The Description Of Modals Used In Stephenie Meyer’s Novel “The Host”

THE DESCRIPTION OF MODALS USED IN STEPHENIE MEYER’S NOVEL “THE HOST”

A PAPER BY

MAYA REGINA REG. NO. 102202020

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH SUMATERA FACULTY OF CULTURE STUDIES DIPLOMA III ENGLISH

MEDAN 2013

Accepted by:

The Board of Examiners in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Diploma III (D-III) of English Study Program, Faculty of Culture Studies, University of Sumatera Utara.

The Examination is held on

Faculty of Culture Studies, University of Sumatera Utara

Dean

NIP : 195110131976031001 Dr. Syahron Lubis, M.A.

Board of Examiners

1. Dr. Matius C.A. Sembiring, M.A. ( Head of ESP) 2. Dr.Drs. Ridwan Hanafiah,S.H., M.A. (Supervisor) 3. Drs. Siamir Marulafau, M. Hum (Reader)

AUTHOR’S DECLARATION

I am, MAYA REGINA, declare that I am the sole author of this paper. Expect where the reference is made in the text of this paper, this paper contains no material published elsewhere or extracted another degree.

No other person’s work has been used without due acknowledgements in the main text of this paper’ This paper has not been submitted for award of another degree in any tertiary education.

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COPYRIGHT DECLARATION

Name : MAYA REGINA

Title of Paper : THE DESCRIPTION OF MODALS USED IN STEPHENIE MEYER’S NOVEL “THE HOST”

Qualification : D-III / Ahli Madya Study Program : English

1. I am willing that my paper should be available for reproduction at the discretion of the Librarian of the Diploma III English Department Faculty of Cultures Studies University of Sumatera Utara on the understanding that users are made aware of their obligation under law of the Replubic of Indonesia. 2. I am not willing that my paper be made available for reproduction.

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ABSTRAK

Kertas karya yang berjudul “ The Description Of Modals Used In Stephenie Meyer’s Novel “ The Host” ini membahas secara singkat tentang penggunaan modals dan fungsinya dalam novel ini. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam kertas karya ini adalah penelitian kepustakaan.

ABSTRACT

The paper entitled “ The Description Of Modals Used In Stephenie Meyer’s Novel “ The Host” briefly discusses about the use of modals and functions in this novel. The method used in this paper is library research.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

First of all, I would like to express my grateful to the Almighty Allah SWT who has given me health and capability to finish this paper as my last assignment to finish my study at Diploma III English Study Program University of Sumatera Utara.

Time has been passing so fast that it seems like yesterday when I for the first time came to this faculty as new student in English Department. Now in my last grade in English Department, I have responsibility to make a paper as the requirement on Diploma III (D3).

I would like to express my deepest gratitude, love , and appreciation to:

 My beloved parents, dr. N Perangin-angin and Nomi br Ginting for their love and patience, supporting me morally, spiritually, and financially in completing this paper.

 My beloved sisters Rini, Sri, Aisyah and my beloved brother M. Budi Ibrahim for their support and love.

 Dr. Matius C.A. Sembiring, MA as th Head of Diploma III English Study Program, who gives me a lot of knowledge.

 Dr.Drs. Ridwan Hanafiah,S.H., M.A. as my supervisor and as my reader. Thank you for valuable time for correcting, completing, and finishing this paper.

 Dr. Syahron Lubis, M.A as a Dean of Faculty of Cultures Studies, University of Sumatera Utara.

 All Lecturers in Diploma III English Study Program For giving me advice and knowledge.

 Special thanks to my friends: Siti Romadiana, Oktivani Masriyanto, Nelfi Okmita, Joan Sulasni for help me to complete this paper.

 All my friends in Class A and Class B Diploma English Study Program who I cannot mention one by one here.

However, I realize that this paper is still far form being perfect because it is not easy to finish it to my satisfaction. Therefor, I welcome any constructive critism and suggestion towards this paper.

