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 “Competent, But Not His Best” 2010-03-14
By William Alexander (Spartanburg, SC)
I disclose up front that I am a huge Sedaris fan. “Me Talk Pretty One Day” was one of the most acidly funny books I ever read, and his short story “The Santaland Diaries” is nothing less than a masterpiece. And, I do not expect Sedaris to be “funny.” Much of his most elegant prose, especially about his family, is not. But I admit to being very disappointed in “When You Are Engulfed in Flames.”

I cannot explain exactly why I was disappointed. It’s not that the writing, overall, was bad. It was just not terribly interesting. And while I got the point of tales like his companion, Hugh, proving his love by treating a noisome boil, for example, the world-weary, catty observational humor and the high-strung emotionalism just largely fell flat this time, almost sounding contrived. And the last tale about quitting smoking in Tokyo was, in my opinion, a stream of consciousness nightmare. And overall, there is a gloom settled over these pages. Since this was Sedaris’ “mid-life crisis” book, I cannot object to that overmuch, but the sometime artless joylessness made “Engulfed” a numbing chore.

But, the book has side-splitting and thoughtful gems, too. The tale of Mrs. Peacock, the smelly babysitter from hell, the external catheter called “The Stadium Pal,” and a harrowing piece about the nature of guilt and shame when he befriends an old sex offender shunned by society are Sedaris at his vintage best. Funny, but always thought provoking.

So, on balance, half the book is wonderful, half less so. If you are a Sedaris fan, you will enjoy it, but be prepared for some odd forays that do not work well. If you are new to Sedaris, this is not the book for you. “Naked,” “Barrel Fever,” and “Me Talk Pretty One Day” are where your attention should be.

Recommended, but with noted reservations.

 “not even a chuckle” 2010-03-09
By P. Wilson (Northeast Ohio)
I had high expectations going into this book based on all the hype. This book is, no question, the worst book I have ever read. I did not laugh once, not even a chuckle. This life situations this dude tackles are not funny. I had a big boil, my queen lances it, the fluid inside smells. Are you serious?? That’s just gnarly, not humorous. Don’t waste your time or money on this set of booooooring stories.

 “quirky and fun for a sedaris newbie” 2010-03-05
By lisa shea (honolulu, hi)
this was my first Sedaris book and although not totally blown away, it was definitely entertaining and good fun. i listened to the audio version, which is narrated by Sedaris himself and although this is not an old book (pub. 2008), the dry sarcasm and tone of his voice was reminiscent of an older style of stand up comedy.

the book is written in short stories of various happenings in Sedaris’s life, including babysitting experiences of his younger days, what it what like going public about being gay, his crazy neighbors (which i can completely relate to!) and a more recent effort to quit smoking. there were definite highs and lows in the stories, with some absolutely hysterical laugh out loud moments in between. some stories held my interest more than others, notably That’s Amore and The Smoking Section, but regardless, it was worth the time spent and i would probably pick up another Sedaris book someday.

 “Sedaris is still funny, just not as hilarious as his other books…” 2010-03-01
By Larry Hoffer (Fairfax, VA)
I’m a big David Sedaris fan, but I didn’t love this book as much as some of the others. When I read “Barrel Fever” and “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim,” I found myself laughing out loud numerous times. In this book, there were a few stories that made me laugh out loud, but mostly I smiled or chuckled. Not a bad track record, of course, but just not as uproariously funny as others. My favorite stories were those that chronicled his interactions with other people–the one with him fighting with the woman who sat next to him on the plane (I did laugh out loud during this one); the story of Helen, who lived in the same apartment building he and Hugh did; the horrible babysitter, Mrs. Peacock; and the final story, which chronicled his attempt to quit smoking while living in Japan. Those new to David Sedaris, I would recommend you start with a different book so you truly appreciate his amazing sense of humor.

 “I liked it less than his other works…” 2010-02-09
By M. Cunningham (Maryland, USA)
I love David Sedaris, but this book felt darker and less funny to me. Plus, there were uncomfortable sexual undertones that made it sound much more like a regular autobiography instead of one that was supposed to evoke a comedic reaction… Overall, I just really didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as, say, “Me Talk Pretty One Day” or “Naked”.

