I read the book when it was brought into my book club. I found the wording to be easy to read and the characters highly interesting, but what I really loved was the fact that it gives people a view of a different culture and helps them understand it more. I have met so many people who see people from the middle east as just terrorists, and that is simply awful. The story is moving and it touched my heart. I would recommend it to anyone.

I bought this book because my book club chose to read and discuss it. I did not think it was the type of book I would enjoy, but I absolutely did. I will soon be reading another book by the same author and can't wait!

If you've not yet had time to read this book over the summer then I suggest you put it on your book list for the fall. It is well written, keeps the reader's attention through to the end. It is one of those books that you just can't put down. The story gives the reader an open window into the life of two young Afghanistan boys from age 12 to manhood who come from two different religions as well as economic and social classes; but develop a close bond of friend ship. Their relationship is complicated by evil cruelties and prejudices, deep kept family secrets and a betrayal that haunts until it is brought to closure by a powerful desire to make amends for a childhood injustice committed out of fear, shame, and confusion.

In Khaled Hosseini's Kite Runner we're introduced to two young boys growing up together in war-torn Afganistan. The timeline is set in the early 70s and these two yong boys are put under terrible strain by horrifing events. But it's what happens at a kite flying tournament that really pushes this friendship to its limit. Amir is the main character and the book is told from his point of view now a man. But the real heart felt moments occur when Amir returns to Afganistan to rescue his childhood bestfriend's son. Everything said about this book is true. It's heartfelt, well-written, and tear jerking. It's a great first novel by an incredibly talented author. I'd also like to recommend another incredibly talented author: Georgiou Tino if you missed his book: The Fates, I'd recommend reading it.

Fates (2nd Edition)

I just finished this book and it was EXCELLENT! It's written so well and the story itself is something that is so real and can be true. It's such a heartbreaking tale which made me cry in several occasions! I felt everything that the characters felt! This book is not for the faint hearted, there are some very serious and emotional issues that not everyone can read or handle. But even with all that, it's a moving story and well worth the read.

Just finished this book yesterday.

Great novel.
Tells of unconditional love, unwavering loyalty... and then betrayal followed by ultimate redemption.

This book can move you to tears at some point.
It's one of the stories that you'll remember for a long time.

'For you, a thousand times over'.

I found this fiction as very gripping and thoroughly enjoyed it. Only complain i have is that the lead character grew bold all of a sudden. I can accept that the lead character is faced with hostility in Afghanistan but his reaction to it is something that I don't find realistic; even for someone having strong feeling of redemption. Though in author's defence, this is not the first time I have seen in fictions where lead characters suddenly become heroes.

A tear came down when I finished this book. And, btw, I like to movie too (for different reasons).

Great author...read this book and...A Thousand Splendid Suns...all in two weeks. The best two books I read this year and I normally read two books per week.

I read my roommate's copy of this book and enjoyed it. I purchased a copy to give to my teenage stepsister. It is very interesting to read different cultures and different views of Muslims in different countries. Just like other faiths that varies understanding from different regions in the world.
A story of a man who never stood up for anything all his life, tries to find the courage to make things right.

With this book, Khaled Hosseini gives a very emotional view of an Afghan who seeks redemption for a childhood betrayal. With the backdrop of the Afghan coup, Russian occupation, and Taliban government, the journey displays scenes of harsh bitterness and great triumph. Hosseini does a marvelous job of painting the characters through the eyes of the anti-hero, Amir, and ponders some of life's hardest challenges: trust, love, redemption, justice, and tradition.

The vivid descriptions of the place and the development of the characters are magnificent and the plot is somewhat slow at times but keeps moving through the whole book. Ultimately the book fails to answer many of the questions it produces, giving half answers or using a "deus ex machina" to avoid a resolution. The author tries too hard at the end of the book to tell the audience how to view Amir's life, and would have been better to leave the questions unanswered. The style of the books is also a bit simple and could have been much better, for example it uses very obvious foreshadowing and over explains all allegory (which are simplistic at best).

I give the book 3 stars for the wonderful plot development and rich characters.

