The Host: A Novel
By Stephenie Meyer
Reviews
It should be said first that this book is more of a character study set within the confines of a romance novel (without the fluff) than a hard SciFi book. However there are distinct SciFi themes to satisfy most cerebral thinkers.
The core of this book goes way beyond genres into the realm of literature and hits at the root of the human condition, emotional fear, social mores, prejudice, and stereotypical misconceptions based on looks rather than character. The author sets up a hopeless scenario and then very adeptly leeds us through a transformation to a brilliant ending that was immensely satisfying. This book makes you think. I like action adventure books as much as the next guy but I am not afraid of self examination and the sometime ugly refections that a well written, intelligent first person account reveals.
The author does an excellent job with a difficult but well crafted story that takes place entirely inside the head of two woman trapped inside a single body. (Written in 1st person ... thats a real trick!) This book is character driven, with real people who embrace real emotions. It was by far one of my most favorite books of the year. I highly recommend it.