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Technical Details

– ISBN13: 9781600241826
– Condition: NEW
– Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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 “Competent, But Not His Best” 2010-03-14
By William Alexander (Spartanburg, SC)
I disclose up front that I am a huge Sedaris fan. “Me Talk Pretty One Day” was one of the most acidly funny books I ever read, and his short story “The Santaland Diaries” is nothing less than a masterpiece. And, I do not expect Sedaris to be “funny.” Much of his most elegant prose, especially about his family, is not. But I admit to being very disappointed in “When You Are Engulfed in Flames.”

I cannot explain exactly why I was disappointed. It’s not that the writing, overall, was bad. It was just not terribly interesting. And while I got the point of tales like his companion, Hugh, proving his love by treating a noisome boil, for example, the world-weary, catty observational humor and the high-strung emotionalism just largely fell flat this time, almost sounding contrived. And the last tale about quitting smoking in Tokyo was, in my opinion, a stream of consciousness nightmare. And overall, there is a gloom settled over these pages. Since this was Sedaris’ “mid-life crisis” book, I cannot object to that overmuch, but the sometime artless joylessness made “Engulfed” a numbing chore.

But, the book has side-splitting and thoughtful gems, too. The tale of Mrs. Peacock, the smelly babysitter from hell, the external catheter called “The Stadium Pal,” and a harrowing piece about the nature of guilt and shame when he befriends an old sex offender shunned by society are Sedaris at his vintage best. Funny, but always thought provoking.

So, on balance, half the book is wonderful, half less so. If you are a Sedaris fan, you will enjoy it, but be prepared for some odd forays that do not work well. If you are new to Sedaris, this is not the book for you. “Naked,” “Barrel Fever,” and “Me Talk Pretty One Day” are where your attention should be.

Recommended, but with noted reservations.

 “not even a chuckle” 2010-03-09
By P. Wilson (Northeast Ohio)
I had high expectations going into this book based on all the hype. This book is, no question, the worst book I have ever read. I did not laugh once, not even a chuckle. This life situations this dude tackles are not funny. I had a big boil, my queen lances it, the fluid inside smells. Are you serious?? That’s just gnarly, not humorous. Don’t waste your time or money on this set of booooooring stories.

 “quirky and fun for a sedaris newbie” 2010-03-05
By lisa shea (honolulu, hi)
this was my first Sedaris book and although not totally blown away, it was definitely entertaining and good fun. i listened to the audio version, which is narrated by Sedaris himself and although this is not an old book (pub. 2008), the dry sarcasm and tone of his voice was reminiscent of an older style of stand up comedy.

the book is written in short stories of various happenings in Sedaris’s life, including babysitting experiences of his younger days, what it what like going public about being gay, his crazy neighbors (which i can completely relate to!) and a more recent effort to quit smoking. there were definite highs and lows in the stories, with some absolutely hysterical laugh out loud moments in between. some stories held my interest more than others, notably That’s Amore and The Smoking Section, but regardless, it was worth the time spent and i would probably pick up another Sedaris book someday.

 “Sedaris is still funny, just not as hilarious as his other books…” 2010-03-01
By Larry Hoffer (Fairfax, VA)
I’m a big David Sedaris fan, but I didn’t love this book as much as some of the others. When I read “Barrel Fever” and “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim,” I found myself laughing out loud numerous times. In this book, there were a few stories that made me laugh out loud, but mostly I smiled or chuckled. Not a bad track record, of course, but just not as uproariously funny as others. My favorite stories were those that chronicled his interactions with other people–the one with him fighting with the woman who sat next to him on the plane (I did laugh out loud during this one); the story of Helen, who lived in the same apartment building he and Hugh did; the horrible babysitter, Mrs. Peacock; and the final story, which chronicled his attempt to quit smoking while living in Japan. Those new to David Sedaris, I would recommend you start with a different book so you truly appreciate his amazing sense of humor.

