Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.
When Melanie, one of the few remaining “wild” humans is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading “soul” who has been given Melanie’s body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn’t expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Wanderer probes Melanie’s thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer’s mind with visions of the man Melanie loves—Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body’s desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.”
(Above excerpt is from the inside cover of The Host)
The Review
I must be the only person left in the book review blogging community who didn’t read Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Series. However, I’m not sure that I really want to read it as my children have read the series twice, each. They could most likely recite the story to me. A little part of me is, however, curious. When I saw that Hachette was doing a TOUR of The Host, I wanted to get involved. Well, I didn’t make the tour (but, you should definitely check it out…), but I figtured that maybe I’d find my love for Stephanie Meyer in this book, a non-related entity to the Twilight Series.
Let’s start with the things that I liked about this 600+ page novel… There were some great creative ideas in this book. The premise of the story is intriguing and has the makings of a really great movie. In fact, the book almost reads as if it were an actual movie. It’s filled with tons of dialogue that carries the story along. Wanda, the alien within Melanie’s body, has lived on 6 or 7 other planets (I can’t remember which). This gives Wanda the ability to share lots of great stories of the other planets and their species with the remaining “pod” of humans that she’s living with. Wanda touches on these planets and experiences as she develops her unique relationship with the humans.
Another concept that I really liked within the covers of this novel is the one of human love is so unique and different from anything else. The book suggests that the way humans love one another remains within us, down to the cellular level. Love is a memory, a feeling, and is irresistible to fight. Further, the story suggests that the way that humans love their offspring is so completely unmatched in any other species. I can, most certainly, agree with this!
What made this novel my “not-so-favorite?” Well, I truly believe that this book would have presented better had it been condensed. I think that many aspects of this story could have been introduced in a shorter fashion and the story-line streamlined. I believe that Meyer could have achieved a stronger piece of literary fiction had she attempted to do this. Another suggestion that I would have provided as an editor to this book is expanding upon the description of the other worlds and alien species that Wanda was once a participant in. As a reader, I would have preferred these tales to the overly present verbiage throughout the book.
On Sher’s “Out of Ten Scale:”
Overall, I liked this book. It may be an interesting read for my twins and they may enjoy it more than I did. However, I did talk to Lisa’s munchkin about it recently. I think that she agreed with me that the book was too long. She seemed to like it. I also discussed the book with my friend, Danielle. She old me that she did finish the book, however liked it less than the Twilight Series. She expressed to me that it was just too “wordy.”
In summary, this book would make a good sci-fi movie, or made-for-tv-movie (or mini-series). However, as a read, I think the book needed some improvement. For the genre Fiction:Science Fiction, I am going to rate this book a 7 OUT OF 10.
My thanks to my Miriam and Hachette for the engaging book!
This is the story of Elizabeth Bennet and her family, which includes her parents and her four sisters. Living in England in the early 1800′s, the focus of young women was on who they were to be compatible with and subsequently marry. In the story of this family, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet have no male heir to their estate. Subsequently, their home and wealth is slated to go to a cousin, Mr. Collins upon Mr. Bennet’s death. As such, it is seemingly more important to Mrs. Bennet than other mothers to marry off her five daughters as soon as possible to ensure that they are cared for in the event of Mr. Bennet’s passing.
The story of Pride & Prejudice starts when a handsome and wealthy man, Mr. Bingley, comes to rent an estate not far from The Bennet Family’s. As he takes possession of this fine rental, the families in the surrounding area buzz with excitement and anticipation that this fine gentleman will choose one of their daughters as a bride. Mrs. Bennet is no exception. At a ball, Elizabeth’s older and beautiful sister, Jane, becomes the object of Mr. Bingley’s affections. It is also at this ball that Elizabeth (“Lizzy”) overhears a handsome stranger, Mr. Darcy, state that she is not “handsome” enough to be considered for a dance with him at the ball. Mr. Darcy is a very wealthy, handsome, and brooding stranger whom Lizzy will soon not be able to avoid.
This story takes readers from the time of that ball until well over a year later. During such time, The Bennet family is faced with an issue of family honor when their daughter Lydia runs off with a handsome, however untrustworthy military man, Mr. Wickman. In addition, Mr. Collins makes an attempt to marry into the family to find himself a suitable wife. Thankfully, The Bennet Daughters are spared despite Mrs. Bennet’s urging to accept his long-winded proposal. However, the most important story within this novel is the love story between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. The reader observes her initial disdain for him grow into an irresistible love that she can not deny.