Khaled Hosseini takes you inside the headlines and beyond. But this intimate look into a Kabul neighborhood is so much more than politics and strife. That is merely the backdrop as a young Afghan called Amir comes to grips with haunting regrets and a drive for atonement - a very human drama played out in an unfamiliar culture. Its the kind of book that stretches your understanding of life in a world being torn apart; and of humanity in general.

Khaled Hosseini takes you inside the headlines and beyond. But this intimate look into a Kabul neighborhood is so much more than politics and strife. That is merely the backdrop as a young Afghan called Amir comes to grips with haunting regrets and a drive for atonement - a very human drama played out in an unfamiliar culture. Its the kind of book that stretches your understanding of life in a world being torn apart; and of humanity in general.

The scenes in the book are easily visualized thanks to Hosseini's beautiful descriptive style. This is a novel that truly touches the soul. I could not put it down.!

I could not put it. It's a great read and I would recommend it to anyone!

I just finished this book yesterday and let me tell you, I am so very glad I tried it. The only thing I knew about this book is that it was best seller for a while now. I started reading the first page and was so mesmerized. Before I knew it, I was about fifty pages in. This book is simply beautiful. Written so poetically and vividly, you feel like you are right there with the characters, growing up with them, feeling their pain and seeing what they see. This book is almost surreal in describing the smell and sound of faraway places and people (with respect to Americans, that is). How sweet and bitter childhood can be... In a weird way, it reminds me of Janet Fitche's white oleander, obviously not in the story itself, but in the flowing, eloquent style and colorful sensations that simply brings both books into life. I stop to smell the wind now. I wonder how long has Dr. Hosseini had this inside him, how long that he kept this inside, wanting to tell this story. I found it hard to believe it was not a memoire. This book is tells the saga of one pashtun family, set against the backdrop of the fall of the monarchy and the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan. This book is really a riveting masterpiece. I highly recommend it to every human being out there, pick it up, you will not be sorry. I cannot wait to get my hands on Dr. Hosseini's second novel.

This book is as advertised. Moving and well written. Maybe its the women theme, but I liked A thousand splendid suns better. I did not like how serious issues of the young boy were not addressed/dealt with once he came to the US and the ending was a big let down.

This book started off a little slow, so I wasn't sure I was going to stick with it. But after the first 1/4 of the book, you realize why there is so much detail and background. A very rich book that makes you feel as though you were there in Kabul in the 70s when things were moderately peaceful (or at least intact). What a great ending too! Love it!

Rivetting. The past and the recent events of Afghanistan are sewed together in the experiences of the characters. It made me relate to the history of the country in a way that I never thought I could.

I recently finished The Kite Runner, the first book written by Khaled Hosseini. I knew a lot of people who had read this book and had strong opinions on it, so I decided to give it a go. I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with The Kite Runner, though I wasn't entirely satisfied with the ending.

The Kite Runner reads from the first-person perspective of Amir, the son of a wealthy businessman, who lives with his father, Baba, in a large house in Afghanistan. Amir and his father reside with their servant, Ali, and Ali's own son, Hassan. The first part of the novel centers around the interconnected relationships of both sets of sons and fathers, as well as Amir's close, almost brotherly, relationship with Hassan.

The author, Hosseini, does a great job of detailing the various lives of these four characters, set against the backdrop of Afghanistan in the 1970's and 80's. At the time, Afghanistan was a thriving, cultural mecca, though trouble lay ahead with Russian forces moving into the area, eventually exerting their will on the Afghani people.

Without giving away too much detail, Amir and Hassan experience a life changing event from different angles, which ultimately separates the pair, sending them both in completely different directions. This change in direction leads to Amir and his father migrating to America, where they start new, humble lives in the Bay Area. Hassan, as we later learn, remains in Afghanistan where his life becomes... well, depressing.

Much of the second half of the book deals with Amir making amends and redeeming himself for his handling of the event which, as briefly described above, sends both himself and Hassan along different routes. The lengths Amir goes to redeem himself are both dangerous and sometimes unbelievable -- even for a novel -- but it certainly is attention-grabbing... It's nearly impossible to put the book down over the last 100 pages.

This book is about 400 pages, but you'll tear through it in no time. The chapters are fairly short, and the novel moves along quickly and neatly, but beware, this is by no means a "feel good" story. There are a lot of sad, depressing moments in The Kite Runner, and even the conclusion makes you wonder why the author ended it this way.

