Customer Reviews:
 One of the most beautiful tales you will ever read March 25, 2008
8 out of 9 found this review helpful
I rarely re-read any books, I've only re-read maybe three or four in my entire life; Khaled Hosseini's first novel, The Kite Runner, is one of those books. Set in the country of Afghanistan, The Kite Runner tells the tale of the heartache of a nation at war and the guilt of a man who must live with the terrible sins of his past. The story weaves in and out of the present time in 2001, effortlessly gliding back and forth from past to present, showing off the true creative genius of the author. The story centers on Amir, a young man who grew up in Kabul Afghanistan before the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1979. Amir lives a privileged life; the son of a wealthy, respected, and well liked man named Baba, he struggles throughout his young life to find the favor of his distant father. His best friend is Hassan, the son of Baba's servant and lifelong friend Ali. Hassan is a Hazara, a member of an ethnic minority which has been long been persecuted by the Pashtun majority, of which Amir and Baba are a part, but despite the historical rivalry between these two groups Amir and Hassan grow up as friends, going to see westerns like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and The Magnificent Seven (Special Edition), reading stories in the branches of a fruit tree in the front lawn, and flying kites in the cold winter months.
Amir's first words as a child were 'Baba,' while Hassan's were 'Amir,' and from the very beginning of this tragic story those two words set the stage for every action these two characters make. Everything Amir does is to win the favor and affection of his father, while Hassan's goal is to do the same with Amir. This ultimately leads to Amir betraying Hassan in the worst way imaginable. For the rest of his life Amir wanders though life wondering 'what if?' and trying hopelessly to live down the endless streams of guilt and regret which plague him from the moment the act is committed onwards.
I'll be completely honest, I was forced, at least at first, to read this book. I had to read it for an English class and otherwise would never have thought to pick up a book about Afghanistan, no matter how popular it may be, if not for my teacher making it required reading. However from the opening pages I could not put this book down, and even when I finished it I could not get the story out of my head. This story is the most beautify troubling story I've read in a long time, a tale which will haunt your heart and soul for ages to come and stain the inside of your eyelids with the pictures of death, hope, despair and love which are painted onto the pages of this book as well as any canvas.
The Kite Runner is a masterpiece of epic proportions, one that will forever remain the standard by which I judge books of this kind. Hosseini is truly a great writer, with his follow up book A Thousand Splendid Suns providing an even more depressing look at the nation that is Afghanistan. One can only hope that he has many more stories to come.
Re-read value; EXTREMLY high.
Kite Runner February 28, 2008
One of the most moving stories I have heard. Author is a great writer-- carries you along the path with insight and empathy. I loved it.
kite runner February 12, 2008
This book touched my heart in so many ways. It is a must read for all ages. It will make you smile and weep.
Return Home February 10, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
With sparse, lyrical, vivid prose Khaled Hosseini takes the reader into a world the American mind will find difficult to comprehend, but will never forget.
Amir and Hassan run the street of Kubul as children, friends and brothers until evil splits them apart. Time changes everything and a tiny ray of hope finds its way to Amir.
THE KITE RUNNER is difficult to begin and difficult to put down until the final word.
Nash Black, author of WRITING AS A SMALL BUSINESS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.
you will not be able to put this book down February 8, 2008
Excellently written; high quality literature. This illustrated edition is worth having. Paper quality and chapter design make reading all the more enjoyable. Photos in this edition get you into the scene and enhance the reading experience.
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