Wrap Up: February 2013

February was dominated by the In Love with Romance book tour, but I'm not complaining! I'm thankful that I was able to be a part of it, and review all three books that were included. However, my favorite book of the month had to be... Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn. It showed up from left field and was a horrifying addiction I had for 48 hours.

Feel free to share your favorite book from February! =) 

The Host

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Earth has been invaded by a species that takes over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.

Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring what may be the first love triangle involving only two bodies, The Host is a riveting and unforgettable novel that will bring a vast new readership to one of the most compelling writers of our time.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Years after an invasion, Stephanie Meyer follows one alien's journey on her path of becoming human in her novel, The Host. Originally inserted to gain the intel of surviving humans, Wanderer searches through her host's memory to complete her assignment. When Melanie refuses to be extracted, the lines between human and host become blur and readers will find themselves straddling the fence on who should rule the planet.

Wanderer is a sweet soul who continually sacrifices herself for what she believes to be the greater good. She is an altruistic alien who is more compassionate and humane than the human race. Readers will respect her generous nature, bonding with her based on her goals to help and save Melanie, those she loves, and strangers who quickly become family. 

The plot of The Host is a surprising story of survival. At the beginning of the story, I found myself wondering where Meyer would take it but the book steadily evolved into a study of human understanding and the dedication of life while the romantic plot line added more depth to the novel. Thoroughly impressed with how intricate the book was and how it evoked such intense feelings. 

Rating: 4/5 cups

The Host

WWW Wednesday (41)

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

01. Currently Reading:
The Host by Stephanie Meyer. Given to me by one of my best friends. Wonderful book about an alien (parasitic) species that takes over Earth. Who would have guessed that non-violence would give them away?

All Roads Lead to Austen: A Year Long Journey with Jane by Amy Elizabeth Smith. Traveling with a side discussion of Jane Austen to see how it translates in various cultures. Very interesting and enjoyable, thus far.

02. Recently Finished:
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn. A Valentine's present that shocked me to the core. Still can't believe the ending and how absorbed I was with the horror.

03. Reading Next:
I Do... or Die by Donna Cummings. Chaos erupts at a wedding and the police detective might just be a love interest in Shelby's romance free life.

Teaser Tuesday (49)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!



The Host (p.60)
   - Stephanie Meyer

You murder an entire species and then pat yourselves on the back.
My hands balled up into fists.