No, actually 'The Host' was totally a palate-cleanser for me. I wanted to do something a little bit different than romantic love. Romantic love is in there, obviously, because I enjoy writing about that and living it a lot.

After all, what was more important, in the end, than love?

So eager for eternal damnation.

Do you have a multiple personality disorder?

You look tired." "Yeah," I agreed, and shrugged. "Near-death experiences do that to me . . .

Angry grizzly bears are going to look tame next to what is waiting for you at home." I snapped the phone shut and placed it in her waiting hand. "I'm done.

My name is Jared Howe. I haven't spoken to another human being in more than two years, so I'm sure I must seem...a little crazy to you.