The Kite Runner in ♥ Nothing Better Than Reading!! ♥

Jul 04, 2018 S.C. rated it liked it

First off, the last book I read was "It" by Stephen King and I cannot get over how similar the ending of "It" was to the ending of this book! The similarity between the scene with the kite and the use of Silver in "It" was just too insanely coincidental to me.

But onto the actual book: it was an amazing book and an intriguing look into Afghanistan pre and post the fall of the monarchy and into the Taliban regime. Admittedly I was unaware of much of the history of the country and I appreciated th First off, the last book I read was "It" by Stephen King and I cannot get over how similar the ending of "It" was to the ending of this book! The similarity between the scene with the kite and the use of Silver in "It" was just too insanely coincidental to me.

But onto the actual book: it was an amazing book and an intriguing look into Afghanistan pre and post the fall of the monarchy and into the Taliban regime. Admittedly I was unaware of much of the history of the country and I appreciated this almost first-hand look. The book was, however, devastating. I felt some sympathy and empathy for Amir but it was so hard swallowing the things he did and thought regarding Hassan, especially at the start of the novel. He was a terrible person but his environment and upbringing and the intrinsic racism of his culture toward the Hazaras made him so. I loved Rahim and I was so happy that Hassan was able to confide his pain to at least one person. I am happy with Amir's redemption in the end and can only hope for the best for Hassan's son. The book teaches many lessons about being a better person and gives a fantastic view of Afghan culture that was great to learn about. Nonetheless, the book left me devastated, first because of Hassan's treatment by everyone around him except his adopted father and Rahim. Amir's treatment and thoughts about him are inexcusable and Amir's father's treatment of his illegitimate son was also inexcusable. Sure he treated him just fine but I agree with Baba's philosophy about theft: theft is the worst/only sin. He stole Hassan's right to the truth, to having a true brother and knowing his true brother. Then, of course, the consequences of Amir and his father's actions that ultimately result in Hassan's death as he remains on Afghanistan. But what really leaves me devastated by this book, as is the unfortunate case with all books I have read that feature Middle Eastern countries of Islamic based religions is the inherent racism and the treatment of women. I know this is not intrinsic to the Islamic people but the racism and slavelike treatment of other races such as the Hazara is abhorrent. And knowing just how casually it is understood that Hazaras are lesser enrages me. Not to mention the treatment of women. First how brutal the treatment of women in Afghanistan is beyond words. But even in relatively modern America, the double standard in which women like Amir's wife are treated compared to men is mind-boggling. We need to do better for these women in Western countries and especially for women living under oppression and devastation in other countries.

This book was good but it left me devastated because it reminded me of all the racism, discrimination and oppression whole cultures and religions and people can inflict, and of course, no culture or religion is free from that. ...more

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Oct 07, 2016 Anuradha Dev rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. For you thousand times over!!!First time this sentence was said I was moved by the emotions it represented but when it was spoken second time, it just about made me cry. This is such a emotional story. I cried like a baby when Sohrab attempted suicide. I cried for Amir, for the man he was trying to be. The cried for Sohrab for all the injustice done to him.
The story started with Amir and Hassan's childhood. Amir is a coward whereas Hassan is a daredevil courageous boy. Although Hassan is Amir's ...more

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Jul 31, 2018 What to read next ....... rated it it was amazing

Kite Runner is set in Afghanistan, a story about two young boys who are friends, Amir and Hassan.
Amir is the son of a wealthy Pashtun business man where as Hassan, a Hezara is a son of Amir’s family servant.

The two are the best of friends though Amir is lacking in courage and loyalty, and lacks standing for his best friend.

During a kite flying competition an incident occurs that drastically changes the lives of the two boys forever.
Following the incident the two friends are separated, only to fi ...more

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