 “I liked it less than his other works…” 2010-02-09
By M. Cunningham (Maryland, USA)
I love David Sedaris, but this book felt darker and less funny to me. Plus, there were uncomfortable sexual undertones that made it sound much more like a regular autobiography instead of one that was supposed to evoke a comedic reaction… Overall, I just really didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as, say, “Me Talk Pretty One Day” or “Naked”.

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 “Wonderful read!” 2010-03-29
By J. Smith (Greensburg, PA USA)
I listened to it as an audiobook and loved each of the characters she created. I have recommended the book to everyone. Read it– you won’t be disappointed.

 “Good intentions” 2010-03-29
By Lew Craig (Payson, AZ, USA)
The author of “The Help” had good intentions in writing the book. Having lived in Mississippi for a while, much of what is in this book rings true. I was shocked the first time I saw a black maid being driven home in the back seat of a white man’s car. I won’t discuss the dialect issue other than to say I think the author blew it.

I get real tired of books that include things for shock value. The miscarriage, the naked man (who served no narrative purpose) and the pie, were all over the top and disappointing. While I lived in Mississippi shortly after the time period of the book, I found the people, black and white, to be very genteel. They never would have dreamed of using the offensive language found in the book. This is more a reflection of our current society than that of the ’60’s. I can hear some editor say to an author like Ms. Stockett, “You’ve got to liven this up.”

The issue of race and more so, the lack of concern for other human beings, are handled well in “The Help.” Slavery was still alive in well in the south in the 1960’s. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way. Ms. Stockett needs to come along with it. Shock for the sake of shock may sell a first book, but I wouldn’t be interested in her second.

 “Great book!!!” 2010-03-28
By M. Callaway
Book arrived in perfect condition – definitely worth the price. Great story, glad to own it.

 “A Classic” 2010-03-28
By Gail Stuart (Exton, PA USA)
This is destined to be a new classic with the likes of To Kill a Mockingbird. It is a book that you need a lot of time to read because once you start, you can’t put it down. It is just outstanding!

 “a compelling story!!” 2010-03-28
By M. Garner (St. Petersburg, FL)
The Help was one of those books you don’t want to put down, and you are sad when it’s over. I hope they make this novel into a movie! The book made me laugh and it made me cry. I would recommend it to everyone I know!

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Technical Details

– ISBN13: 9780399155345
– Condition: NEW
– Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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 “The Help” 2010-03-24
By M. Haag (Belvidere, NJ USA)
The Help is a book written to examine the lives of Black house servants — how they were treated by their employers, both good and bad. The author’s style of writing used the “voice” of each servant to present her story.

 “stupid, exploitive, and grossly racist for its attitudes” 2010-03-24
By Ann Romney (Boise, Idaho)
once again, a writer without talent, finds that they can hit the money jar by exploiting the trials of black americans during a time of difficulty. it is an odd thing how many of these books the publishing community pumps out. book after book in which one, incredibly naive but just wanting to help, white person finds themselves siding with blacks in order to self-genuflect and commit themselves to the pantheon of the “englightened.”

one can look backwards but it is only designed to hit that money jar. were i a black american i would find the endless, we are white and we are here to help you disgusting and abhorrent (see…ronald reagan, “the most dangerous words in the english language, ‘we are from the government and we are here to help you”). the publishing industry is comprised of elite, ivy leagued white people who have so little originality, that returning to the “black experience” is irresistable. the concept of something original, and creative, is just too difficult to imagine for these people. again, were i black, one would think that books about bucking up the black community to make it competitive (see…bill cosby) would be of much greater use than the continued, but oh so easy to exploit, racism of years gone past.

just as with the recent academy award winning movie, the blind side, the black community should be insulted by these projects. as long as the “victim” is embraced, one cannot be a winner. while hollywood and the publishing industry make money off of these ridiculous exploitive projects, the american black remains, a loser.

course, the only thing white liberals can’t resist, is once again, like thelittle sucker fish they are, attaching themselves to the black community for their own personal self-aggrandizing deification (we are white and we are here to “help” you). oh me oh my, what would white liberals do should the american black community abandon victimization for competitive realization? the publishing industry would probably go broke, that would be one result!