Medan, July 2013 The Writer

Maya Regina Reg,. No. 102202020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AUTHOR’S DECLARATION ... i

COPYRIGHT DECLARATION ... ii

ABSTRAK ... iii

ABSTRACK ... iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ... v

TABLE OF CONTENTS ... vii

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Background of the Study ... 1

1.2 The Problem of the Study ... 2

1.3 The Scope of the Study ... 2

1.4 The Purpose of the Study ... .2

1.5 Reason for choosing the Topic ... 2

1.6 Method of the Study ... 2

2. MODAL AUXILIRIES 2.1 The Definition of Modal ... 3

2.2 The Usage of Modal ... 3

3. THE DESCRIPTION OF MODAL 3.1 The Modal Used in Stephenie Meyer’s novel “THE HOST” ... 13

4. CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION 4.1 Conclusion ... 20

4.2 Suggestion ... 20 REFERENCES

ABSTRAK

Kertas karya yang berjudul “ The Description Of Modals Used In Stephenie Meyer’s Novel “ The Host” ini membahas secara singkat tentang penggunaan modals dan fungsinya dalam novel ini. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam kertas karya ini adalah penelitian kepustakaan.

ABSTRACT

The paper entitled “ The Description Of Modals Used In Stephenie Meyer’s Novel “ The Host” briefly discusses about the use of modals and functions in this novel. The method used in this paper is library research.

INTRODUCTION

1.1The Background of the Study

In this world people need to communicate each other, communication tool is language. Language can inform many things and express what they want to show of their feeling. By using language someone could make statements, explain or report something, convey facts and knowledge and keep social relations among the language user.

It’s important to know what language is and how we should learn a particular language.

These indicate that by means of language, people can express their feeling, ideas, information, and messages through communication. Languages are different between one region with another; each of them is different in grammar, not only in writing but also speaking.

Grammar is a body of rules specifying how meanings create in English. To be a good sentence in English we have to know the grammar because it is one of the basic element in English. Talking about grammar we have talk about the structure, especially modals.

Modals are auxiliaries or helping verb. They are used to show modality that is possibility, ability, permission, polite request, and obligation. Modals are always followed by the base from a verb. Modals also always use the same from no matter what the subject is.

Modals are function as auxiliary verb which add a certain meaning to main verbs.

Biber (2002:174) states that there are nine modal. As their name suggest, they are largely concerned with expressing ‘modality’, such as possibility, necessity, prediction, and volition. The modals are: can, could, may, might, must, will, would, shall and should.

1.2The problem of the Study The problem of study are:

What are the modals used in Stephenie Meyer’s novel “THE HOST”? 1.3The scope of the Study

This study is focused on modals, limit the description based on modals used in the novel.

1.4The purpose of the Study The purposes of the study are:

1) As the requirement for Diploma English Study Program Faculty of Culture Studies, University of North Sumatera.

2) To find out the modals used in Stephenie Meyer’s novel The Host. 1.5Reason for Choosing This Topic

1.6Methods of Research

In writing this paper, the writer used the method of library research by reading, learning some books, collect the information from books, internet and the data from novel.

2. MODAL AUXILIARIES 2.1The Definiton of Modal

Modals is the name for a group word which is consist of can, could, may, might, shall, should, will,and would.

Modals or an auxiliary verb is a verb that helps to form a sentence of other verbs. The most commonly used modals are: can, could, may, might, shall, should, will,and would.

2.2The Usage of Modals

The modals are: can, could, may, might,must, shall, should, will,and would.

These are some description about kinds of Modal Auxiliaries:

2.2.1 Uses of Modal Can 1) To express ability

Examples:

1. Budi can speak Arabian language. 2. Jeje can speak Deutch language. 3. Rini can speak five languages fluently. 2) To express permission

1. Can I sit here?

2. Can I borrow your Ipad?

3. Can I talk to you in the canteen? 3) To express possibility

Examples:

1. A history’s book can be interesting 2. That’s new can’t be true

3. Don’t light a match in this chemical factory! The fire can cause an explosion.

4) To express action Examples:

1. I can’t see you on the road 2. Can you hear me?

2.2.2 Uses of Modal Could 1) To express ability

Examples:

1. Three years ago, I could play basket ball like a professional. 2. When my brothe was in high school, he could beat anyone at

chess.