The Review
From what I understand about Jane Austen, before her there were no other authors who narrated the human psyche as much as she did within the writings of a novel. Her descriptions of society and of the inner the minds of her heroes and heroines changed the face of the English Literature. Despite all of the rants and ravings I’ve heard over the years, mainly from women, about the excellence of Jane Austen… well, frankly I was uninterested.
In developing my passion for “The Classics,” I knew that Jane Austen could not be avoided forever. Perhaps it was when my daughter started reading it that I thought to myself, “Okay, it’s time Sheri.” And, so it was. The good news is that reading this classic with an adult and appreciative mind, I was able to see the beauty in this literary masterpiece in a way that I’m not sure my high-school or college eyes would see. As such, I read this book with a fervor that I can’t quite exactly explain. I read this book quickly and aggressively because I was hooked. Now, it’s not like a page-turner where you can’t wait to find out what happens next in the storyline. In fact, expect the opposite in reading Austen. There’s not much to the storyline at all. I could sum up the events of this story in a paragraph lined with a few sentences… no problem! Rather, it’s the addiction to discover the inner workings of the minds of the characters. As a reader, I couldn’t wait to see Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy find a way to one another… What would Mr. Darcy do to convince her that he was the type of man that she could and would love? Would the heart of this strong-willed woman melt in the arms of this uber-wealthy, super handsome man? Would HE finally be deserving of her love?
In speaking to others about this book, there is one main discovery that I’ve made. The readers of this book have made these characters their own within their minds. Whether they are loved, disliked or even what they look like is a very personal thing to the lovers of this book. I must admit that I am NO different. In watching the movie starring Keira Knightly, I formed strong opinions about the casting of the characters and how the movie was filmed. It had to match my imagination for it to be right and good. Now, this is something new and different for me. Most book to movie translations I pick apart for other reasons… most commonly that the movie didn’t match the story within the book. Because Pride & Prejudice is such a character-driven, psychological tale, it is that the characters must be cast like the book. Here’s where the problem lies, the characters are formed in each reader’s personal imagination and no two Mr. Darcy’s are alike.
I never, IN A MILLION YEARS, thought that I would ever be the type of person who now wants to see every movie version of Pride & Prejudice. But, I do! Nor did I ever imagine myself wanting to discuss a book as much as I want to discuss this one… but, only with women! I’m just not that type of gal. But, I guess apparently I am. I’m shocked at myself.
The “Skinny” On P&P:
My review can never match up to the amazing, thought provoking analysis and reviews of this masterpiece. My internet review can most likely not live up to expectations. So, I figured it best for me to “be myself” and just tell you what I really think of the characters in this book. If you are Jane Austen die-hard fan, you may want to skip over this part…
I hate Mr. Collins. He’s BORING BORING BORING and so full of himself that I want to barf! He drives me nuts!
Bingley needs to grow some balls. Why on earth is somebody with money and looks so persuaded by other people’s opinions? If a gorgeous woman was in love with me, I’d make my own choices. Grow up, Mr. Bingley!
Somebody smack that Lydia! What a moron! In the case of her elopement to Mr. Wickman, I agree with Mr. Collins. Let Lydia suffer the consequences of her lame-ass decision and deal with Wickman as it may come. Bailing her out fo the sake of the family name was not a good choice. Although, I guess The Bennet Family kinda had to. I mean, there were still those other 4 daughters to marry off so they didn’t end up homeless or at the mercy of the long-winded Mr. Collins.
I say “You Go Girlfriend” to Lizzy when she tells Lady Catherine de Bourgh to shove it where the sun don’t shine! You GO Girl!
Jane, how can you seriously get a cold (THAT FAST) from walking in the rain? And, it takes you a week to heal? I think you’re milking it, Jane!
I love you, Mr. Bennet! Will you be my daddy, too?
Bingley’s sister is a total bitch and me-no-likey! However, I give sissie-hugs to Darcy’s piano playing sister!
Lizzy and Darcy, I hope that you had a jammin’ marriage and that the sex was really good after all that you went through!
About Jane…
From Wikipedia.com, here is some information about Jane Austen:
Jane Austen (16 December 1775 – 18 July 1817) was an English novelist whose realism, biting social commentary and masterful use of free indirect speech, burlesque, and irony have earned her a place as one of the most widely read and most beloved writers in English literature.
Austen lived her entire life as part of a small and close-knit family located on the lower fringes of English gentry. She was educated primarily by her father and older brothers as well as through her own reading. The steadfast support of her family was critical to Austen’s development as a professional writer. Austen’s artistic apprenticeship lasted from her teenage years until she was about thirty-five years old. During this period, she experimented with various literary forms, including the epistolary novel which she tried and then abandoned, and wrote and extensively revised three major novels and began a fourth.
