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A Thousand Splendid Suns

Khaled Hosseini

Start date: December 3, 2018

Finish date: December 31, 2018

Discussion: Monthly Bonus Reads

Why we're reading this: December Bonus Read- International Human Rights Day

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
[close] December Bonus Read- International Human Rights Day

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

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What Members Thought

Jul 17, 2019 Matthew rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own, book-a-book-club, favorites, historical-fiction, 2019

Amazing!

Heart-Wrenching!

Important!

In a world where people tend to make assumptions about people and places based on the news, preconceived notions, prejudice, etc., this book needs to be read. I think a good portion of the American population hears “Afghanistan” and they think it is a country full or terrorists and unreasonable Muslim extremists who all band together to plot the downfall of anyone not like them. A Thousand Splendid Suns shows the progression of life in Afghanistan from the Sovie Amazing!

Heart-Wrenching!

Important!

In a world where people tend to make assumptions about people and places based on the news, preconceived notions, prejudice, etc., this book needs to be read. I think a good portion of the American population hears “Afghanistan” and they think it is a country full or terrorists and unreasonable Muslim extremists who all band together to plot the downfall of anyone not like them. A Thousand Splendid Suns shows the progression of life in Afghanistan from the Soviet takeover in 1980s through post 9/11 Taliban control. All of this is through the eyes of two women trying to live a normal and peaceful life just like anyone in the world wants. You will see that despite the extremists and unreasonable values of some, most of the Afghani people are no different than you and me.

Hosseini is a fantastic writer. Not only is the story enthralling, but the way he writes is engaging and easy to follow. I was never bored or confused. When I was not reading the book, I was thinking about the book and could not wait to get back to it and find out what happens. Sometimes you find the perfect book where the writing just falls into place with a click – that happened with this one. While the story takes place far away and the life discussed unusual for me, he made it very approachable and understandable.

The characters were great. The ones I was rooting for I was REALLY rooting for. The ones that I despised I REALLY hated. When I get this invested in the characters, it is a sure sign of a great book!

I will end with this warning: while a great and interesting book, it is, at times, difficult to read. There are situations and scenarios that are upsetting and may trigger lots of emotion. If you are extremely sensitive, it may be difficult to make it through. But, if you can, I think it will be worth it in the end.

If you have not read this book yet, I think you should give it a try. The experience is very likely to be eye-opening and maybe even life-changing.
...more

513 likes · Like · see review

Apr 04, 2016 Erica rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: patient-bookcase-dwellers-2016

This book made me appreciate the luck I had in being born in a safe, peaceful country like New Zealand to supportive and loving parents. Heart-rendering story that I won't forget quickly. ...more

6 likes · Like · see review

May 14, 2013 Divya rated it really liked it

Made me cry! This book is about the lives of 2 women in Afghanistan. Very well written, realistic, it makes the subjects come alive. I couldn't help but hope for them towards the end of the story.
It is a little tough to deal with, got me down for days. ...more

Like · see review