3. I could run fast when I was a child.

Examples:

1. Could I borrow your car? 2. Could you help me please?

3. Could I use your car next Saturday? 4. Could I borrow your eraser?

2.2.3Uses of Modal May

1) To express permission. It’s more polite than use Can or Could. Examples:

1. May I leave now?

2. May I know your phone number? 3. May I come in?

2) To express possibility in present/past tense. Examples:

1. Mita may be sick 2. She may be at home. 3. It may snow tomorrow. 3) To express wish and hope

Examples:

1. May God bless you!

4) To express purpose Examples:

1. Your mother may allow you to come home a little late. 2. He worked hard so that she may pass.

2.2.4 Uses of Modal Might

1) To express permission in present Examples:

1. Uncle John said we might take his car for an outing. 2. Randy said they might get married soon.

2) To express polite request Examples:

1. Might I come with you? 2. Might I go now?

3. Might I stay a little longer? 3) To express possibility

Examples:

1. She said that it might rain. 2. I though they might not come. 3. I though she might at office. 4) To express wish and hope

Example:

1. She wishes that she might get well soon. 2.2.5 Uses of Modal Must

1) To express obligation Examples:

1. We must obey the laws of our country. 2. Student must respect their teacher. 3. Children must respect their parents. 2) To express advice

Examples:

1. You must study hard.

2. You must watch Fast and Furious’s film. 3) To express prohibition

Examples:

1. Children must not play near the river

2. People must not throw rubbish on the streets. 3. You must not used shoes at mosque.

2.2.6 Uses of Modal Will

1) To express polite request

Examples:

1. Will you please help me to pick up this table? 2. Will you please turn off the television? 3. Will you send me an email about our task?

2) To express promise

Examples:

1. I will reward you for your achievement.

2. I’ll get back to you on Saturday.

3. I won’t come late again, mom.

3) To express command

Examples:

1. All student will attend the ceremony every Monday

2. All teacher will attend the ceremony every Monday.

2.2.7 Uses of Modal Would

Examples:

1. Would you mind if I turn on the radio?

2. Would you please close the door?

3. Would you open the door?

2) To express permission

Examples:

1. Would you like a green tea?

2. Would you like to come to me?

3. Would mind if I smoke?

3) To express wish and hope

Examples:

1. Would that I were success.

2. Would that I were rich.

4) To express statement that possible situation

Examples:

2. If you could give me $1000.000, I would be very happy.

2.2.8 Uses of Modal Shall

1) To express suggestion, advice and asking polite.

Examples:

1. Shall I meet you at library?

2. Shall I help you to carry your things?

3. Shall I open the door?

2) To express command, warning.

Examples:

1. You shall feel sorry for your fault.

2. No one shall leave this room, understand?

3) To express willingness

Example:

1. They shall get their gifts.

2.2.9 Uses of Modal Should

Examples:

1. We should be honest in this life.

2. You should have done your task.

3. You should speak polite to your parents.

2) To express advice

Examples:

1. Should I join with translator?

2. You should plan the the whole trip before starting.

3. You shouldn’t try to do many job at the same time.

3) To express possibility

Examples:

1. He should be in the Palladium now.

3. THE DESCRIPTION OF MODAL

3.1 The Modal Used in Stephenine Meyer’s novel “THE HOST”

The modals used in Stephenie Meyer’s novel are: can, could, might, must, will, would, and should.

1. Uses of Modal Can

Examples:

1. Can you find the rendezorous point? (page 35)

2. “Can I come?” Jamie asked. (page 226)

3. I think… I can be sure… I think she left a note somewhere. (page 33)

4. I don’t move, I know he can cath me if I try to run. (page 44)

5. I can imagine the feel of the moist, cool air blowing. ( page 37)

6. It’s so dark. I can’t see. (page 10)

7. I can see the gleam of granite counters. ( page 39)

8. “Can you hear me?” The seeker asked, interrupting my analysis. (page 25)

9. They have really long hands with though strong fingers that can build all kind of things. ( page 346)

10. I can barely breathe under his grip. (page 40)

11. “It’s just me!” I rasp. I can’t lead him to Jamie. (page 40)

