Rent The Kite Runner

This is the story of a man and his path to redemption. Amir grew up in Afghanistan before the monarchy fell, and before they were invaded by the Russians. He had a father that he could not seem to please and a best friend that he could not seem to disappoint. Quite early in the novel Amir wrongs his friend, moves to America, and grows into a man burdened by guilt. So when he gets the chance to right the wrongs committed in his life, will he rise to the challenge? This is an excellent book that will engage the reader from page one. Some parts will make you laugh, some will make you cry, and some will make you want to turn your head to keep from reading what you know is about to happen.

If you love good storytelling with a poetic sensibility of language, read this book. Nothing is superfluous or an accident here. Hosseini weaves together one critical detail after another that will, by the end of the book, show its relevance to the overall plot. Simultaneously, he creates a moving tribute to an Afghan culture torn apart by civil war and the Taliban. My least favorite part of the book was when the main character immigrates to San Francisco, but even that seems appropriate; it shows the relative colorlessness of an American urban melting pot in comparison to a rich and ancient culture, at least as conveyed (though not overtly) through the voice of the author. And normally I'm not overly fond of authors doing their own narration, but I can't imagine who else would have gone back and forth as seamlessly from Farsi words & phrases to their English translation. Truly one of the best books I've read in a long time.

I was so engrossed into this story, from Chapter One. The author narrates his own story, and he did a great job. This story is poignant and yet very riveting. The story is fiction, but the descriptions of life in Afghanistan is fact. This story is not what I would, typically, choose. I'm glad that I read this story. It's not about Kites! It's about two boys, born in Afghanistan who grow up together. One lives the life of privilege and the other lives the life of a servant. It's about devoted friendship, betrayal and trying to make amends for wrongs done. I cannot wait to ready his newest book!

I read this book last year and loved it. Hosseini has a way of telling a story that draws you in and shows you his people and culture in a way that you can relate. I fell in love with the characters in this book and both wanted an ending and wanted it to go on forever. He has a unique way of showing you the beauty and cruelty of the human heart without making you feel hopeless...but hopeful for a people americans know little about.

This is one of the best books I have ever read.