If you haven't read The Kite Runner, you need to. I know the world is obsessed with the vampire stories these days, but if you want something with a little more depth to it, I would recommend this one. (I can say that because I read "Twilight" and yes, I liked it too, just not nearly as much as this one). The Kite Runner isn't a rosy story, so if you can't handle a hard dose of reality, then maybe you shouldn't read this.
As I was reading this heart wrenching story, I had to stop and thank Heavenly Father for the land in which I live, for the privilege of the freedoms I so thoughtlessly enjoy. Khaled Hosseini does an amazing job of painting a detailed description of Afghanistan over the past 20 years or so. (I love books that give me a history lesson along with the story). I had no idea. I've been clueless. It just made me wonder how oblivious I am to the rest of the world. I'm grateful for those who shed light on situations like these. This book is a beautiful story of a relationship between a father and his son, a relationship between a man and his country, a relationship between two best friends, as well as a man finding his relationship with God. Hosseini portrays the theme of courage throughout this entire story and turns an unlikely situation into something you can easily relate to in SOME aspects. There are parts of my past where I do wish I had the courage to change the situation at the time, but didn't. It does haunt you.
I've never wanted to adopt a whole country full of children until I read this book. Although this is a fictional novel, it is true that terrorists are killing the parents of young children who are left as orphans with no where to go and no one to take care of them. No wonder there is a vicious cycle of never ending terrorism. All I can do is pray for the precious souls who are trapped and pray for an answer that might help these children in some way.
Anyway- that is my 2 cents for my blogger book club. I heard they made a movie out of it and supposedly comes out on DVD soon. Although- my sister in law- Autumn, said it left a lot of parts out. So I'm glad I have read the book first. I also know I'm actually a few years late on reading this book, but better late than never. I did buy it and sent it to JC to read while he was deployed to Iraq the first time, but it was stolen. So I never ended up reading it until now.
6 comments:
I just read this in Hawaii! I agree with everything you said. I can't wait to read "a thousand splendid suns". I also read "veil of roses" which gives a bit of insight into iran-but has some swearing. I wish books had ratings. I am reading "these is my words right now- which is really good. Hope to see you soon!
i love this book! heart-wrenching for sure, and absolutely eye-opening. there is so much we will never know or understand but what a large portion of humanity experiences on a daily basis.
i'm in the middle of reading "the ladies auxiliary" right now. about a jewish community in memphis, tn. what it's like to be considered an 'outsider' within one's community. something lds people can often relate to... unless you're catholic living in utah, i guess. then it might be the other way around... haha.
I read the "kite runner" last year. It was a page turner, but definately a hard dose of reality to swollow(I think there should be an antidepressant pill in the back cover of the book). It made me wonder how Heavenly Father must feel when his children hurt each other to that extent.
On the other hand, I too felt very blessed to live in a land of safety...and for the protection that we can give to our kids because of the laws of the land.
I also loved the strong message of forgiveness, both of others and self.
I think this book ranks up there as one of my all time favorites. Yes, I love to read a book that is a great story, and yes I love to read a book with a feel good ending, but this one was different--it makes you think, it makes you cry and it makes you hope! It had so much depth and forced me to look at many things in a different perspective. I absolutely loved that the author was true to life and not worried about a happy ending but left you wishing and wondering and filled with hope. It is a good dose of a sad reality with a glimmer of hope at the end and I am certain I will read this one again.
beth... i forgot to tell you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! i'm pretty sure i'm several days late, but just wanted you to know i was thinking of you! love you!
p.s. and okay, sorry i've left half the comments on this post now... but the spaceship house. how could i forget that hideous piece of crap?!?! it was probably the people of signal mtn. who bought it just so they could finally tear that place down... ahhhh. the good 'ole days, beth... :) life was so easy when we were 15, eh? haha.
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