12. I can believe it, he whispers. “ You’re still human.” (page 42)

13. I can hear his voice getting closer. (ppage 42)

14. “ I can tell you how delighted I am to meet you.” (page 45)

15. “Well, we can’t stay here for long.” (page 45)

16. I can’t breathe. I don’t want to breathe. (page 101)

17. I can hear them on the floor below. ( page 111)

18. “ Can you hear her now?” (page 331)

19. Can you see how it’s using you? ( page 367)

2. Uses of Modal Could

Examples:

1. I could describe that species in my new human language. (page 20)

2. I could skip past the end. It didn’t overwhelm me now. (page 23)

4. I could feel thee host’s reaction to this- could feel it much too strongly. (page 36)

5. I could see the lamp on over my apartment door. (page 66)

6. I could work to forget this whle experience. (page 90)

7. I could hear my breathing echo back to me from a few feet away. (page 183)

8. I could hear him breathing. (page 308)

9. I could feel her scrambling around, searching for alternative. (page 362)

10. I could guess the subject. (page 79)

11. I could describe us, but I could not name us. (page 21)

12. “ Could you hand me the soap, please, Wand?” (page 343)

13. We lived everyday with the knowledge that we could meet a final end at any moment. (page 55)

3. Uses of Modal Might

Examples:

1. But I didn’t want to ask any question that might move us into more difficult areas of discussion. (page 52)

3. Melanie shied away from my feelings worried by the depth of them, worried that I might change my mind. (page 123)

4. “ I might get it wrong.” (page 336)

4. Uses of Modal Must

Examples:

1. “ We do not choose violence. We face it when we must. (page 16)

2. “Oh, come now, Wandere. You must have notice. (page 64)

3. “ You must have felt same way.” (page 77)

5. Uses of Modal Will

Examples:

1. “ Will you come back with me to the house?” (page 45)

2. “Will you wait for me here then?” (page 45)

3. “ When will you… when will have to leave again?” (page 98)

4. “ Will you talk to me? Please?” (page 100)

5. “ We will be back to your brother in no time,” he promises. (page 46)

7. “I’ll never lose you.” (page 103)

8. “I’ll never let you get away from me.” (page 103)

9. “ You and I won’t lose each other,” he promises.” (page 109)

10. “ I will always find you again.” (page 109)

11. “ I’ll find it.” (page123)

12. After we’re done, I’ll see that you get a chance to clean yourself up. (page 306)

13. It will be dark soo and we’ll have to stop. (page 127)

6. Uses of Modal Would

Examples:

1. I was curious if she would stay on this world. (page 52)

2. “ I would have liked to know about Curt’s choice as well, but it was such as personal question.” (page 53)

3. “No one would think badly of that choice, Wanderer. (page 57)

4. I tried to calm myself so that I would be able to put her in her place. (page 58)

6. “ Kathy, you just said that she would crush a different soul.” (page 59)

7. Who would you choose to take her on? (page 59)

8. It would be nice to be alone again. (pag 61)

9. I wanted myself I wouldn’t let what was mind be destroyed. (page 61)

10. I would not lose control again in front of this woman. (pag 69)

11. “It’s been a while since I heard anything from you, so I thought I would check in personally. (page 69)

12. It was dishonest of me. Shameful behavior. But I would not let the Seeker know that I was weaker than my host. (page 70)

13. “ Kathy would’t tell you anything!” (page 81)

14. “ If you think someone in else world have better luck breaking into her secret’s, you’re wrong. (page 820

15. What would u have done if Healer Fords hadn’t relocated to Saint Mary’s? Would you be driving to Chicago? (page 88)

16. “ Would you like some help?” (page 122)

18. “ If I was planning to fight you. I would have come with four guys this time.” (page 235)

19. I wish you would pay me attention to Uncle Jeb. (page 269)

7. Used of Modal Should

Examples:

1. Let’s get you to a Healing facility before w speak. If you have a flu, you should get it healed. (page 68)

2. Should I kiss him? (page 96)

4. CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION

4.1 Conclusion

After found the modal used in Stephenie Meyer’s novel can be concluded that:

1. There are seven types of modals in Stephenie Meyer’s novel. They are: can, could, might, must, will, would and should.

