The Host

The Host

by Stephenie Meyer

I first found out that the author wrote a book, besides the Twilight books, by viewing her Web site. I remember I was enticed by the slogan of the book..."Sci Fi for people who don't like Sci Fi." I decided to give it a try after I read that.

After reading several multiple-hundred page novels in the prior months, I wasn't intimidated by discovering the book was 600+pages. Meyer's other books are lengthy, but normally well distributed within the storyline and climax. I don't any of them had much, if any, unnecessary "fluff" as some books do. However, I found this book did have some fluff to the length. I don't think it was intended to be that way, as it ultimately helped understand the nature of character relationships. Although, I think she could have progressed to the conflict more quickly.

This is really the only negative thing I have to say about the book. And despite this, I still think this was one of the most touching novels I have ever read. I laughed, I cried and I rejoiced throughout the book--to my husband's amusement.

I will not give away many important details but I will explain why I believe the message the novel contained was remarkable and enlightening. It made made me realize how much of a gift life is and the extent of humanity, generousity and endless love we are capable of showing one another.

Naturally the heroine, of which the story's person is told through, is other-wordly and is the one to actually probe these realizations. This was very clever, on Meyer's part, to show readers the importance of life and things we regularlly take for granted through an outsider's perspective.

I recommend this novel on that sole basis.