 “Informative and Engrossing” 2010-03-24
By Gail L. Baccetti (Highland Park, IL)
This book was excellent. It sheds light on life in Mississippi in the early 60’s, and the tension between the races. The characters are genuine and well developed. You can relate to both the white protagonist, as well as “the help”. Since the author is from this area, I think her descriptions and observations are accurate to the time and place. There are untold questions running through the plot that keep you riveted to the explanation at the end. Definitely a page-turner.

 “Great reminder of how it was precivil rights” 2010-03-24
By Russell D. Brown (Carrollton, TX)
This book provides an excellent picture of how life was in the South during the early sixties. The author did a great job of maintaining this readers interest.

 “I Didn’t Want It To End!!” 2010-03-23
By M Jones (Chicago, IL)
I absolutely loved this book. The only part that was disappointing about it was the fact that it was fiction. I never caught that when I purchased it as I typically will NOT read anything fiction. But I’m so glad I got this one. It was very well written and Kathryn kept you in suspense constantly. The humor in it is nice. Softens you up a bit as it can start off making you a little upset by the subject alone. I’m from Oklahoma and the racism there was pretty cut and dry. More in an ignorant way than a racist way. I’m biracial so I had to deal with racism/sterotypes from both sides. The love that Ms. Skeeter had for “people” in general reminds me so much of my mother who never has seen color. We’re all green as far as she is concerned no matter what race you are. I love how it was difficult to feel sorry for the maids instead you felt proud of what they were able to deal with and those that could not dealt with it. I would highly recommend this book. Its a heartfelt story and I honestly didn’t want it to end. The closer I got to the end I dreaded it because soon I would have to move on to another book. Awesome book!

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Technical Details

– ISBN13: 9780143144182
– Condition: USED – VERY GOOD
– Notes:
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 “The Help” 2010-03-21
By Elizabeth S. Hunter (Goose Creek SC US)
Written so well that one has to wonder how much of this is real and how much is made up. Easily identifiable with even if you weren’t raised in the South! I highly reccomend this book!!

 “absolutely wonderful” 2010-03-21
By Susan Nealey (SEVERNA PARK, MD USA)
I won’t tell you anything about the story–everyone else has done that. I usually read murder and mayhem and am not sure why I picked this one up but a friend that I was trying to impress recommended it to me. I was hooked by the end of the first page and soaked up every delicious word all the way to the end. This was the best read that I have had in a very long time! Highly recommend it!! (I read it on my Kindle and have now ordered it in book form for my husband)

 “It Just Works” 2010-03-21
By NorthShoreCanarie (New York)
I certainly had my gripes along the way, like the audacity of this woman writing in those black voices but hey, it was a great read and a great read is a treasure. The Help was for me one of those mysteriously riveting books that I actually did not want to like but could not help loving.

 “Memorable characters” 2010-03-21
By Leah Gipson (Chesterfield, MO United States)
Great story…not perfect. But days after finishing I couldn’t get some of the characters out of my mind…always the sign of an effective book….

 “Wonderful moving story” 2010-03-21
By Andrefs (Long Island, New York, USA)
It was a wonderful moving story. Great for book club discussion. Can’t wait for the movie!

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As Melanie fills Wanderer’s thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she’s never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human. (2008)…….
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 “I HATE Sci-fi and I LOVED this book!!” 2010-03-18
By Stacy (Arizona)
Ok, I will admit I only got this book because I liked the Twilight series and what a pleasant suprise. I hate sci-fi books and I loved this one. There is a love story and a tragedy that I did not expect to find. It is not all ET. It is quite gripping. You will really enjoy it. I have never posted a review before this so I had to

 “Yes! I am a believer!” 2010-03-16
By William Oterson (About 50 miles, or so, east of Manhattan.)
SciFi, not really. Fantasy, only somewhat. However, a little of both in this really exciting adventure novel from Stephenie Meyer. “The Host”, has got to be read by anyone who would be interested in either topic. Why only four stars when the novel is truly that much fun to read, and so interesting that it is almost impossible to not read in one sitting? Because you really have to accept the somewhat flawed concept. Okay, I did, and then I embarked on a wonder filled adventure. It is, I suppose, also about the readers ability to fantasize, to become one with those who are part of the story, and believe in its possibility. The story itself is about having ones back to the wall and the possible end to the reign of humans on this earth. Ms. Meyer is adept at developing the characters, and so capable of moving them from an almost, but not quite, impossible beginning to an almost, but not quite impossibly wonderous ending. Anger, deception, hatred, acceptance, and love explode across the pages. Yes! I am a believer and I loved it.

