to enjoy this story as its main focus is on relationships, both alien-to-human and human-to-human. The basic story line is about a parasitic alien race using humans hosts for their own “bodies”. The human mental presence gets suppressed and the alien soul inherits the host memory. The aliens feel that in a way they’re saving humanity from itself – violence, hatred, etc. The alien “souls” consider themselves above the flawed weaknesses and emotions of humankind, as they evolve a human society where violence, lying, and even illness don’t exist.

There’s an irony in that the aliens believe they are “saving” humanity by eradicating violence and disease, and seem concerned with the common good. This is their justification for their action of invading other planets, taking over the species of these planets. Thus muddying good versus evil for they believe their good intentions justifies their means.

What I truly enjoyed was watching Wanderer (Wanda) become “human” which is the essence of the novel. Her humanity evolves as she realizes that humanity’s weaknesses and shortcomings are also its strengths – as illustrated in the story lines that I show, below. It’s interesting that the reader is seeing an alien perspective of our humanity. A third party that discovers what WE take for granted. It helped me ponder on our own humanity especially the emotions and feelings toward all others.

For me, this story raised the question, “What makes us love one another?” I was intrigued by Ian’s character – how he could fall in love with Wanda knowing that she was an alien ‘parasite’ in another’s body. The true test of his love was when her soul was removed and put into another human host. I was fascinated when he described how he affectionately held the soul in his hands when it was removed from the host, Melanie. He showed true love transcending physical attraction. I was impressed and envious of his love for this being.

Interesting was the love triangle (or quadrangle) that developed between Wanda/Melanie, Jared, and Ian. Throughout the book, I was wondering how that was going to resolve itself. I leaned toward Ian winning this (if there would be a winner). I started relating to Ian soon after he started feeling compassion toward Wanda. Ian was her caregiver… ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Stephenie Meyer really is an underrated talent. With all of the angst and criticism thrown her way because of the Twilight Series, I thought that The Host would be more of the same. In a way, there were similarities, but whereas the Twilight series left me wanting for more of the Cullens, The Host gives ample background into the mysterious way of the Souls.My only disappointment with the story is that Meyer failed to address some of the real philosophical questions about the soul, the body, and the afterlife. She had ample opportunity to do so, but I think perhaps she felt the story would take on a too-serious tone. ( )