The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
This book was selected for me and I couldn’t be more thankful. It was a book I’ve seen and picked up many times before. Afghanistan . Do I really want to spend my reading time on a topic that is somewhat hard to avoid IRL? That was what I thought before I started reading about it. Now I’m glad that I was “forced” to read it.
This is the story of a boy, Amir, who doesn’t live up to his father’s expectations and that sense of shame is compounded when he chooses not to step in and save his best friend, Hassan, from a vicious attack – an attack that was precipitated in part by Hassan’s loyalty to him. Although it was Hassan who was hurt, Amir can’t stand the shame he feels when he’s around him. He pushes Hassan and his family away until they leave for good. You can’t escape your past forever or remove guilt and shame. Even after moving to the United States , gaining the love of his father, and marrying it haunts Amir. A call from a trusted mentor offers him a reason to return to his homeland and make amends with his past and peace with his own inadequacies – if only he’s now brave enough to do so.
I’ve decided not to go into too much detail and give Judi some time to read her copy. I would encourage everyone to read this book. You will not regret it.
Hi, I’m enjoying your blog. I haven’t read this book, but I want to. I’ve just finished reading “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini and it is fantastic – very thought-provoking and gripping. It is well worth reading.
Harry, thank you so much for stopping by and leaving me a comment. I just love that! We are in the opposite situation. I haven’t read A Thousand Splendid Suns yet, but I’m dying to. I appreciate your recommendation. I’m hoping to get to it later this year. I cannot tell you how much I loved The Kite Runner. If you only just enjoyed his other novel, you’ll absolutely love this one.
What a story! I’m glad to have read it, but certainly not ready for A Thousand Splendid Suns just yet. IF it’s the same kind of story, I know it will haunt me. The Kite Runner left me extremely grateful for what I have and the relative lack of horrible atrocities in my life. God Bless America!
I know what you mean, Donielle (thanks for commenting, BTW!) I have had A Thousand Splendid Suns for almost a year now but haven’t opened it yet. Partly because of the atrocities and partly because The Kite Runner was so good I don’t want to have a lesser experience with this author. After I read it, I’ll definitely send it your way.
I listened to The Kite Runner and loved it. Even a few years later, I still remember those hours in the car very fondly. I have Thousand Splendid Suns on my TBR list. I’m so far behind!!!