I also love to read books that make me think, that raise intriguing questions and then do not always provide definitive answers. In The Host, Meyer attempts to shine light on a few of the more mysterious corners of humanity, both positive and negative. She explores the topic of love being both a mental and a physical bond, and she provides a framework for discussion of what it means to be violent versus peaceful in nature. Rather than neatly tie up every loose end, the story forces the readers to decide for themselves where they may stand on various issues.
Since I announced that I was reading The Host for review, a few readers have emailed me asking if I would recommend this book as appropriate reading material for Meyer's teenage fan base. Though it is a story that deals with the theme of love, there are no adult situations in the book that I would describe as sex scenes. This is Meyer's first novel geared towards a mature adult audience, yet she seems to be intentionally sensitive to the fact that her work draws a broad range of age groups.
Stephenie Meyer is the author of a bestselling young adult vampire romance series, the Twilight saga. Though I have not yet read them myself, you can be rest assured that I intend to run right out and buy the entire series, now that I have been introduced to Meyer's imaginative work. I rarely offer such effusive praise in a book review without some accompanying critical observations, but the fact of the matter is that when I consider my favorite books of 2008 thus far, The Host is at the top of my list.
Article comments
1 - Jenn
I couldn't agree more. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I couldn't put it down but I found myself trying to ration it to make it last longer. Its a beautiful examination of the best and worst of what it means to be human, but from a unique point of view. I am very impressed, and although I did read and enjoy the Twilight series, it was nothing compared to this.
2 - Desiree
I agree, I couldn't put this one down either! I will be reading it again very very soon. I have to admit I was skeptical at first, as it took me 60 pages or so to even gain full interest in the book (not like her twilight saga). However, once I gained interest, I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning indulging myself into the pages. My only two complaints would be that first, the novel took off to a very slow start and second, this is suppose to be an adult novel, yet the romance felt too young for my taste, like the characters were very young teens. Im 24 and I was at least expecting more depth to the romance(s) and yes, excuse me for being honest but maybe a little more passion and jucier details?! Can't wait for her to release the sequel!
3 - Lisa Damian
You're right. I think that she is just not the type of author who writes passionate love scenes. She appears to be sensitive to the fact that she has a large teenage fan base, and I suspect that she made a deliberate decision to avoid sex scenes, even when writing her first novel targetted towards a more mature audience.
The concept for this book was very original, and I believe that her writing style has matured with this novel. I enjoyed the Twilight series, but I feel that "The Host" is her best work to date.
I will be looking forward to reading what Stephenie Meyer will publish next.