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| The Host: A Novel | 
 enlarge | Author: Stephenie Meyer
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Category: Book
List Price: $25.99
Buy New: $10.40
You Save: $15.59 (60%)
New (70) Used (30) Collectible (7) from $10.40
Avg. Customer Rating:  619 reviews
Sales Rank: 77
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 624
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.9
Dimensions (in): 9.3 x 5.6 x 2.1
ISBN: 0316068047
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.6
EAN: 9780316068048
ASIN: 0316068047
Publication Date: May 6, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: New - Has remainder mark. Fast shipping from trusted wholesaler with many exclusive publisher contracts.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Boring and pretentious, a deadly combination. May 29, 2008
12 out of 27 found this review helpful
Slow and un-involving in the beginning, set in a myopic "world" with little outside influence. the writing style reminds me of the pulp style sci-fi paperbacks of the 60's, but without the taught plot and interesting characters. This book and author are obviously the "hot beach read" being pushed by the publisher for 2008, similar to the awful "Ruins" book of last year that was greatly hyped and delivered zero
Perhaps next time.
 fun futuristic Invasion of the Body Snatchers May 6, 2008
11 out of 26 found this review helpful
They came from outer space without any fanfare. These parasites inserted themselves inside the human brain taking over the host. Disease and war are long gone, but some no infected humans insist this is not Eden as security for freedom is to high a price; the space "Souls" control the body while the human brain activity ebbs. Seekers search for those still independent to turn them over for conversion by the centipedes from space. No place is safe.
In Chicago, one of these human insurgents twentyish Melanie Stryder wants these "Souls" to leave her alone. When the Seekers capture her, a "Soul" is placed inside her brain. She learns the creature surprisingly has a name, Wanderer. Obstinate Melanie refuses to fade into the background. She as the Host persuades Wanderer to find her brother Jamie and her boyfriend Jared missing in the Arizona desert as long as they find the parasite's significant other too. When the coupling meets up with her loved ones in a secret rebel hideaway led by her uncle, the purebreds suspect both of them sharing her body, but soon Wanda as they start calling the parasite begins to win over the insurgents just like this Soul did her host.
Although first impressions is THE HOST is a futuristic Invasion of the Body Snatchers; in fact Stephanie Meyer's tale is a much more complex character driven thriller. Relationships are the key to this superb tale that focuses on Wanda-Melanie and those the Host cherishes like her brother and her boyfriend. Jared's thoughts bring perspective when he kisses Melanie he wonders if he is kissing her, Wanda, or both; geometrically adding to the complications is Ian. Fans who want invasion action and its consequences need to go elsewhere like The Invasion of the Body Snatchers; but those who appreciate a deep look at a personal level will enjoy this fine thriller.
Harriet Klausner
 First taste of Stephenie Meyer May 14, 2008
11 out of 13 found this review helpful
I was confused when my husband gave me this book for mother's day since I'm not a sci-fi fan at all. I knew nothing of Stephenie Meyer. But my husband had heard some good things about her on NPR, so he got it for me. I'm so glad he did! This book was a page turner from the start- I had a hard time putting it down, and finished it in 2 days. I love the writing style and the story is so creative, like nothing I've read before. I really fell in love with the characters. I was disappointed when it was over, but I'm excited by the prospect of a sequel!
Sci-fi for people who don't like sci-fi May 19, 2008
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
Just like Twilight is a vampire story for people who don't like vampire stories, The Host is a sci-fi novel for people who don't like sci-fi. Ultimately, this is a very human story about love, friendship, loyalty and family. It's moving and unique.
Truthfully, I wasn't expecting to like it much. I read the excerpt available on Stephenie's website a few months ago and wasn't overly impressed, but because it's SM and I'm a big fan of the Twilight series I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did! I found the storyline compelling and fascinating from the outset - unlike other readers, I did not find the beginning slow at all (or any part). I thought the entire novel flowed very smoothly. I enjoy quieter moments in stories because those are often when you really get to know the characters and it makes the action sequences more meaningful. Once again, SM has created characters we can relate to and care about.
I've read some of the negative reviews and all I can say is that everyone has different taste. I didn't find this story lacking in any way - it's very different from Twilight but in my opinion just as good. In fact, thematically, I think it's better. We have a much stronger herione this time and get to explore a friendship between two women (Melanie/Wanderer). And while Wanderer is peaceful and self-sacrificing, no one could argue that she isn't a very strong herione who chooses to do things because they are right and ethical. For those who thought Bella was such a rotten roll model, Wanderer should make them happy. Even though this is considered an adult book, it's perfectly suitable for teens.
I'd say this is Stephenie in her best form. The entire novel from start to finish is well written, though provoking and weaves complex emotions into a fascinating storyline. She has proven herself to be an excellent storyteller (much like Wanderer). Bravo, SM!
Not for me June 1, 2008
11 out of 26 found this review helpful
I read the Twilight series in a week and just wanting more. So even knowing that the Host is nothing like Twilight and that it is sci fi adult versus young adult I really could not get into it. I tried, but found it very hard and confusing at first. Not light reading, you could not be distracted at all while reading this book(no background noise etc.)
I didn't finish it but passed it along to my Sci fi finatic sister in law and she said it was okay.
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