 “shocked by the 89 bad reviews” 2010-03-16
By N. Oakes (usa)
Reading the 1 and 2 star reviews I couldn`t help thinking did these people really read this book??The flow from the first page to the last was smooth the story right from the very first page was great,I read this book in 2 days.The friendship between the host and the alien was so well written.Parts made me cry,I couldn`t put it down.I sometimes wonder if the bad reviews are from other authors who are just jealous of SM sucess.

 “Laughable emotion descriptions, but overall good book” 2010-03-16
By Robert E. Jacobs (Fort Worth, TX USA)
I am a 23 year old man. Thought I’d get that out there… I enjoyed the book. I really did. I liked the character development, and how you became attached to several of the characters throughout the book (even characters that don’t effect the outcome of events…) I liked the unique-ish story line. I liked the torn apart feeling of emotions.

I did not like the typical Stephanie Meyer laughable descriptions of emotions (i.e. (not from her book, but an example of what she might type in the next…) My love for him overflowed from my body like lava from an active volcano – filling the room with an unseen, but not unfelt, heat which burned my eyes if they so much as began to wander towards the god of a man in my room: the man who held my heart and all of it’s intentions in his open hand like a …. you get the point).

Other than that, and there was a LOT of that, the story was unexpected, surprising, and delightful. I recommend it to all young women who want a nice thriller type book, along with an overly romantic story line.

 “Amazing!” 2010-03-14
By Diane
This is the best story I have ever read! It made me cry. Read this, and you’ll find out why. I heartily recommend this book to every one. I will never forget this for as long as I live.

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Technical Details

– ISBN13: 9780316068048
– Condition: NEW
– Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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 “I HATE Sci-fi and I LOVED this book!!” 2010-03-18
By Stacy (Arizona)
Ok, I will admit I only got this book because I liked the Twilight series and what a pleasant suprise. I hate sci-fi books and I loved this one. There is a love story and a tragedy that I did not expect to find. It is not all ET. It is quite gripping. You will really enjoy it. I have never posted a review before this so I had to

 “Yes! I am a believer!” 2010-03-16
By William Oterson (About 50 miles, or so, east of Manhattan.)
SciFi, not really. Fantasy, only somewhat. However, a little of both in this really exciting adventure novel from Stephenie Meyer. “The Host”, has got to be read by anyone who would be interested in either topic. Why only four stars when the novel is truly that much fun to read, and so interesting that it is almost impossible to not read in one sitting? Because you really have to accept the somewhat flawed concept. Okay, I did, and then I embarked on a wonder filled adventure. It is, I suppose, also about the readers ability to fantasize, to become one with those who are part of the story, and believe in its possibility. The story itself is about having ones back to the wall and the possible end to the reign of humans on this earth. Ms. Meyer is adept at developing the characters, and so capable of moving them from an almost, but not quite, impossible beginning to an almost, but not quite impossibly wonderous ending. Anger, deception, hatred, acceptance, and love explode across the pages. Yes! I am a believer and I loved it.

 “shocked by the 89 bad reviews” 2010-03-16
By N. Oakes (usa)
Reading the 1 and 2 star reviews I couldn`t help thinking did these people really read this book??The flow from the first page to the last was smooth the story right from the very first page was great,I read this book in 2 days.The friendship between the host and the alien was so well written.Parts made me cry,I couldn`t put it down.I sometimes wonder if the bad reviews are from other authors who are just jealous of SM sucess.

 “Laughable emotion descriptions, but overall good book” 2010-03-16
By Robert E. Jacobs (Fort Worth, TX USA)
I am a 23 year old man. Thought I’d get that out there… I enjoyed the book. I really did. I liked the character development, and how you became attached to several of the characters throughout the book (even characters that don’t effect the outcome of events…) I liked the unique-ish story line. I liked the torn apart feeling of emotions.

