|
| 
 enlarge | Author: Khaled Hosseini
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Inc
Category: Book
Buy New: $10.63
New (1) Used (7) from $5.00
Rating:  2470 reviews
Sales Rank: 2672349
Format: Import
Media: Paperback
Edition: Export Ed
Pages: 340
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 6.9 x 4.3 x 1.1
ISBN: 0747573395
EAN: 9780747573395
ASIN: 0747573395
Publication Date: May 31, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Customer Reviews:
 The best book I have read in some time--touched my heart September 25, 2008
I had heard so many good things about this book and I finally picked it up. My only regret is that I didn't do so sooner. I read a lot of books and enjoy most of them, however this book has touched me more than any other book in a long time. The author writes a beautiful yet haunting tale of two children growing up in Afghanistan. We follow the main character, Amir, into adulthood, through his escape from his home country to his life and marriage in the US and back to Afghanistan where he learns the fate and secrets of his long lost friend, Hassan. Amir struggles with many emotions in this book and the author did a wonderful job portraying those emotions to the reader. I found myself attached to the characters and crying on more than one occasion. I highly recommend this novel, even if it doesn't seem like your usual type of read, I don't think you will be disappointed. I wish I had read this for as book club selection for it is extremely thought-provoking; I couldn't stop talking about it to my husband, but seeing as he hadn't read it, he couldn't relate to my enthusiasm over it!
emotionally beautiful September 24, 2008
I bought this book from amazon only last week, dont usually go for books that have been advertised to death but had a Pick Inside and liked it.
I opened the book, read the first paragraph, closed it and felt a rush of emotion and tears started rolling...
I wont say more, read it and judge for yourself... I recommend it.
Isabel
Moving September 22, 2008
This book is a must read for everyone. I was touched beyond words. Absolutely brilliant.
 Helped me understand Afghans when I was there September 21, 2008
I read this while in Kabul, Afghanistan with the US military a few years back. It helped me understand Afghans and their culture a little better. Of course, I read history books on the country as well, but this novel brought out the personal side better.
The main story line revolving around abuse of young boys and having them dance around for adult males like little girls in some perverted show (the protagonists half-brother was shown doing this later in the book and movie) was something that US servicemen heard of from Afghans and discussed at times. As we heard it, some war lords would take boys to abuse in this fashion. I never saw this kind of abuse first hand, but having it presented in this book by an ex-pat Afghan confirmed the claims. Very sad aspect of Afghan life for some.
The whole issue of sex and inter-gender relationships among Afghans became a subject of discussion which servicemen/women could not relate to. I personally knew Afghan males, very nice men, who because of culture could not date their "girlfriends". Instead, they were limited to secret cell phone relationships.
Our speculation was that this sort of extreme cultural restriction, where men and women couldn't associate in any way, would cause....how to say this politely....strange psychological responses, such as in some extreme cases, abuse of young boys.
The author did a good job of bringing across the main point of the book which was redemption and friendship.
And yes, the kids still fly kites from the roofs of their simple homes. Quite a sight.
Sad turn of events September 16, 2008
The Kite Runner is a book set in Afghanistan and USA. The Kite Runner is a story weaved around Amir, who is the son of a wealthy businessman, and Hassan, who is the son of Amir's Hazara servant.
In earlier years, there used to be kite flying competitions in Afghanistan that were a matter of pride for people. Amir wins a kite flying competition and Hassan is the best kite runner - a person who gets the last kite cut.
Everything is good till the Taliban takes over Afghanistan and everything turns upside down.
This is a story of friendship, loyalty, closeness, betrayal, cowardise, and love. Go ahead, this book is worth a read!
|
|
|
The Outpost Network | |
