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

I love this story every time.

This story has its own heart. In to what it would be like to be of two minds. To see opposite perspectives that fight and nash at each other. But also to be outside of that as well. Seeing it and then watching as perspectives change, to see a new reality. To be at peace while everything around is in a struggle for survival. And to see what it's like to be the one who changes it. And to see a promise that tears down all obstacles. I love this book. And vampire romance author or not. It's her best work I think. (:

Great escape

What made the experience of listening to The Host the most enjoyable?

It was a little hard to follow in the first chapter but caught my attention and left me wondering what happens next every time I had to quit listening. I haven't seen the movie yet but heard you understand it better if you've read the book. I like Stephanie Meyers and her writing/ story telling style.

What other book might you compare The Host to and why?

Twilight series but just in the love triangle aspect. Meyers writes an intriguing love story.

Which character – as performed by Kate Reading – was your favorite?

Jeb was my favorite, then of course the main characters Wanda & Melanie

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I actually cried toward the end but dont want to spoil it for anyone else. If a book makes me cry it's a great book.

Loved it!

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

I absolutely LOVED this book! I wasn't sure at the very beginning, kind of slow, but it gets very interesting. I got attached to the characters and they have a really interesting dynamic. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sci-fi books and wants a new twist on aliens taking over the world.

Enjoyed the story, disappointed in the digital.

This is the second time going through the written version of the Host. I've really enjoyed the story. The audio version is different then the book - not by much, I noticed it while I read along with the narration. I'm diappointed that the audio has skipping areas. I already knew what was happening so it didn't bother me too much, but was wondering how to fix it in case I share with someone that doesn't know the story...

Wonderful Sci Fi Drama!

Would you listen to The Host again? Why?

I would listen to the host again. I read the book the first time around. Now I travel a lot for work and wanted to read it again but did not have time. The narrator is wonderful and the story is epic. Every wonder what the end of the world will be like. The Host has an idea all its own...

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

The most memorable moments of the host was when the alien is rememebering why they took over the planet. The most upsetting crimes were those against our children. It really struck a personal note with me.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Love it!

The Host was great

It took me a while to get started, but once I got into this book I found it fascinating. I loved how everything came together in the end. Great story line and very intriguing. Loved it.

Will read again and again and again

I will never not read/listen to this book. The narration was amazingly done and even though I abhorred the twilight series and its premise of 'you need a man to be happy' this book wove love in so many wonderful ways it's impossible to forget. The characters were multi faceted and stunning in their complexity. Will read again. And again. And again. And again...so on so forth

I just love this book!

It's unexpected and keeps your interest from page one! I read the book, saw the movie and listened to the audiobook. Very little language, no graphic violence, yet very thrilling and if you love sci-fi you will love it. Don't hesitate.

The second time of listening to this great story

This is simply a great book. Though it presents itself as a science fiction story, for me it is exploration and study of what it is like to be human. The human race is taken over by aliens who, are inserted into each human body, they take over the mind, the human personality is pushed away, until it is gone forever. All but for one, Wander, the alien, she and the human host, struggle with control. If the human allows Wander to take over, she can then find out where the surviving humans are hiding out, it will be the end of humanity. What comes about is a compromise at first, and then friendship and then true love and comprehension of what it means to be an emotional human. This process is so well done, that I have listen to this book twice, and down the road I am sure I will listen to it a third time. The spirit of these two personality bring about a love and an understanding, that is truly a gift. You experience this struggle again and again, throughout the book. Everything that makes us great, and everything that makes us monsters is explored in this story. Truly a great one!

The narration is excellent, easy to listen to and the various characters are distinct and well portrayed. It is surely one of the things that makes this book such a joy to listen to, it works so well.

One of my favorite books.

What did you love best about The Host?

Interesting and relaxing read.

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

Yes- I first read the book and really enjoyed listening to it!

Any additional comments?

It's like the zombie apocalypse with aliens.