I never really was all that interested in Afghanistan and its culture, but Hosseini really paints a vivid, interesting story of the rise and fall of the region. Midway through the book, I found myself repeating and memorizing a bunch of Afghani terms that are mentioned throughout the story. I was so enthralled with Hosseini's descriptive passages, I may even venture out to an Afghani restaurant here in San Francisco (should all Italian, sushi and burger joints suddenly close down for no reason).

Do I recommend The Kite Runner...? Absolutely. It's a good, quick read, and if you're in the mood for something a bit cultural and thought-provoking, pick it up.

I recently finished The Kite Runner, the first book written by Khaled Hosseini. I knew a lot of people who had read this book and had strong opinions on it, so I decided to give it a go. I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with The Kite Runner, though I wasn't entirely satisfied with the ending.

The Kite Runner reads from the first-person perspective of Amir, the son of a wealthy businessman, who lives with his father, Baba, in a large house in Afghanistan. Amir and his father reside with their servant, Ali, and Ali's own son, Hassan. The first part of the novel centers around the interconnected relationships of both sets of sons and fathers, as well as Amir's close, almost brotherly, relationship with Hassan.

The author, Hosseini, does a great job of detailing the various lives of these four characters, set against the backdrop of Afghanistan in the 1970's and 80's. At the time, Afghanistan was a thriving, cultural mecca, though trouble lay ahead with Russian forces moving into the area, eventually exerting their will on the Afghani people.

Without giving away too much detail, Amir and Hassan experience a life changing event from different angles, which ultimately separates the pair, sending them both in completely different directions. This change in direction leads to Amir and his father migrating to America, where they start new, humble lives in the Bay Area. Hassan, as we later learn, remains in Afghanistan where his life becomes... well, depressing.

Much of the second half of the book deals with Amir making amends and redeeming himself for his handling of the event which, as briefly described above, sends both himself and Hassan along different routes. The lengths Amir goes to redeem himself are both dangerous and sometimes unbelievable -- even for a novel -- but it certainly is attention-grabbing... It's nearly impossible to put the book down over the last 100 pages.

This book is about 400 pages, but you'll tear through it in no time. The chapters are fairly short, and the novel moves along quickly and neatly, but beware, this is by no means a "feel good" story. There are a lot of sad, depressing moments in The Kite Runner, and even the conclusion makes you wonder why the author ended it this way.

I never really was all that interested in Afghanistan and its culture, but Hosseini really paints a vivid, interesting story of the rise and fall of the region. Midway through the book, I found myself repeating and memorizing a bunch of Afghani terms that are mentioned throughout the story. I was so enthralled with Hosseini's descriptive passages, I may even venture out to an Afghani restaurant here in San Francisco (should all Italian, sushi and burger joints suddenly close down for no reason).

Do I recommend The Kite Runner...? Absolutely. It's a good, quick read, and if you're in the mood for something a bit cultural and thought-provoking, pick it up.

it's been a while since i read a book and felt the trickle of tears cool my face. it was supposed to be a light summer read while traveling, but instead it touched my heart on a much more profound level. best of all- i couldn't put it down, wanting to know what will happen next...hungry for the finale. and when it came, i had to read more of hosseini's works.. highly recommended.

I loved this book I didn't want to put it down. I highly recommend this book to everyone but not the movie.

I loved this book I didn't want to put it down. I highly recommend this book to everyone but not the movie.

So beautifully written but also so hard to read. Not that the writing is difficult, it in fact flows very poetically on the page. I don't believe I had ever read a book by a foreign author who had done such a brilliant job of bringing a strange new culture to life in such a talented way. But the subject matter itself was hard emotionally to read - so much human cruelty.

But that said - you MUST read this book! It should be required reading in every high school in the country. I learned so much about the Afghan people and culture, all while being treated to a breathtakingly beautiful story of friendship, childish innocence, loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.

If you loved this book as much as I did, run out and get "A Thousand Splendid Suns" as well. You won't be disappointed.

I normally read fast reading "beach books"in the summer so this was kind of a change for me. This book was fast reading but will stay with me a long time. A lot of books I forget about almost right after I read them but Kite Runner made a lasting impact and made me feel both sad and wonderful at the same time.

