A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini - July BOTM

[A, Crazy.]

Thoughts on this book??

[Priyanshu]

This books paints a vivid picture of the atrocities that women had to face in that period of Taliban (probably they still face it to some extent).
It has become a source of inspiration for me since I have read it. It is a story of strength and resilience, and never giving up. I have heard people say it paints an unnecessarily bleak picture, but for the bravery of men and women of Afghanistan who strive for equal rights for women and education, the dark and bleak background is a perfect canvas.

[Laura]

I just finished this novel a few minutes ago and I am overwhelmed by it. It depicts the harsh reality of life for women in Afghanistan under the various forces that have governed the country over the years- including the Taliban. It was an emotional tale featuring some loveable, powerful female characters. I absolutely loved it.

[Carmen]

The Kite Runner was the tale of two Afghan boys struggling to live decent lives despite ethnic rivalries of contemporary Afghanistan, whereas A Thousand Splendid Suns is the female counterpart. It is the tale of two women who grow up having nothing to do with each other: Mariam, who bullied by a sick mother, longs to join in her father's family and Laila, who grows up in a liberal family with a father who believes in her education and who has a boyfriend she loves. However life will make them meet and share extreme situations. Hosseini depicts the slowly growing friendship of the two women in horrific conditions. Despite what their relationship could become they don't see an adversary's face in each other but a face of grievances unspoken, shared burdens and the destiny they are submitted to and which they must endure either together or alone.Their only hope is with one another, and their physical and emotional survival lies in each other.It is beautiful to see how many faces love can have and how at the end of the day we are able to sacrifice for each other. It is impossible not to be touched by this story.

[Kim]

I love these books that are such eye openers for me as to what life is like in other cultures, both present-day and historically. It is so easy for me to sit here at my fancy computer, getting ready to drive in my new car to eat at Olive Garden, that I don't even think about other cultures and societies and their trials and tribulations. I love when authors are able to find a way to discuss these hard topics through a story that makes me want to devour it page by page.

[Angel]

The kite runner is my favorite. And it does capture the problems they face out in the middle east. One of my top favorite books of all time. Deff can make you think how well we have it here weather yur rich or poor. On any given bad day just remember someones having a more terrible one out there. Nice to meet you guys and it was a pleasure sharing my feelings on this book. Add me on goodreads. :)

[Nina]

I read this book many years ago and I still remember the story because it was such a good story. I think the book spoke to me because it was a story about a young girl wich I was also reading this book. It got me think how blessed my life is and was in comparision.

[Pun]

Made me cry. Made me reflect upon the world and its moral that encompass us human. Of course, to make it short, a-awesome book. If you love his previous work, you will not be disappointed with this.

[Anjana]

pen is mightier than sword.....Khaled hosseini rules

[Varuna]

Hello,
There are books you read and enjoy and then there are others which you imbibe, parts of which keep coming back to you.. no matter how long back you have read them.
I read this some years ago along with The Kite Runner. Could never really forget either. It was my first introduction to the the life in the times of the Taliban. How a carefree culture can change overnight. Maybe we subconsciously realize that even we are not above the danger and every liberty we take for granted might be at the stake.
I can really relate to the sisterly bond the two protagonists shared over the time overcoming their rivalry over their man.
I wonder how many are still living are still living in that condition, how many stories have their happy ending...
A must read.

[Maggie the Muskoka Library Mouse]

This was moving, and so well done. I have bought all of Hosseini's books since I discovered The Kite Runner. I love his style!