The Host

Title: The Host

Author: Stephenie Meyer

ISBN: 978-0316043045

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Copyright: 2008

 Plot Summary:  This book focuses on Mel Stryder, one of the few rebel humans who remain after "Souls" take over. "Souls" take over human bodies and use the for information and habitat. Mel is then taken over by The Wanderer who is gathering information for The Seeker. However, the Wanderer grows attached to Mel's family and boyfriend, and begins to help the rebel humans instead of her intended task.

Critical Evaluation: Meyer has a knack for placing the reader inside of the main character's head. She writes this interesting dichotomy of Mel inside her own head fighting with the Wanderer, and the Wanderer dealing with her emotions of inadequacy for not being able to shut out Mel. This is very well thought out plot and includes well developed characters within well developed characters.  

 Reader's Annotation: Mel fights to keep her own mind after it is taken over by an alien "Soul".

Genre:  Science Fiction, Romance

 Author Information: Stephenie Meyer has written other young adult books like the Twilight Series. To learn more about Stephenie Meyer visit http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/.

Book talks: Aliens, Souls, respecting other beings

Reading Level/Interest Age: Middle School/High School. 13-18.

Challenge: I did not find any of this book challenge worthy. People could find humans experimenting on other humans to remove the "souls"occupying them as something troublesome, but they were fighting to save friends and family and their race. They tried many different things and began to get desperate. 

Why was this book chosen?: This science fiction book seemed less intimidating than others.