This book sparked an intense interest in Afghanistan for me - I find myself reading as much as I can about the country and the people. This is a great story spun by a master story teller - and it stays with you long after you've read the last sentence.

Very enjoyable, engrossing read. Whilst in the first half of the book, a traumatic incident about one of the boys, was nearly enough for me to put the book down as I found it so sad, I kept reading and found it to be a great read. Yes, there were some melodramatic moments in the second half of the book but it still made me compelled to read it to the end. I think the author captured the sounds, smells and sights of a war torn country beautifully and would recommend this book to all.

The first half of this book was an excellent piece of prose and an involving story. However, when the story returns to Afghanistan both the prose and the story fell off the table. I can only assume that the publishers said "Finish this book in 2 weeks and we promise you a movie contract." Fortunately, the author only temporarily betrayed his considerable talent. "A Thousand Splendid Suns" sees him return to his appreciative readers.

Be prepared to abandon this book near the half-way point.

Why didn't I read this years ago?

I have to admit, I never once thought about what Afghanistan was like before the wars. Never considered the children of that country. The lives. This book is so beautifully written. In places, it is raw but always real. It touches on heavy subjects and makes you stop and really think. Mr Hosseini has written a book that is so clear about a boy that grows into a man. A man who has run from his own choices and regrets but finally stops and redeems himself. This story will help you picture a time and place that wasn't shown on the front pages of the NY Times. A time before the war, a time filled with families and full lives. Then it travels through years showing you struggles and accomplishments. You will grow along with the characters. You will wept when they do. You will understand what they understand. Your mind will open to a culture that I don't think Americans give much credit to.

This book taught me so much about life, myself, my opinions, the world and all the people around me globally. I feel I have a new respect and a new awareness.

It's amazing when a story can touch you so deep and teach you something that is so important.

Read this book. It's a classic and a must-read for everyone.

this is the most amazing, beautiful, emotional, intense, most powerful book i have ever read. words cant even explain. i have never read a book that has spurred so much emotion out of me, by the time i was done, the book was soaked with my tears. i cant even think about this damn book without getting emotional, and ive been refusing to see the movie because i'm scared of going through all that again! extraordinary novel from an extraordinary author.

This book was chosen for my book club and I was hesitant to read it. Now I'm so glad that I did. I learned a lot about the history of the Afghan people and the struggle for survival many have endured...the pain that follows them from one country to another and about the love that endures and the love that can come to light through the struggle of regret and lies. An amazing book.

When I read the Kite Runner, I was 13. Although I read quite a lot of and quite a variety of books, one wouldn't think such a book would appeal to a 13 year old. Well, I won't go into how I stumbled upon it, but I did. And I'm glad I did.

The single thing that has made the book so successful all over the world is that it is simple - it's an easy read. It hasn't got a complex plot or any complicated twists in it. Hosseini starts off by writing of the two boys, their freindship, their background, their situation. It seems very light-hearted at first - you think it's just a nice tale of two boys in Afghanistan. Of course, saying that now, even to you, must sound silly. It's not quite that, because what shocks the reader the most is when Hosseini reveals, very subtly, details of what was always destined to be. Things, that I won't spoil by telling you now, that are so shocking that it leaves you thinking, 'How did he do that? How dare he do that? How has he sucked me into believing the complete opposite of the reality of this place?'

This is probably what you'd call poignant. However, poignant is not the word to describe this book. It sets off a new, undiscovered emotion within you. You cannot properly describe this book with any one word, sentence, or review even.

Read this book. Consider it. Appreciate it...
Feel it...

This book was just perfect in every sense. Obviously a difficult topic that many readers are probably sheltered from in day-to-day life but it is a story that anyone can relate to on many levels. I LOVED this book and was very inspired by the finish. I read a review for another book that put it very nicely; it is a work that demonstrates the "soul-sustaining power of fiction"

Kite runner, for me, is a book that I couldn't stop turning pages of even though I felt pain in my heart, wrinkled my forehead, cringed, felt a shudder down my spine.... because inspite of all this, I had hope. Hope for all the characters and for the one smile that would prove to the be-all of this fascinating story.