2. There are 74 sentence which used modal in Stephenie Meyer’s novel. The modal “can” and “would” are the most dominant.

3. Modal which are found in Stephenie Meyer’s novel are used to relate ability, action, advice, permission, promise, possibility, polite request, obligation and wish(hope).

4.2 Suggestion

It is suggested that student analyse other aspects of the novel, such as tenses, conjunctions, clause, gerund, and punctuation.

REFERENCES

Biber,Douglass. 2002. Longman Student Grammar of Spoken and Written English. London: Library of Congress.

Izzan , Ahmad. 2007. Basic English Grammar. Jakarta: Kesaint Blanc. Tjahaja, Sukrisna. New Method English Grammar. Jakarta: Kesain Blanc. Beaumont, Digby. 2008. Elementary English Grammar. Jakarta: Kesain Blanc. Ambarningrum, Pertiwi. 1997. Basic Grammar for Beginners. Jakarta: Lingkaran

Pustaka.

Azar, Betty Schramfer. 1992. Understanding and Using English grammar. London: Prentice Hall, Inc.

Taylor, Grant. 1956. Mastering American English. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc.

APPENDICES

Biography of Stephenie Meyer

Stephenie Meyer was born December 24, 1973 is an American young adult author and novels have gained worldwide recognition and sold over 100 million copies, with translations into 37 different languages. Meyer was the bestselling author of 2008 and 2009 in America, having sold over 29 million books in 2008, and 26.5 million books in 2009.Twilight was the best-selling book of 2008 in US bookstores.

Meyer was ranked #49 o 2008", and was included in the celebrities in 2009, entering at #26. Her annual earnings exceeded $50 million. In 2010, Forbes ranked her as the #59 most powerful celebrity with annual earnings of

Early life

Stephenie Meyer was born i She grew up in Heidi. She attend English teacher remembered her as "bright but not overly so. She attende Meyer met her husband Christian when she was 4 years old in Arizona, and married him in 1994 when they were both 21. Together they have three sons: Gabe, Seth, and Eli. Christian Meyer, formerly an auditor, has now retired to take care of the children.

Meyer is a member of that she is straight-laced about her beliefs and does not drink alcohol or smoke. eyer had no experience as a writer of any kind and had never even written befor chance of becoming a writer; she later noted that the birth of her oldest son Gabe changed her mind, saying, "Once I had Gabe, I just wanted to be his mom. Before becoming an author, Meyer's only professional work was as a receptionist in a property company.

Personal life

Meyer married Christian Meyer in 1994. They have three sons together: Gabe, Seth and Eli. The family lives i

The Summary Of Novel

"Souls", a species of parasitic aliens, have invaded Earth, deeming the humans too violent to deserve the planet. When a Soul is implanted into a host body the consciousness of the original owner is eventually erased, leaving only their memories and knowledge. Wanderer, a Soul who was given her name for not living more than one host's life on any of eight previous planets, is placed in the body of Melanie Stryder, one of the last few humans who've managed to avoid capture. Melanie tried to commit suicide by jumping down an elevator shaft when pursued by Seekers, but was revived by the Souls' advanced medicine. Wanderer is asked by a Seeker to look through Melanie's memories and see if there's anything that can lead them to other humans, but she is being mentally blocked, leading the Seeker to realize Melanie's consciousness is still alive and resisting control.

As time goes by, Melanie's consciousness grows stronger and begins to communicate with Wanderer. Wanderer manages to uncover some of Melanie's memories, mainly about her younger brother Jamie and her boyfriend Jared Howe, another human she

met while stealing food some years back. Through Melanie's memories Wanderer begins to love Jared and Jamie as well. Eventually, Melanie's presence becomes too much and Wanderer contemplates being re-implanted in another host, but as she's driving through the desert on the way to consult a Healer on her decision, Melanie inspires her to follow a series of landmarks she remembers to find her Uncle Jeb, hoping that Jared and Jamie will now be with him.

