Monday, May 12, 2008 . 12:19 PM

I came back from Taiwan just 2 weekends ago and have dove right back into the thick of things. Of course, coming back from the trip means that I'm poorer (naturally), but not poor enough to haul back a stack of novels. The reason for the expedition to the book store is the release of one of my favourite writers' latest offerings: The Host.



Contrary to what Sharon claims, it is not a book about hosting parties. Neither is it about hunks serving lonely rich socialites.

Far from it, it is in fact, a science fiction novel set in the distant future where earth has been invaded by aliens who occupy human bodies (obliterating the person's original consciousness). But they do so because humans are cruel and violent and are killing themselves. The aliens are peace-loving and seek to save us from ourselves (and kill us in the process, go figure).

What do I think about it? It coaxed tears out of me, so it was good that way. I like Meyer's writing style and she didn't bore me. At first, I thought the story meandered a bit, but in retrospect, it didn't. Every scene seems to come together to form a very detailed picture and I feel the characters' pain. Maybe not Jared's (ok, maybe just a little at the end), but Ian's, Jamie's, Melanie's, and most of all, Wanderer's were brilliant in its simplicity.

I like how she handled Ian's character, much more than Jared's. In a way, Jared and Melanie remained me of Bella and Edward, except Bella's not so... angry and suspicious. But the relationship between J & M is almost exactly like B & E, no joke! Love at first sight and all...

And strange how I can relate to Wanderer/Melanie's maternal feelings for Jamie. Is the biological clock ticking?

Right after I finished with the book, I grabbed the Korean DVDs off my shelf and started watching. I bought it last Sunday, caving my impulse (I tend to do that a lot) to watch Bae Yong Joon in Korean fantasy/period drama. I've been through 16 eps and I'm hooked.

It is a rather interesting setup (love-triangle, boy proving his worth & compassion) and I like the female lead, Lee Ji-ah.


The Modern Lee Ji-ah


Lee Ji-ah as Se-o

Even Bae Yong Joon manages to look pretty awesome here!



Together they are couple of the year:



Right now, I'm wishing I can go on home and watch another 4 eps of the show. It's not compelling, but my curiosity is relentless. I need to know!

Yeah, yeah, I know, I live in the fictional world too much. But it's just too dang exciting to give up!