From 1811 until 1816, with the release of Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814) and Emma (1816), she achieved success as a published writer. She wrote two additional novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, both published posthumously in 1818, and began a third, which was eventually titled Sanditon, but died before completing it.
Austen’s works critique the novels of sensibility of the second half of the eighteenth century and are part of the transition to nineteenth-century realism. Austen’s plots, though fundamentally comic, highlight the dependence of women on marriage to secure social standing and economic security. Like those of Samuel Johnson, one of the strongest influences on her writing, her works are concerned with moral issues.
During Austen’s lifetime, because she chose to publish anonymously, her works brought her little personal fame and only a few positive reviews. Through the mid-nineteenth century, her novels were admired only by members of the literary elite. However, the publication of her nephew’s A Memoir of Jane Austen in 1869 introduced her to a wider public as an appealing personality and kindled popular interest in her works. By the 1940s, Austen was widely accepted in academia as a “great English writer”. The second half of the twentieth century saw a proliferation of Austen scholarship, which explored many aspects of her novels: artistic, ideological, and historical. In popular culture, a Janeite fan culture has developed, centred on Austen’s life, her works, and the various film and television adaptations of them.
On Sher’s “Out of Ten Scale:”
I NEVER NEVER NEVER thought that I’d like Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. I just finished reading it and I already want to read it again. I’m not sure why… perhaps it’s to make sure that I read all of the verbiage correctly and that I have the facts of the story straight. I cannot explain why I feel this way… I just do.
Like I said above, I now need to find all the other movie versions of this story to watch and, obviously, pick apart! I do want to experience more Austen, but I’m not sure which one to read next. So, I need your suggestions, Jane Austen fans!
This book is a MUST READ for anybody who claims they are a “reader” or lover of books. It’s not that the book or the story are spectacular, but in a way it’s like you learn things about yourself in reading this story. Which character am I like? I am definitely a mix between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth and I parent more like Mr. Bennet than the Mrs. So… for those of you out there who were like me… NOT AT ALL INTERESTED IN READING AUSTEN… I think that you should take one of her books for a test-drive and see if you still feel the same way when you’re done. I do recommend that you take Pride & Prejudice for that ride! Readers, I therefore am bestowing my rating for P&P under the genre Fiction:Classics, a 10 OUT OF 10. This would make a very engaging book club discussion!
Reality TV/Monday Night ABC Fans… now that Dancing With The Stars has come to an end, our summer is scheduled to keep us busy with The Bachelorette in its time slot. ABC has chosen this season’s bachelorette, Jillian Harris, from last season’s The Bachelor with Two-Timer Jason. If you are a regular reader of my blog, you may remember that Jillian Harris was NOT my pick for The Bachelorette. I really liked Stephanie:
Stephanie
But, those ABC Exec’s and casting folks preferred Jillian. I just wasn’t a fan. Because they chose Jillian (aka The Hot Dog Girl), I told myself that, for the first season EVER, I wouldn’t watch The Bachelorette. Unfortunately… there is nothing more interesting to me that’s airing on the tube on Monday Nights since House is also in re-runs. And, let’s face it… I’m a total cop-out. Of course I am going to watch it… I just CANNOT resist.
So, now it’s about learning to like Jillian and cheer for her happiness. There’s an upside to this… SUPER HOT GUYS! And, this season is filled with them. The surprising thing is how much they freak out over Jillian being so “hot!” That wouldn’be be how I would describe her. I think she’s cute, spunky, smart and has a bangin’ body… but, “hot?” Not so sure I agree. This makes me smile, however, because maybe that means that men are really looking for gals with great personalities. There’s hope yet for us all!
So, here’s the new bachelorette (if you don’t know her already), Jillian Harris:
Last week, she had 30 men to choose from. I think she did a pretty great job with picking some of the “better ones.” The week, the viewers get to learn a little bit more about these guys. Going into tonight’s episode, I already had my favorites:
Jake, The Gorgeous Airline Pilot
This episode they got a personal, live concert with Martina McBride.
Kipton, The Man With the Killer Smile (To Match His Killer Bod!)
David: A Man’s Man (pant pant pant)
Maybe if I was 26 again, I could be the Bachelorette. I want these hot guys pining over me! AAAHHH!
So, tonight’s episode got me thinking some thoughts about a few others:
Wes… On A Mission to Stardom
If this guy is truly on this show, without the help of his agent or in hopes of using this show as a platform to gain popularity, then I am certainly going to win the lottery and fly off to Greece! You’d be a fool not to see it! The previews for next week show him serenading her with his guitar singing one of his original songs. BLAH! He’s totally hot, but I can’t respect the guy. Maybe I’ll change my mind!?!