Their quest seems fruitless, however, with Wanderer almost dying of dehydration, until she's happened upon by Uncle Jeb. He realizes Melanie's body has been taken over, but saves her life anyway. He takes her to his hideout; a large set of secret caves housing over thirty humans, including Jared and Jamie. Most of them demand she be killed, fearing she'll escape and tell the rest of the Souls where they are, but Jared stops them, not being able to bear the thought of Melanie's body being harmed. After fainting, Wanderer wakes up in a tiny cave with Jared guarding her. Brothers Ian and Kyle O'Shea come to kill her, but Jeb intervenes and tells them that Jared is the one who gets to decide Wanderer's fate.

She's kept in the cramped cave for a week, until Jared has to lead a raid and leaves her in Jeb's care. With Jared gone, Jeb gives her a real room to stay in and lets her help out around the caves. As the weeks go by, the rest of the humans grow used to the Soul living in their community, and Wanderer grows particularly close to Jamie, Jeb, Ian, and Doc, who all come to believe that Melanie is still present inside her.

She's given the nickname "Wanda", and with some encouragement from Jeb begins to tell stories about the previous worlds she's lived on to the group at meal times.

Jared, Kyle, and the others return, and are furious that their group would let themselves trust an alien. Jared decides he wants to shoot her, but Jeb insists Wanda belongs to Jamie as well, and Jared eventually agrees not to harm her. After hearing Doc, Jamie, and Jeb insist that Melanie's conscious is still alive, he kisses Wanderer to test if it's true, causing Melanie to take control enough to punch him. He takes this as confirmation.

Walter, one of the older humans who is slowly dying of bone cancer, asks to see Wanda. She sits by him in the hospital as he talks to her, thinking she's his wife Gladys. After a while she takes a break and goes for a bath. In the bathing area Kyle appears and attacks her. He first tries to drown her, then throw her down a cavern into the river below. In the ensuing struggle she causes him to hit his head and black out, but the ledge gives way and the two nearly plummet to their death. She manages to get free but then stops Kyle from falling, risking her life in the process, Melanie's internal objections at doing so. Ian hears Wanda's cries for help and pulls them up. Wanda is moved back to the hospital to be treated for her injuries, and comforts Walter as Doc gives him a morphine overdose. After Walter's funeral, a trial is held for Kyle. Ian, Jared, and a few others want to kick him out for attempted murder, but Wanda lies to protect him, and the majority vote decides he should stay. Ian confesses

that he has romantic feelings for Wanda - not her host body, but her - and kisses her, but Melanie's repulsion and her own feelings for Jared make her confused, and she asks for time to think about it.

Jared goes out on another raid and takes Jamie with him. Afterwards, they intentionally keep Wanda away from the hospital, just as they did after the previous raid, making her suspicious. She goes to see what the secret is, and discovers mutilated Souls who've been cut out of their hosts. The image is so traumatic that she hides for three days, remaining silent and not eating anything as a form of mourning. Jeb eventually convinces her to return and explains that they've been looking for a way to safely remove Souls from human bodies, but each time has proven to be fatal for both parties, and he agrees to make sure it never happens again.

Wanda then learns that a large cut Jamie got while out has become infected, and remembering what happened when Walter couldn't be treated, desperately tries to convince the community to steal medication for him. She suggests they use her, as she could acquire it easily and she'd never be suspected of anything, but the group still don't trust her enough. Jared sneaks her out at night, and they're successful in their mission. Now sure where Wanda's loyalties lie, they allow her to go out on another raid and return with a vast amount of food, all given freely by stores.

