The Host Is a Good Book! So There!

yodaitlin likes S. Meyer's sci fi novel, and she's not ashamed to admit it! —Sparkitors

The Host was released back in 2008, during what I refer to as “the dark ages”— the period of time when I, a Sparkler, liked Twilight. *hangs head in shame*. It was a miserable era indeed. Naturally, being the twifreak that I was, I bought The Host as soon as it came out. I read the book in two days, and then read it again, and again, and again… but after the dark ages passed, I forgot about it.

Then, when Breaking Dawn Part 1 came out, I remembered that The Host exists, and I reread it. And here’s the crazy, mind-boggling, Dan-exploding thing… it's a good book.

That’s right. Stephanie Meyer actually wrote a good book. Hold on, don’t throw the rotting fruit yet—I swear I am no longer a twihard, Meyer-worshipping fangirl. I actually dislike Twilight VERY much (Dan Bergstein and my third read of the series helped me see the light). I'm a Twilight-hater who still thinks everyone should give this book a chance.

Stephenie Meyer’s website describes The Host as “science fiction for people who don’t like science fiction.” It isn’t real sci fi, but it does deal with an apocalypse-like scenario. The premise is that aliens (in this case, parasites that take over the individual soul of a human) are invading humanity. Yes, the actual idea is cheesy and not realistic, but what alien story makes complete sense?

The main character, Melanie, has been taken over by a “soul” (alien) named Wanderer, but she doesn’t let her mind be controlled. Melanie is basically the opposite of Bella. She’s headstrong and courageous, and she absolutely refuses to be victimized. The book follows her as she tries to save her loved ones, whatever the cost. She’s more complex then Bella, with a tear-inducing backstory, and she’s actually pretty believable. While there does end up being a love triangle, that’s not the whole point of the book.

I'm not ashamed to say I love this novel. The weird science-fiction type setting is very interesting, the plot, while slightly holey, is super intriguing, and the characters are unbelievably touching. I cried at least three times while rereading this book, and I am really not a cry-over-books type of girl. It’s just genuinely heartbreaking. Instead of a love story about a whiny brat and a stalker vampire, this book is about sacrifice and resourcefulness in a time of crisis.

If you can get past the fact that The Host is by Stephenie Meyer, then you have a chance to read a really cool story. You’re going to have to take off your dignity ascot for a few minutes to go to Meyer's website, but there you can read a summary and an excerpt from the novel. PLEASE give this book a chance, because it’s kind of awesome and I’ll reward you with a dancing Darren Criss!

NOTE: Meyer advertises this book as one for adults. It’s not teen fiction. I think it’s somewhere in between, and it could still pass for YA, but there is some tough stuff in it and some sexy times, so beware.

Any other fans of The Host out there?

Related post: Stephenie Meyer Announces Twimore