I did not like the typical Stephanie Meyer laughable descriptions of emotions (i.e. (not from her book, but an example of what she might type in the next…) My love for him overflowed from my body like lava from an active volcano – filling the room with an unseen, but not unfelt, heat which burned my eyes if they so much as began to wander towards the god of a man in my room: the man who held my heart and all of it’s intentions in his open hand like a …. you get the point).

Other than that, and there was a LOT of that, the story was unexpected, surprising, and delightful. I recommend it to all young women who want a nice thriller type book, along with an overly romantic story line.

 “Amazing!” 2010-03-14
By Diane
This is the best story I have ever read! It made me cry. Read this, and you’ll find out why. I heartily recommend this book to every one. I will never forget this for as long as I live.

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Technical Details

– ISBN13: 9780316068048
– Condition: NEW
– Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
See more technical details

 “I HATE Sci-fi and I LOVED this book!!” 2010-03-18
By Stacy (Arizona)
Ok, I will admit I only got this book because I liked the Twilight series and what a pleasant suprise. I hate sci-fi books and I loved this one. There is a love story and a tragedy that I did not expect to find. It is not all ET. It is quite gripping. You will really enjoy it. I have never posted a review before this so I had to

 “Yes! I am a believer!” 2010-03-16
By William Oterson (About 50 miles, or so, east of Manhattan.)
SciFi, not really. Fantasy, only somewhat. However, a little of both in this really exciting adventure novel from Stephenie Meyer. “The Host”, has got to be read by anyone who would be interested in either topic. Why only four stars when the novel is truly that much fun to read, and so interesting that it is almost impossible to not read in one sitting? Because you really have to accept the somewhat flawed concept. Okay, I did, and then I embarked on a wonder filled adventure. It is, I suppose, also about the readers ability to fantasize, to become one with those who are part of the story, and believe in its possibility. The story itself is about having ones back to the wall and the possible end to the reign of humans on this earth. Ms. Meyer is adept at developing the characters, and so capable of moving them from an almost, but not quite, impossible beginning to an almost, but not quite impossibly wonderous ending. Anger, deception, hatred, acceptance, and love explode across the pages. Yes! I am a believer and I loved it.

 “shocked by the 89 bad reviews” 2010-03-16
By N. Oakes (usa)
Reading the 1 and 2 star reviews I couldn`t help thinking did these people really read this book??The flow from the first page to the last was smooth the story right from the very first page was great,I read this book in 2 days.The friendship between the host and the alien was so well written.Parts made me cry,I couldn`t put it down.I sometimes wonder if the bad reviews are from other authors who are just jealous of SM sucess.

 “Laughable emotion descriptions, but overall good book” 2010-03-16
By Robert E. Jacobs (Fort Worth, TX USA)
I am a 23 year old man. Thought I’d get that out there… I enjoyed the book. I really did. I liked the character development, and how you became attached to several of the characters throughout the book (even characters that don’t effect the outcome of events…) I liked the unique-ish story line. I liked the torn apart feeling of emotions.

I did not like the typical Stephanie Meyer laughable descriptions of emotions (i.e. (not from her book, but an example of what she might type in the next…) My love for him overflowed from my body like lava from an active volcano – filling the room with an unseen, but not unfelt, heat which burned my eyes if they so much as began to wander towards the god of a man in my room: the man who held my heart and all of it’s intentions in his open hand like a …. you get the point).

Other than that, and there was a LOT of that, the story was unexpected, surprising, and delightful. I recommend it to all young women who want a nice thriller type book, along with an overly romantic story line.

 “Amazing!” 2010-03-14
By Diane
This is the best story I have ever read! It made me cry. Read this, and you’ll find out why. I heartily recommend this book to every one. I will never forget this for as long as I live.

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Technical Details

– ISBN13: 9781600241666
– Condition: NEW
– Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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 “Amazing!” 2010-03-14
By Diane
This is the best story I have ever read! It made me cry. Read this, and you’ll find out why. I heartily recommend this book to every one. I will never forget this for as long as I live.