They learn upon returning that Wanda's Seeker found the caves and fatally shot a human named Wes before she could be subdued. Not wanting the Seeker to be killed,

Wanda realizes there's a way to spare her and the host body - by revealing how to remove a Soul properly. She agrees to tell Doc this secret, on condition that all Souls be sent to other planets rather than killed. Tired of stealing lives from people, she also asks to be taken out of Melanie and left to die, to which Doc grudgingly agrees. After the Seeker's human host is restored, Kyle runs off to find his girlfriend Jodi. He returns with Jodi, now inhabited by a Soul called Sunny (Sunlight Passing Through the Ice), who has feelings for Kyle the same way Wanda loved Jared. They plan to remove her and revive Jodi, although Sunny does not want to leave Earth. Wanda then reveals her intentions to give Melanie back her body and Ian, believing Wanda is leaving for another planet, tries to convince her to stay. He expresses his love for her and she tells him she loves him too, but sneaks out when he falls asleep. Jared confronts her as she's going to see Doc, but Wanda manages to keep her resolve. As Doc is putting her under she says goodbye to Doc and Melanie, and peacefully accepts death.

Wanda wakes up, now in a new host. She learns that Jared had coerced Doc into saving Wanda and went out with Melanie and Jamie to get a new body for her. Wanda is upset, but they explain that the host didn't wake up after they took the Soul out, meaning Wanda isn't a parasite. She learns that Jodi didn't wake up after Sunny was removed either, so Kyle decided to return Sunny to Jodi's body. In her new body, Wanda finally gains wide acceptance from the humans and is free to be in a relationship with Ian. Months later, Wanda is heading out on a raid with Ian, Jared,

Melanie, when they meet another group of humans who also have a Soul in their group. The story concludes with Wanda and the Soul named Burns (Burns Living Flowers), agreeing on the strangeness of Earth.

Personal life

Meyer married Christian Meyer in 1994. They have three sons together: Gabe, Seth and Eli. The family lives i

The Summary Of Novel

"Souls", a species of parasitic aliens, have invaded Earth, deeming the humans too violent to deserve the planet. When a Soul is implanted into a host body the consciousness of the original owner is eventually erased, leaving only their memories and knowledge. Wanderer, a Soul who was given her name for not living more than one host's life on any of eight previous planets, is placed in the body of Melanie Stryder, one of the last few humans who've managed to avoid capture. Melanie tried to commit suicide by jumping down an elevator shaft when pursued by Seekers, but was revived by the Souls' advanced medicine. Wanderer is asked by a Seeker to look through Melanie's memories and see if there's anything that can lead them to other humans, but she is being mentally blocked, leading the Seeker to realize Melanie's consciousness is still alive and resisting control.

As time goes by, Melanie's consciousness grows stronger and begins to communicate with Wanderer. Wanderer manages to uncover some of Melanie's memories, mainly about her younger brother Jamie and her boyfriend Jared Howe, another human she

met while stealing food some years back. Through Melanie's memories Wanderer begins to love Jared and Jamie as well. Eventually, Melanie's presence becomes too much and Wanderer contemplates being re-implanted in another host, but as she's driving through the desert on the way to consult a Healer on her decision, Melanie inspires her to follow a series of landmarks she remembers to find her Uncle Jeb, hoping that Jared and Jamie will now be with him.

Their quest seems fruitless, however, with Wanderer almost dying of dehydration, until she's happened upon by Uncle Jeb. He realizes Melanie's body has been taken over, but saves her life anyway. He takes her to his hideout; a large set of secret caves housing over thirty humans, including Jared and Jamie. Most of them demand she be killed, fearing she'll escape and tell the rest of the Souls where they are, but Jared stops them, not being able to bear the thought of Melanie's body being harmed. After fainting, Wanderer wakes up in a tiny cave with Jared guarding her. Brothers Ian and Kyle O'Shea come to kill her, but Jeb intervenes and tells them that Jared is the one who gets to decide Wanderer's fate.

She's kept in the cramped cave for a week, until Jared has to lead a raid and leaves her in Jeb's care. With Jared gone, Jeb gives her a real room to stay in and lets her help out around the caves. As the weeks go by, the rest of the humans grow used to the Soul living in their community, and Wanderer grows particularly close to Jamie, Jeb, Ian, and Doc, who all come to believe that Melanie is still present inside her.

She's given the nickname "Wanda", and with some encouragement from Jeb begins to tell stories about the previous worlds she's lived on to the group at meal times.

