The Host discussion questions

Thank you, Mary, for doing these!

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Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions reveal important details about The

Host by Stephenie Meyer. Finish the book before reading on.

1. Given Wanderer's reputation as a very experienced, brave, and strong soul, was it surprising to you how easily she gave in to Melanie?

No, Wanderer was tired of wandering around and was not used to the emotions on Earth. I think Wanda was brave and a strong soul for resisting and hiding her secret from Melanie for a long time and was strong enough to know what she needed to do.

We agree with Mary that she was brave and strong.

2. As the story was unfolding, did you have any guesses as to why Wanderer's Seeker was so persistent, or what Wanderer's big secret was?

I did not like the seeker. The seeker may have been so persistent because she noticed something about Wanda.

The Seeker was very persistent, and I figured it was probably because of a grudge or something until the end when we found out the real reason. It all made sense at the end.

3. Were the humans' initial reactions to Wanderer/Melanie believable to you? Jeb's kindness?

Jared's animosity? Jamie's quick love?

I think they were. I especially like Jamie because he was very accepting of Wanda.

Yes. Jeb’s character is curious, Jared hated the souls especially for bringing Melanie here, Jamie loves Melanie but is a child

4. Mel insists that she would have loved Jared back when she first met him even if he were the hard, cynical person she and Wanda re-encounters in the cave. Do you agree?

I don’t agree.

5. From a soul's perspective, was it selfish of Wanda to not consider Motherhood? Why doesn't she consider it?

6. What are your thoughts on the relationship between Ian and Wanda? Did it feel natural or

strange to you?

7. What did you think about the happy ending? If the story had continued on, how would you

like it to play out? Would the souls eventually realize they had done something wrong in taking

over the human race and leave? Would life go back to normal on planet Earth? Would some stay?  Could souls and humans co-exist, intermarry, and have children? Would some humans not be able to forgive the souls and would it cause racial tension? Could souls deal with that?

8. The souls are kind, considerate, and peaceful but they lack the range of emotion felt by

humans. Does a world inhabited by the souls appeal to you? Why or why not?

9. Are the Souls morally culpable for what they do to so many species in the universe? What

reason do they give for taking over others' minds, and is that justifiable -- or does it essentially

amount to genocide?

10. Anything else?

Did you like the front cover of the book? Did you like it better than the twilight saga? What’s your favorite Stephenie Meyer book?