Mr. Hosseini captures moments, and more importantly emotions, incredibly. He tells a heart numbing story and yet manages to cultivate feelings, in his audience, for each character. I must say though, that especially towards the end, we could do without a few characters who have no significance to the story. It's a very well written book, but not a very well edited one.

The book is a piece of fiction written on a real backdrop and as you read it, there's no denying that this could very well be an autobiography. It's written in a way that makes you believe and feel for each and every person caught in his/her battle of guilt, fear, shame, responsibility and of course redemption. And you stop for a moment and wonder, what keeps these people going? Yes, it's a book after all. You know it's going to end well. But, Hosseini doesn't just end it all happy and fixed. He ends it with hope that things will be better again.

I like the way this book brings together all the characters with a common element. The element of being good. The reason I say this is because it seems that everyone is looking for that oasis of niceness. It's part of being human. We want to do the right thing, even though we might not always make the right choices. And we get opportunities, a thousand times over!

This is the best book I have read in years. I absolutely loved it and have tried to convince everyone I know to read it. This is a must have.
JUST PLAIN GOOD!!

If this book is so great, why is it that you can predict the next "shocking" plot twist 50 pages ahead?

Hosseini is a gifted storyteller, in the sense that his story unfolds like a vividly told morality tale: you know exactly where it's headed.

That's my biggest problem with this book.

NOTE: Stop reading if you want the plot to be a "surprise."

One third of the way into the book and you can easily figure out that the flawed main character will go back to Afghanistan, resuce the orphaned child of his best friend, adopt him and and take him back to the US, where he and his wife had been unable to conceive a child of their own.

But you still have a few hundred pages to read to get there.

Oh, and by the way, the dead best friend, he wasn't just your friend, he was your ... (Watch Chinatown, Once Upon a Time in America, read any ancient Greek tragedy, or take a wild guess.)

My next problem with the book is that the main character was too much of a sap to be believable.

What kid would watch his best friend get raped in an alley by another kid and not try to help him? What grown man would be reluctant to take in an orhpan that was his own nephew? What man would tell a fragile child who had been sold into sex slavery by an orphange that he might have to go back to another orphanage - just for a little while.

My final problem with this book, the reason I threw it in the trash as soon as I was done: cheap emotional manipulation.

The series of tragedies that take place are as ridiculously over the top as an opera. Two generations of child rape, an attempted suicide by an emotionally crippled young boy, a graphic descripton of death by stoning. The level of sorrow and brutality in a work of fiction borders on perverse. I don't understand how so many readers can call this book inspirational and hopeful. All I saw was an author abusing his readers with fictious misery.

This book will make you cry and then make you feel conned for crying.
If you want to sit in a book club and weep collectively, over a predictable and sentimental storybook, go ahead.

If this book is so great, why is it that you can predict the next "shocking" plot twist 50 pages ahead?

Hosseini is a gifted storyteller, in the sense that his story unfolds like a fable or morality tale; it's vivid, compelling and you know exactly where it's headed.

That's my biggest problem with this book.

NOTE: Stop reading if you want the plot to be a "surprise."

The protagonist has a lifelong guilt trip because as boy he ran away from a fight and left his best friend to get buggered by a bully. Then he moves to America, grows up and gets married. His friend, a member of a persecuted minority, stays in Afghanistan. We are told that the guy in America and his wife cannot conceive a child. And he's still trying to atone for his past sin of being a disloyal coward.

Then the phone rings, or a letter arrives, and someone from back home tells him he must return to Afghanistan for some important news.

So I'm thinking: his old friend must've got killed by the Taliban and our hero needs to redeem himself by rescuing the friend's orphaned child. Then he'll bring the kid to the U.S. and make his wife happy. One third of the way through, and you already know the ending.

Not to worry, there are other obvious "suprises" to amuse you the rest of the way. Such as when the evil Taliban villain - who enslaves the orphan -takes off his dark glasses. Can you guess who he is? Of course, he's the same bully who buggered the orphan's dad in an alley as a teen-ager.

Oh, and by the way, the dead friend, he wasn't just your friend, he was your ... (Watch Chinatown, Once Upon a Time in America, read any ancient Greek tragedy, or take a wild guess.)

