I had forgotten most of the things that happened with this book, but I remembered really liking it. So I reread it (Thanks, Ricki, for owning a copy that was just downstairs!) 
 I didn't like it quite as much as I remembered liking it, but it really is a fascinating book, and (for the most part) well executed. 
 This time around, I found myself unimpressed by certain aspects of the narration. I felt that the writing, while quite good, wasn't great. Still, the overall themes of the novel kind of make up for that. 
 I mean, really, this novel made me think. About humans, mostly, and about humanity. What makes a human human? Chemical makeup? The way the brain works? Or is it something more abstract, such as kindness and basic respect for all things living? To quote one of the characters: "Human is a subjective term as well... I thought the definition embraced some compassion, some little bit of mercy." (Pg. 365 of the paperback version) 
 Also, is it justifiable to take over a species, if they are a violent one? Is it all right to erase those people, because you can do better and are better? 
 Ahhh, I like questions! And big books. The Host has questions, and is definitely big. What I don't like is how tired I am from staying up til two, but that's my own foolishness. 
 I recommend this book. I do, I do.