While reading The Host, I had so many people ask me, “Why?” with a clear mark of distain in their voices. But why do I need to explain myself? Just because I’m reading this book doesn’t mean I like it. But if I do like it, am I an idiot, like some might say? If I say I don’t like it am I just going along with what the popular notion is? Should I automatically be closed-minded about it because of the name on the cover? What is it about Stephenie Meyer that makes people so up in arms?
I tried to read The Host a few years back when I was in high school, but I only got about a quarter of the way through and had to stop because I was just so bored with it (and also had some more important school reading to finish). But here I am, giving it another go. And did I like it? Well… I’d say that it has a really intriguing premise to it that could be developed into something incredibly interesting. Unfortunately, it was not handled very well, and inevitably became very frustrating for a number of reasons.
The idea behind The Host (if you weren’t already aware) is the following: A race of aliens known as “Souls” have basically invaded the planet earth over time, taking over human bodies as “hosts” to house their species. The aliens believe that humans are too violent, and therefore do not deserve the planet: they live by a certain set of rules, and all abide by them. They are calm, and courteous, and have a society in place that runs smoothly. But the threat of humans is always present, as the Souls believe there are still pockets of human survivors that have not become overtaken and inhabited by Souls yet. When the body of the young human, Melanie, is found, it is believed that she can lead the “Seeker” Souls—who hunt out humans—to more humans and eliminate them so that they do not try to fight the Souls. Yet once Melanie is implanted with the Soul (who is eventually known as Wanda), it becomes clear that Melanie’s mind is still active within the host body.
For some more details on where it goes from there (mild spoilers ahead), as well as what made me so exasperated, my full review can be found here.
Cannonball Read V 