Tuesday Book Club
Sorry I’m a little slow here. MAJOR sugar hangover–starting my detox today. But that’s another discussion. Let’s talk books.
Last week I finished the massive–and massively-entertaining–debut adult novel by best-selling YA author Stephenie Meyer (Twilight, etc.). The new one is called The Host, and the flap copy says it best:
The Host takes place after a bodysnatchers-style invasion of the earth. We (the humans) lost. Our narrator is Wanderer, one of the invading “souls,” who struggles to navigate all the bewildering challenges that come with living inside a human body. She was forewarned about these challenges—the overwhelming emotions, the stunning physical responses, the glut of senses, the too vivid dreams and memories… However, there was one challenge Wanderer didn’t expect: the former tenant of her body, human survivor Melanie Stryder, refuses to fade away into oblivion the way she should. Melanie lingers as an angry presence in Wanderer’s head, holding on to her human secrets and filling Wanderer’s thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves—Jared, another human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body’s desires, Wanderer yearns for the man she’s never met. Outside forces combine to make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, and, working together, they set off to search for the man they both love. It’s possibly the first love triangle that only involves two bodies.
YEAH, people! I’m telling you, it’s another one you’re not going to be able to put down, with action and suspense and romance and cool alien information and more and more romance. Ahhhh.
The book doesn’t come out until May (I know, sorry), but I had the privilege to read an advance copy. It’s coming. In the meanwhile you’ll have plenty of other great books to read in the next few months, including this one, which I also know you’ll love–hot guy, suspense, cool premise, hot guy, etc.
That’s my report. How about you guys? What did you read this week?
Technorati Tags: Tuesday Book Club, Book Clubs, Reading Clubs, Books, Book Recommendations, Book Reviews, Stephenie Meyer, The Host
December 26th, 2007 at 10:14 am
First off,I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and got exactly what they wanted(I know I did!). I finished The Year of Living Biblically by AJ Jacobs,which was pretty good and more thoughtful in some ways than his earlier book,The Know It All.
I’m still in the midst of Emma,the one Jane Austen that I’ve come to appreciate more as time goes by(still think that Miss Woodhouse is rather bratty at times). I got two new books from Santa,Dean Koontz’s The Darkest Evening of the Year and that new Charles Schulz bio that’s been getting alot of buzz this year. I’m reading the Schulz book first,to see what all the fuss is about.
And thank you,Robin,for enticing us with that Stephanie Meyer’s preview! I haven’t read any of her books(shameful for a vampire fan like me)but I think I will definately give this one a try.
December 26th, 2007 at 10:16 am
I finished two great books this week.
1) Erec Rex: The Monsters of Otherness by Kaza Kingsley
2) Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
December 26th, 2007 at 10:42 am
I read Sexy by Joyce Carol Oates and Little Girls in Pretty Boxes by Joan Ryan. Little Girls is a nonfiction book on which a Lifetime movie was based (yeah, don’t judge me) and it was really fascinating, even if a bit sensationalist and repetitive at times.
I’m currently re-reading Boy Toy by Barry Lyga and I’ve gotta say something to all you neurotic writers (self-select, please, I won’t name names), I know for you, the longer the book exists, the more critical you feel of it and more you resent little things in it that are unchangeable, and the more you question whether the characters are likable or the story is even compelling because you’re tired of looking at it…well, I’m telling you, when I revisit books (such as Boy Toy) I just fall in love even harder with the places, the people, the problems. I find the story more compelling and find even more dimension in the characters than the first (or second) time around. I crave resolution even more. Sometimes, it’s like a whole different experience.
And considering the gross number of books I start and never finish, I think picking up a book to read again indicates that I really loved it.
So there. I bumped something from the “Books I Must Read by the End of 2007″ pile to reread something I’ve already enjoyed more than once. And that’s okay.
December 26th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
I read the latest Miss Zukas mystery this week (adult cozy series about a librarian who solves mysteries). I just started Sara Zarr’s new book: Sweethearts, but I haven’t gotten very far yet. But I do have high hopes.
December 26th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Molly, I don’t know what neurotic writers you’re talking about. I’ve never been one and I don’t know any. *cough* But thanks for the hypothetical advice. Much appreciated.
Michelle, don’t you love it when you read not just one great book in a week, but two? So satisfying.
Lady T, I can’t believe you haven’t read the Twilight series yet! Come on! You’ll love it!
As for Emma, is it wrong for me to confess that I prefer watching Clueless and the Gwyneth Paltrow version of Emma? I just love seeing those two Knightleys in the flesh.