 “Stephenie Meyer has taken her writing up a few levels with this book” 2010-03-13
By Ladybug (Norway)
I highly recommend this book! No matter how you feel about the Twilight-saga – read The Host! I might add that this book has nothing to do with the Twilight vampires. Okay, I’m going to say this out loud: I personally think this book is much better than the Twilight-saga.

The Host is a book in the science-fiction genre, the first sci-fi book I have ever read or to be more precise listened to(the audiobook is read by Kate Reading). I didn’t think that sci-fi was a book genre I would enjoy but I was badly mistaken in my presumption. If you don’t enjoy the genre don’t let that stop you, if you do then you’re going to miss a great book.

The Host is an adventure of a story as well as a story about important things like learning to accept others for who they are, compassion, love and the feeling of being alone and finding you’re place in the universe.

The “souls” in The Host isn’t like small green men, no they are tiny beautiful silver creatures. The “souls” are parasites and they are living inside other creatures. They have taken over the earth, the humans didn’t desreve a great planet like the eart. Humans only ruined it and were violent and evil towards each other.

When the human, Melanie, is being captured she is in Chicago looking for her cousin, Sharon, who she thinks might still be human. When Melanie understands that the “souls” have found her she throws herself into an elevator shaft hoping to die instead of having her body taken over by a “soul”. If her body is taken she fears that her mind will reveal the place where her little brother, Jamie, and her boyfriend, Jared, are hiding. Melanie dosen’t die and one of the “souls” heals her body and places a female “soul” named Wanderer inside Melanie’s body.

Melanie refuses to give up her own mind and body and through memories and feelings she somehow manges to effect the “soul” a little. Wanderer knows she shouldn’t let herself be effected by this and that she ought to swap to a new body, but after awhile she to longs for Melanie’s family. Is Jared and Jamie still alive? Can Wanderer the “soul” be trusted?

Melanie and Wanderer starts a search and they find what they are looking for, what they haven’t considered is the hate humans nurture for the “souls”.

The main character in this book, Wanderer, is hard not to fall in love with. Wanderer is a peace loving “soul” and she shares the body with Melanie a really tough girl who doesn’t mind using violence to protect herself. It goes without saying that there’s going to be some conflicts inside their head.

I feel that the characters in The Host has got more depth(more multi layered) than the characters in Twilight. It seems to me that Stephenie Meyer has taken her writing up a few levels with this book. I loved the book and the way the characters in it were described.

 “Better than Twilight” 2010-03-11
By J. TreVino (Anaheim, CA)
I’m a HUGE Twilight fan but at many times throughout the series I would get frustrated & bored with the characters. This is not the case the The Host. I absolutely LOVED this book. I’m not a Sci-Fi reader but this man me feel like now I was & I really enjoy it. I find the characters in this book to be more mature & well rounded. I still think Stephanie is a horrible writter but a wonderful storyteller. I cannot wait for book 2 of this series.

 “Great Book!” 2010-03-10
By D. Sibley (Vermont)
Stephanie Meyer is amazing!! My husband and I both loved this book! It’s very unusual for us to both love the same author, but we love everything she has written; I would highly recommend this book as well as the Twighlight Saga!

 “Wonderful Book!” 2010-03-10
By A. Gerow
This book was infinitely better than the vampire stuff. If you hated Twilight don’t shy away from this one. It is first class all the way! Very entertaining. I was sorry when it was over. =)

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Technical Details

– ISBN13: 9780452289963
– Condition: NEW
– Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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 “Wonderful” 2010-03-12
By Jennifer
I have read many books about the ego and how one needs to let go of it for inner peace and to awaken to one’s inner consciousness. A New Earth, for me, really expressed this concept in an easy to understand and graspable way. Even though many of the concepts discussed were not “new”, they were expressed in such a way that i finally understand them on a deeper level where I can incorporate them into my daily life. This was a great read for me at this point in my life and it may be for many others as well.

 “wonder why you think your are nuts?” 2010-03-11
By Robertljackiewicz (colorado, usa)
A must read for the insight on how to re-direct or turn off that voice in the head that is so unsettling. Read Byron Katie afterwords and get familiar with “The Work” to cut through some of the BS your mind generates.