Sasha: The Good Son
Last week, we met Sasha’s family, including his mother. I like his family! He seems ultra cool and I want to party with his family! I hope that we get more time with Sasha. Although, Tanner (the guy with the foot fetish says he’s got ugly, hairy feet… oh, no… no… no!).
Mike: He’ll Steal Your Panties!
O.K., maybe not panties, but your speedos. He’ll bargain them right off of you on the beach and streak down to the water. He gets no points for originality because Jillian suggested it. However, he does get a couple of brownie points for humoring her by doing it. Now, at least he had something covering his “Mr. Happy.” Brian, another bachelor stripped down naked and jumped in the pool in front of everyone. Of course, he blames his “shrinkage” (comparable to a light switch) on the weather, etc. but, we all know that ain’t so! (hee hee). He actually thinks that he got voted off because of the size of his member. Well, Mike’s sighing a breath of relief that the speedos gave him more of a door handle than a light switch!
Juan Juan Juan… what are you doing?
Here’s an example of a perfectly handsome general contractor (although he works with his mom the architect and that could be an issue!) who’s just messing up all the way around. The guys voted him as the one they wanted off the show. They feel he’s not honoring “The Man Code” by being too artistic, not athletic enough, and faking his tequilla shot. Well, it’s really David more than anybody who’s after him. But, let’s face it… there’s always one guy that is more in touch with his inner “renaissance man,” and this is him. David and the guys were bagging on him for reading women poetry and expressing artistic love. I only have one thing to say in defense of Juan, at least HE IS MAN ENOUGH to admit it. There is NO WAY IN HELL that none of the other guys have never written a love letter or poem to a woman (or read her one). Juan, you may not make it until the end, but I give you kudos for being okay enough with yourself to be yourself. You may be a bit of a cornball, but at least you’re trying. Don’t let those mean boys get you down!
Jesse, Mr. All American
Jesse’s photo may not be as striking as some of the others above, however he’s a dark horse in this competition. He’s hot, ladies! You’ll see… Just remember that I call “dibs” if she dumps him!
Oh, Ed! Ed... Ed... Ed...
I was at a beach barbeque and somebody said, “Everybody has an Uncle Ed.” Well, he can PRETEND that he’s my uncle and I’ll behave. Oh, he’s so yummy! Doesn’t he just look like Mr. All American Football Player Guy? HOLY SMOKES! He’s just too gorgeous for his own good.
So… Jake is the one to beat, for me!
Which Bachelor On This Post Do You Think is THE HOTTEST?!?
Jake (41%, 20 Votes)
Kipton (22%, 11 Votes)
Sasha (10%, 5 Votes)
Juan (10%, 5 Votes)
Mike (8%, 4 Votes)
Ed (4%, 2 Votes)
David (2%, 1 Votes)
Wes (2%, 1 Votes)
Jesse (1%, 0 Votes)
Total Voters: 49
Stay tuned to next Tuesday when I shower you with another recap of The Bachelorette and pictures of hot guys! It starts the week off right!
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Author: Stephanie Meyer
I must be the only person left in the book review blogging community who didn’t read Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Series. However, I’m not sure that I really want to read it as my children have read the series twice, each. They could most likely recite the story to me. A little part of me is, however, curious. When I saw that Hachette was doing a TOUR of The Host, I wanted to get involved. Well, I didn’t make the tour (but, you should definitely check it out…), but I figtured that maybe I’d find my love for Stephanie Meyer in this book, a non-related entity to the Twilight Series.
From what I understand about Jane Austen, before her there were no other authors who narrated the human psyche as much as she did within the writings of a novel. Her descriptions of society and of the inner the minds of her heroes and heroines changed the face of the English Literature. Despite all of the rants and ravings I’ve heard over the years, mainly from women, about the excellence of Jane Austen… well, frankly I was uninterested. 
I NEVER NEVER NEVER thought that I’d like Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. I just finished reading it and I already want to read it again. I’m not sure why… perhaps it’s to make sure that I read all of the verbiage correctly and that I have the facts of the story straight. I cannot explain why I feel this way… I just do.
Reality TV/Monday Night ABC Fans… now that Dancing With The Stars has come to an end, our summer is scheduled to keep us busy with The Bachelorette in its time slot. ABC has chosen this season’s bachelorette, Jillian Harris, from last season’s The Bachelor with Two-Timer Jason. If you are a regular reader of my blog, you may remember that Jillian Harris was NOT my pick for The Bachelorette. I really liked Stephanie:
