Modern Good Reads discussion

I am sure most of you are aware that Stephenie Meyer's new book, The Host, just released on the big screen last week...

This begs the question, will this live up to the hype? Will this overshadow her success from Twilight? Is it worth it?

Have you read the book, what are your thoughts?

I keep meaning to read it. On one hand, Stephanie Meyers has shown herself to be a special kind of incompetent with Twilight, and the book might be just enough of a disaster to be worth reading. On the other hand, the bit I read in a bookstore actually seemed decent, so perhaps we'll get a good book out of her this time. I definitely plan to see the film either way.

I read the book. I really enjoyed it. Great character development, unique premise (kinda reminiscent of Heinlein's Puppetmasters).

The problem with taking it to film: half the story goes on inside the mind of the main character.

All of humanity is under the control of these little creatures, essentially parasites, symbiotes.

There's a few very small pockets of rebels hiding.

The tale is told by a woman, Melanie, who becomes host to an alien who calls herself Wanderer (Wanda for short). We see more of Wanda's POV than Melanie.

Melanie maintains her force of personality, while Wanda controls the body. The story is as much between the two of them as it is involving the rebels and the alien "hunter-seeker" attempts to find the rebels.

Its a pain in the ass to bring to film. They did an admirable job, but for me, it fell flat.

I was entertained, and I had a little bit of emotional tug, but nothing like the book.

I still recommend you see it, its a decent film, but maybe wait till its on Netflix.

:)

Loved the book. I was a bit disappointed by the movie. I tried to judge it on its own merit, but that's pretty difficult. I think I'll have to see it again when it comes out on DVD.

I loved the book - much better than the Twilight series in my opinion and I really hope the fact that a lot of people are anti Twilight doesn't prevent them from checking it out.

It's a really interesting premise and I love books that question the idea of free will and how much we really deserve our planet (my other favourite book like this is Uglies by Scott Westerfeld).

I'm going to see the film on Monday and am interested to see how successfully they portray the Melanie/Wanda inner dialogue.

I read the book in 2010. I liked it, didn't love it. The trailers I've seen so far do look interesting.

Travis wrote: "I read the book. I really enjoyed it. Great character development, unique premise (kinda reminiscent of Heinlein's Puppetmasters).

The problem with taking it to film: half the story goes on insi..."

Hello,

My name is Jim Hopkins (Twitter:jimedhopkins) and I'm new to the group -- thanks for the invitation.

I was curious when I read your post: have you read/seen the Twilight series? I haven't but it sounds like this book is more in line with my reading preferences and I've read some decent reviews. It looks like the movie is getting trashed by critics (at least on Rotten Tomatoes -- 10%).

Jim

I loved the book, although I don't consider it YA. I really wanted to see the movie, but finances won't allow for it (yet)

I've already re-read it several times now, too

Don't think The Host was supposed to be YA, but could be wrong. I'll have to put it on my "To Read" list.

Just can't get into the Twilight books, although have a close friend who loved every one of them and our tastes are similar. I guess I'm too much the vampire/werewolf traditionalist.

I love Twilight, too... except for New Moon. I really disliked that book

I enjoyed The Host very much. It was quite different from her Twilight series. Better written for one.

Loved the Host, better than Twilight.

That's good for me, since I didn't care for Twilight.

For me the movie felt incomplete. It didn't quite reach the dynamic between characters as the book did. That said, it did take me quite some time to be able to fully appreciate the book as I left it sit for some time before giving it a second chance. I think I initially got 20% through and then got bored and revisited later. The movie seemed to have better pacing.