 “Nothing New” 2010-03-07
By pleinelune (Southwest US)
As other reviewers have pointed out, if you’re familiar with Buddhism, you’re familiar with this book. I think it became popular because so many westerners don’t know or have read basic books on Buddhism. I think he was just Oprah’s flavor of the month of self-help.

 “A New Earth” 2010-03-04
By blondie (Washington, DC)
This was an interesting read for me. There is some I agree with and some I disagree with or just don’t “get.” Perhaps I’m not entirely ready to be awakened.

I did think/notice that portions of the book seemed to be a form of repackaged Buddhism for the Western world/culture. I actually think this is a good idea and I’m not criticizing this because there are some wonderful fundamentals that may otherwise not necessarily be part of Western culture. This seemed to be Eastern thinking for the Western culture. I like this idea because there are parts of such thinking that are just not usual in our culture. I also thought it was interesting that he pulled ideas from Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and probably others I just didn’t catch.

Although I enjoyed the book, I was often distracted by Tolle’s “vanity” (not sure if that’s the right word). I sometimes felt he was preachy and kept wondering how big his house is if indeed objects mean nothing. I also felt that telling the reader from the get-go that if he/she didn’t agree with or understand the ideas put forth, then the reader just wasn’t ready to be awakened. I felt like that was a cop out. Tolle should have just made his points and let the reder decide if he/she is ready or even wants to be awakened. I couldn’t tell if it was resistance in my own head to opening my mind to beliefs different than my own or if he truly sounded that way.

The main message I got from the book is to exist in the present and to be aware (of ego and carrying negative thoughts). The point is that constant worry about the future and what-if this, what-if that is no way to live. The same can be said with reliving/regretting the past. I liked how Tolle expressed that – not to carry it around.

One quote (of many) from the book: “If the structures of the human mind remain unchanged we will always end up re-creating fundamentally the same world, the same evils, the same dysfunction.” Well yes. And I agreed when I heard Einstein’s quote, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Common knowledge, no? I suppose it’s good to point this out for those that don’t know or to reiterate for those that do.

This book reminded me (in certain parts) of another book I read – Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman. Might be worth a read if you liked Tolle’s book.

All in all I think A New Earth has some very interesting insights and can be useful in life, however I don’t think it’s life-altering for me. I think this book can be immensely helpful for some people. It might be life-altering for some, just not for me, but that’s not the book’s fault so I gave it 3 stars. I think the book does what it’s supposed to do. Although I don’t regret reading this book and I don’t feel it was a waste of time, I don’t think I would read another one from this auther.

 “Bing, Bing, Bing + Fireworks” 2010-02-28
By Rose White (WA State)
After reading some of the reviews, I felt the need to share my thoughts. Wow, so many negative critics, but that is OK. Eckhart and Oprah stated many times in the webcast that whatever people felt, good, bad, positive or negative, it is all good, not everyone is ready for this. That said, I will tell you all that over the last year I have read “the power of now” and “a new earth” umpteen times along with so many others teachings and philosophies. Yet there was something in the way that Eckhart spoke, that kept me going back to his books. Well I was on chapter 9 this last week, when I suddenly got a Bing, then a Bing, Bing and by chapter 10 there was that casino style Bing, Bing, Bing in my head followed by a wonderful show of fireworks (also in my head),Yes I am insane, I live in this world of form don’t I? I had finally gotten the A-ha moments I had waited so long for, I now understood what everyone was speaking of, all of the books and different teacher’s that I had been reading and listening to had come together, it was like a great wall of tile and Eckhart was the grout that filled in the empty spaces. I cannot tell you how so very well I am since last week. I also know that this world of form that we live in is tough, people think we’re nuts and everyone is so very full of opinions and know-it-all attitudes, but let me tell you, it is all the more reason that I shall continue on this journey with a lighter heart, a very open heart and a VERY open mind. I can say that for me Mr. Tolle has brought me an inner peace and I thank him and God for this. Just staying present has decluttered my mind and left a wonderful fresh feeling to doing the simplest of tasks. Don’t stop seeking people, “This Too Shall Pass”.

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