The Host

A Novel

By: Stephenie Meyer

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 23 hrs

Publisher's summary

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Earth has been invaded by a species that takes over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.

Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, 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.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts 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 yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring what may be the first love triangle involving only two bodies, The Host is a riveting and unforgettable novel that will bring a vast new readership to one of the most compelling writers of our time.

©2008 Stephenie Meyer (P)2008 Hachette Audio

Unexpected Delight

Any additional comments?

I have never read anything by Stephenie Meyer - Twilight is definitely not my thing - so I was very hesitant to give The Host a try. It was well worth it though. Loved the characters and the story, especially the growth in certain characters. The ending satisfied me completely. I will definitely look out from other non-Twilight offerings from this author.

Kate Reading was superb, as usual.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have recommended this book to all of my friends.

What did you like best about this story?

THE ENDING. I won't spoil it but I loved it!

What does Kate Reading bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love the different voices she uses when speaking for the different characters.

Any additional comments?

I loved Twilight and The Hunger Games, but this book has to be my favorite. A very complicated love story. I laughed out loud and cried out loud. I will listen to it again in a few months. I know I will miss these wonderful and pure characters. Stephanie Meyers writes just for me! lol!

Well told and performed

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is told in the first person by an alien whose race has taken the earth and its "souls" inhabit earth bodies. This particular soul inhabits a body whose owner does not want to leave and, in fact, leads the soul to a group of humans hiding in the desert. The story is well told and performed by Kate Reading, who does an excellent job of performing the characters in the story.

Great premise. Entertaining.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book. The idea of having two people in one body is fantastic. The characters are good and show good development over the course of the story.
I particularly liked the love triangle (if you can call it that), one of the most unique that I've seen. The way Meyer described the love and yearning that Melanie has for Jarrod made me want them together, but the development of Wanda's feelings made me want them together knowing full well that it couldn't be both ways. I was so torn.
I laughed a few times. The nature of the story isn't HaHa funny, but there are definitely some comic relief and some good tongue in cheek moments. I also shed a few tears at two different points.
The narration was pretty good.
The main character says "oh Jaime" and "oh Jarrod" a lot, which is kind of annoying. I also thought that the book was a little long and drug on at times. Maybe a little abridgement would have been OK.
Overall a good story. I was thoroughly entertained.

YOU Blew my Mind

Would you consider the audio edition of The Host to be better than the print version?

I love Audio But there is Nothing like a new crispt book the feel of it the smell of it. but cant read in my car and i drive 1 hour to work and 1 hour home and Audio is the best,I just found Audible and im hooked its like a drug to me. But the printed word is the world to me.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Host?

when Wonda came Back

What about Kate Reading’s performance did you like?

YES i cried, I laughted, she took me in and held me there till the end.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The Host cant wait to see it March 2013

Any additional comments?

Holly Crow!!! I thought Twilight was Great! untill i read the Host! wow beautiful, love Story, sadness, Just WOW!!!! I would love to hang out in her brain.. im going to read it again soon and can't wait sor the movie Next March. JUST THANKS Stephenie... I want more more like Twilight, Like the Host. "PLEASEMOVETHANKYOU" Barbara in Kissimmee, FL. Home Of the mouse.

Amazing!!

Simply love this book. Amazing story from the other persons perspective. I would highly suggest this purchase.

Sad to hear "The End"

Any additional comments?

This is one of those stories you are sad you listened to the first time because it is so good you wish you could hear it for the first time again.

A Personal Favorite

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes yes yes.

Any additional comments?

Love this book. Listened to it 3 times now. Can't wait for the movie in March 2013

Never better!

I have read this book a total of 6 times and I can't seem to get enough! This has been my favorite book for years so far, and not one yet has changed that.
So read it. Love it. And ask for more cuz I'm dying!

Excellent book

This was an excellent book, I have listened to it many times. I enjoyed it more than the film that came later. I read it before and after the film.