BOOK: The Kite Runner

AUTHOR: Khaled Hossein

SUMMARY: In a time when we hear about many countries and cultures that are unfamiliar to us, it is a good learning experience to read a fast paced book that takes us to Kabul, Afghanistan. First time author Khaled Hosseini sets this story in his native land and in his adoptive California. He makes use of the flashback to cover a span of forty years in the troubled background of recent Afghan history. Bringing his native land to life with sensitivity, Hosseini travels through the peaceful days of the reign of Zahir Shah to Soviet invasion and the terror of the Taliban. This touching and riveting coming of age story introduces us to the narrator, Amir and his unforgettable father, Baba, during the affluent 1970's in Kabul. Paralleling and intertwining their story is that of their servants Hassan and his father Ali. These fragile relationships along with major themes of betrayal and redemption make the book an excellent choice of book clubs interested in a lively and thoughtful discussion. Using the kite as a symbol of his native land, the author takes Amir from childhood to adulthood. The author skillfully highlights many contrasts in this novel… politics, family ties, class and cultures. "Afghans cherish customs but abhor rules." This quote gives the reader a clue to this early in a book that gives us a glimpse in everyday Afghan life.

PLOT: : "I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975." Amir says in the first line. He is now a successful writer living in California when he receives a call from his father's former business partner in Pakistan. Rahim is giving him a chance to atone for a betrayal committed by Amir in his youth. Amir witnesses a tragedy after a kite running tournament. This action has plagued Amir for his entire life. Centered on the relationship between Amir and Hussan, we learn that Amir has to grow to change. The book is divided into three parts. First is the coming of age story of the 1960' and 1970's as Amir grows up in Kabul. Second is the immigrant experience set in California beginning in 1981 where a tight -knit community of once wealthy Afghans live reduced to taking jobs such as pumping gas to survive. The third part is a thriller that has Amir returning to Kabul to see Rahim and find" a way to be good again".