December 26th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
God, I… I feel so sorry for those neurotic writers Molly is talking about it. Those poor souls.
We should have a telethon or something.
December 26th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
I’ve been too busy with family to read much this week - I’ve read a few magazines and reread a few Laura Ingalls Wilder books. I hope the coming week will be a bit more relaxing.
December 26th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
OMG you are sooo lucky! I want to read it soooo bad! O_O How’d you swing the ARC?
December 27th, 2007 at 4:59 am
Happy holidays and etc., everyone! Robin, I hope yours has gotten a bit happier. (: And I hope folks have respected your need to write and write away.
We’ve had a fabulous time. Like Jules, I’ve enjoyed it immensely with my two little girls. The oldest is 3 and quite aware this year. She had a blast. Yes, that special Christmas morning moment has slipped away, and I do feel that letdown, but we visit more family today, so there’s still a bit left!
I’ve started Dickens’s A Christmas Carol because I’ve never read it. Just wanted to get the real thing instead of the audiovisual versions I’ve experienced so often through the years.
Rebel Angels is next.
December 27th, 2007 at 8:21 am
I want to do a detox. I’m full of refined foods from the holidays. Ack!
About the Stephenie Meyer arc…
You suck.
December 27th, 2007 at 9:58 am
last nihgt i finnished The First Test by Tamora Pierce. Ut’s about a girl, Keladry of Mindelan, who wants to become a knight. Problem with that is: she is to be the first KNOWN girl knight in over a centuary. The only other female knight is Lady Allana[aka The Lioness] and se pretended to be a boy all the way through her years as a trainee. Keladry has to go through a probationary period, and has to work twice as hard as any boy so she can prove herself in front of the kingdom
December 27th, 2007 at 10:04 am
kelly i tried to read rebel angels and it sounded sooooo good. i had to stop for school work and never got a chance to check it out of the lib. again. i thikn you would really enjoy it, and thanks a billion for reminding me of it!
December 27th, 2007 at 11:20 am
Have you read A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb? If not, do.
This morning, I read the play You Can’t Take It With You by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman.
December 27th, 2007 at 11:44 am
daflufster, I read A Great and Terrible Beauty, which is Libba Bray’s first part of that trilogy, and I loved it. So strange and unexpected. I thought it was going to be historical fiction, but it ended up being even more–a terrific fantasy that was quite scary at times. I’m looking forward to the second part. The third part is newly released this month.
The First Test sounds fantastic! I’ll have to try it sometime.
December 27th, 2007 at 11:51 am
I read “The Speed of Dark,” about a man with autism being coerced by his employer to be a test volunteer for a brain operation that would make him ‘normal’ and he has to decide whether or not he wants to go through with it…set a few years in the future, and DOES give one something to consider.
Happy New Year, every one…may you all have a great and productive year.
December 27th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
I read three more books since this morning, and I’ll give you a hint at my favorite of the three:
It included a dozen adorable puppies.
Congratulations, kudos, and hurrah. I’ve been saving this book for months, and I enjoyed it from start to finish. Thank you, and more kudos.
December 27th, 2007 at 4:12 pm
Thank you, Little Willow. That makes me very happy.
Judy, what a cool premise! I need to put that book on my list. Happy New Year to you, too.
Dafluster, I read the first in that Alana series–good stuff. The one you’re reading right now sounds good, too.
Heather and Dylan, sorry. I knew there would be a few angry mutterings if I revealed what I’d read. Sorry! Be patient! You’ll love it!
Kelley, I’ve never read A Christmas Carol, either, despite all the other Dickens I’ve read and loved. I think it’s for the same reason you said–I’ve seen so many movie versions of it, I feel like I know it. But the novel must be great–let me know what you think.
Nicole, this is a crazy time of year. We do what we can, and sometimes reading a magazine is exactly the right thing. Enjoy it–it’s all reading!
Barry, I’m all for the telethon. But there must be only one or two authors with that problem, so would it really be worth it?
December 28th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Oh it’s ok… *sobs* XD glad you got to rea it though! I’ve got way to much to reaad right now anyways! I just went to the book store and got Wicked Lovely, Private book 1, um Sweep book one, vampire kisses, and a book about keeping your books in good shape! ^^
December 28th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Good variety, Dylan.
A Christmas Carol is a good book.
December 29th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Thanks Little Willow!
I liked them all so far! XD I’ve read a little of each one! ^^