Jared, Kyle, and the others return, and are furious that their group would let themselves trust an alien. Jared decides he wants to shoot her, but Jeb insists Wanda belongs to Jamie as well, and Jared eventually agrees not to harm her. After hearing Doc, Jamie, and Jeb insist that Melanie's conscious is still alive, he kisses Wanderer to test if it's true, causing Melanie to take control enough to punch him. He takes this as confirmation.

Walter, one of the older humans who is slowly dying of bone cancer, asks to see Wanda. She sits by him in the hospital as he talks to her, thinking she's his wife Gladys. After a while she takes a break and goes for a bath. In the bathing area Kyle appears and attacks her. He first tries to drown her, then throw her down a cavern into the river below. In the ensuing struggle she causes him to hit his head and black out, but the ledge gives way and the two nearly plummet to their death. She manages to get free but then stops Kyle from falling, risking her life in the process, Melanie's internal objections at doing so. Ian hears Wanda's cries for help and pulls them up. Wanda is moved back to the hospital to be treated for her injuries, and comforts Walter as Doc gives him a morphine overdose. After Walter's funeral, a trial is held for Kyle. Ian, Jared, and a few others want to kick him out for attempted murder, but Wanda lies to protect him, and the majority vote decides he should stay. Ian confesses

that he has romantic feelings for Wanda - not her host body, but her - and kisses her, but Melanie's repulsion and her own feelings for Jared make her confused, and she asks for time to think about it.

Jared goes out on another raid and takes Jamie with him. Afterwards, they intentionally keep Wanda away from the hospital, just as they did after the previous raid, making her suspicious. She goes to see what the secret is, and discovers mutilated Souls who've been cut out of their hosts. The image is so traumatic that she hides for three days, remaining silent and not eating anything as a form of mourning. Jeb eventually convinces her to return and explains that they've been looking for a way to safely remove Souls from human bodies, but each time has proven to be fatal for both parties, and he agrees to make sure it never happens again.

Wanda then learns that a large cut Jamie got while out has become infected, and remembering what happened when Walter couldn't be treated, desperately tries to convince the community to steal medication for him. She suggests they use her, as she could acquire it easily and she'd never be suspected of anything, but the group still don't trust her enough. Jared sneaks her out at night, and they're successful in their mission. Now sure where Wanda's loyalties lie, they allow her to go out on another raid and return with a vast amount of food, all given freely by stores.

They learn upon returning that Wanda's Seeker found the caves and fatally shot a human named Wes before she could be subdued. Not wanting the Seeker to be killed,

Wanda realizes there's a way to spare her and the host body - by revealing how to remove a Soul properly. She agrees to tell Doc this secret, on condition that all Souls be sent to other planets rather than killed. Tired of stealing lives from people, she also asks to be taken out of Melanie and left to die, to which Doc grudgingly agrees. After the Seeker's human host is restored, Kyle runs off to find his girlfriend Jodi. He returns with Jodi, now inhabited by a Soul called Sunny (Sunlight Passing Through the Ice), who has feelings for Kyle the same way Wanda loved Jared. They plan to remove her and revive Jodi, although Sunny does not want to leave Earth. Wanda then reveals her intentions to give Melanie back her body and Ian, believing Wanda is leaving for another planet, tries to convince her to stay. He expresses his love for her and she tells him she loves him too, but sneaks out when he falls asleep. Jared confronts her as she's going to see Doc, but Wanda manages to keep her resolve. As Doc is putting her under she says goodbye to Doc and Melanie, and peacefully accepts death.

Wanda wakes up, now in a new host. She learns that Jared had coerced Doc into saving Wanda and went out with Melanie and Jamie to get a new body for her. Wanda is upset, but they explain that the host didn't wake up after they took the Soul out, meaning Wanda isn't a parasite. She learns that Jodi didn't wake up after Sunny was removed either, so Kyle decided to return Sunny to Jodi's body. In her new body, Wanda finally gains wide acceptance from the humans and is free to be in a relationship with Ian. Months later, Wanda is heading out on a raid with Ian, Jared,

Melanie, when they meet another group of humans who also have a Soul in their group. The story concludes with Wanda and the Soul named Burns (Burns Living Flowers), agreeing on the strangeness of Earth.