Not so much a review as a recommendation: The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner

By Khaled Hosseini

This book is fantastic!

It has all of the elements that make for a powerful story. One of the best I’ve read in the past few years.

I haven’t seen the movie, so I cannot make any comparison between the two.

The characters are richly developed. You love the good ones and hate the bad ones. As they traverse the landscape of life you cannot help but to feel what they feel. And, their lives are not simple. Their culture is at stake as their land is ravaged by a variety of invaders. The turmoil over doing what is right is always present. Cowardice is a challenge. Redemption, love, guilt, petty behavior, family, honor…it’s all there.

The story is so well told it could easily be real. It also gives you an understanding of the challenges faced by the people of Afghanistan the past few decades.

Check out the synopsis on any site and don’t hesitate to pick up a copy.

A favorite quote:

“It was only a smile, nothing more. It didn’t make everything all right. It didn’t make anything all right. Only a smile. A tiny thing. A leaf in the woods, shaking in the wake of a startled bird’s flight. But I’ll take it. With open arms.”