My next problem with the book is that the main character was too much of a sap to be believable. What kid would watch his best friend get raped in an alley by another kid and not try to help him? Even a skinny runt stands up to a bully when his friends are in danger. Any kid would.

And what grown man would be so reluctant, as this character was for several chapters, to take in an orhpan that was his own nephew? The kid had been sold by an orphanage into sex slavery - and our hero's plan was to rescue the kid and then send him to a different orphanage.

We had to endure several chapters of "bonding" before he came to his senses and did the right thing. How "redemptive" is that? He's still jerk.

My final problem with this book, the reason I threw it in the trash as soon as I was done: cheap emotional manipulation.

Hosseini wasn't done yet. Our hero breaks a promise to the kid, tells him he has to go back to an orphanage for just a little while until the adopton papers are finalized. A few pages back, there was a passing reference to child suicide, and we are told our orphan boy likes long baths. So guess what he does when he hears he might have to wait awhile in another orphanage?!!

It's obvious, sad and as ridiculously over the top as an opera.

This book will make you cry and then make you feel conned for crying.
If you want to sit in a book club and weep collectively, over a predictable and sentimental storybook, go ahead.

If this book is so great, why is it that you can predict the next "shocking" plot twist 50 pages ahead?

Hosseini is a gifted storyteller, in the sense that his story unfolds like a fable or morality tale; it's vivid, compelling and you know exactly where it's headed.

That's my biggest problem with this book.

NOTE: Stop reading if you want the plot to be a "surprise."

The protagonist has a lifelong guilt trip because as boy he ran away from a fight and left his best friend to get buggered by a bully. Then he moves to America, grows up and gets married. His friend, a member of a persecuted minority, stays in Afghanistan. We are told that the guy in America and his wife cannot conceive a child. And he's still trying to atone for his past sin of being a disloyal coward.

Then the phone rings, or a letter arrives, and someone from back home tells him he must return to Afghanistan for some important news.

So I'm thinking: his old friend must've got killed by the Taliban and our hero needs to redeem himself by rescuing the friend's orphaned child. Then he'll bring the kid to the U.S. and make his wife happy. One third of the way through, and you already know the ending.

Not to worry, there are other obvious "suprises" to amuse you the rest of the way. Such as when the evil Taliban villain - who enslaves the orphan -takes off his dark glasses. Can you guess who he is? Of course, he's the same bully who buggered the orphan's dad in an alley as a teen-ager.

Oh, and by the way, the dead friend, he wasn't just your friend, he was your ... (Watch Chinatown, Once Upon a Time in America, read any ancient Greek tragedy, or take a wild guess.)

My next problem with the book is that the main character was too much of a sap to be believable. What kid would watch his best friend get raped in an alley by another kid and not try to help him? Even a skinny runt stands up to a bully when his friends are in danger. Any kid would.

And what grown man would be so reluctant, as this character was for several chapters, to take in an orhpan that was his own nephew? The kid had been sold by an orphanage into sex slavery - and our hero's plan was to rescue the kid and then send him to a different orphanage.

We had to endure several chapters of "bonding" before he came to his senses and did the right thing. How "redemptive" is that? He's still jerk.

My final problem with this book, the reason I threw it in the trash as soon as I was done: cheap emotional manipulation.

Hosseini wasn't done yet. Our hero breaks a promise to the kid, tells him he has to go back to an orphanage for just a little while until the adopton papers are finalized. A few pages back, there was a passing referece to child suicide, and we are told our orphan boy likes long baths. So guess what he does when he hears he might have to wait awhile in another orphanage?!!

It's obvious, sad and as ridiculously over the top as an opera.

This book will make you cry and then make you feel conned for crying.
If you want to sit in a book club and weep collectively, over a predictable and sentimental storybook, go ahead.

The book said it was used but looked brand new! I was very impressed. Fast shipping and great communication. Better than EBAY

A tale of innocence, sadness and redemption that both troubles and heals the heart. You will see human nature in its starkest expression.

It's about two young boys who grow up together in Afganistan in the 1970's. Hassan is Amir's dearest friend and is the son of Amir's father's servant who belongs the minority Hazara community in Afganistan. Amir and Hassan's close friendship is put under strain by an unthinkable event which happens on the day of the annual kite flying tornament. Amir's and Hassan's childhood friendship is destroyed as a result of fear and jealousy.

The story is of Amir, a novelist who lives in California whos life story is narratied by himself where he talks of his loss, redemption and guilt filled relationship with his country of birth. Amir returns to war torn Afganistan to rescue Hassan's orphaned son but is met with personal and political obstacles which leaves the reader in suspences and wanting more.

This novel is a tear jerking, heart warming insite into the relationship between freinds, family, country and culture. Hosseini really knows how to keep the reader guessing and wanting more, as a first novel it is dripping in emotion and bitter sweet memories of the character alongside giving cultural insite into the lifestyle of Afganistan. Also, if you missed reading TIN0'S FATES, go and read it. Fates I discover it browsing through my bookstore and am reading it at a rapid pace because it's so addictive. There is something about his books that bring you in and get you hooked. and I'm loving this one. Highly Recommend!

After over 2,400 reviews I can hardly add much significant. This is a first hand account of a boy, later a man, as seen through the prism of his loves, hatred, fears, prejudice, selfishness and self-loathing. We see, a society both similar and dissimular to our own. It is possible to form close friendships with Hazaras, a despised lower class, but they are friendships with external and internal limitations.

Through Amir's eyes we see his father, a man of almost impossible virtue and courage. Even so, it is a love-hate for Amir because he knows that it will always be impossible to live up to his expectations. Amir, in a sense, lives up to his own low self-expectation. He betrays his loyal Hazara friend not once but three times. The young Amir reveals himself for what he knows himself to be--a thief, a liar and a coward.

War comes to Afghanistan. Amir and his father are driven from their comfortable existence in Kabul and, after a series of both terrible and heroic experiences, make it to the U.S. where his father struggles to rebuild his life.

I won't go into details as to what happens but there is redemption and it is possible for a coward to become a hero. This beautifully written and tragic story reads like the truth and rates a full six stars.

Ron Braithwaite author of novels--"Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God"--on the Spanish Conquest of Mexico.

First, this authur has a tremendous way of writing and keeping the reader enthralled. This book is excellent and you will not want to put it down after starting to read. You get caught up in the characters and their emotions and thoughts and feelings. I have highly recommended this book to my friends and family. Also his other book 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'.
Enjoy!

I bought this book three years ago and it has been in my book shelf since then. I have no idea why I never read it. When I noticed it sitting there in my book shelf, I decided to read it. And I couldn't put it down. The story was beautiful. It was full of friendship, love, tragedy, redemption, forgiveness and adventure. It was powerful and brought me to tears more then once.

I know that many have said this before me, but this book is a classic. I know that it will be read, and treasured for many years to come!

I liked this book because the story moved quickly, the characters and story revealed elements of another culture (I'm a Sociologist), and the message the story contains is very relevant. This book made me think about the differences between people in different cultures and how their religions and experiences are so different than our's (in the U.S.). It helped me reduce ethnocentrism in my personal views of Afghan/ Arabic people. I read this book pretty quickly and I was glad I did - it was a good read.

I would never have chosen this book myself, But it was a gift. What a great read. The story was so well written, I couldn't put it down.
I wish the story went a little further. It felt like someone ripped out the last ten pages.
Overall ... I would recomend this book.

I fell in love with Khaled Hosseini's novel `THE KITE RUNNER'; the story is sad, beautiful and inspiring. The writer relates the story in a way that makes you feel like it's poetry.

This is a story of unconditional love, brotherhood and redemption set in Afghanistan.

Two young boys, Amir and Hassan are best friends living in a household where Amir is the son of the rich owner of the house and the Hassan is the son of the house keeper; the class differences become an important factor in the story. The boys appear to have an inseparable friendship, reading stories together and flying kites.

An event occurs in which Amir's strength of character and loyalty is tested. His actions, or lack there-of, will severely affect his and Hassan's life and they will never be the same again. Amir will be haunted with guilt because of the consequences of that fateful day for the rest of his life.

As a man, many years later, Amir discovers that there is hope, redemption is possible: `there is a way to be good again'.

I love this story by Hosseini. The plot is exciting, with intermittent slower moments of touching developments. You really come away with a feeling of concern for the children of Afghanistan.

This was a lovely book and I was blown away at the story. Amazing!!