This novel is historical fiction but expertly written as a memoir. In fact, I forgot this was a novel and thought of it as a true memoir through most of the book disregarding the fact that the first person character’s name and the author’s name did not match.

Starting in Kabul, Afghanistan, this is the story of Amir and his friend Hassan. Amir is the son of a wealthy family who has employed the services of Hassan’s family as servants, mixing in the process a Sunni and a Shi’a family.

I do not wish to spoil any of this wonderful novel but it is the story of love, compassion, tragedy, dedication, betrayal, lies, violence, bravery, cowardice, forgiveness, and hope. This is so well written that parts of this book left me emotionally drained, breathless, nearly in tears. Of course, I do allow myself to be a part of the action when reading historical fiction which means I sometimes have to step aside after only a few pages.

It’s not that the author manipulates prose so effectively, but rather his timing is so compelling. That is, he may foreshadow something and then wait until the perfect time to reintroduce and conclude it.

All in all this was an incredible experience, compelling, heart pounding, sad, exhilarating, you name, it has it. Certainly a must read. ( )

Very good audiobook (4.5 stars rounded to 5) with excellent narration by the author, with his native pronunciation of names and places in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The story began slowly and the kite contest dragged a bit at first. But the kites turned out to be a vital part of the story and, right after the tournament, the drama took off and continued galloping along to the end. The tale was packed with sensory details, with visual scenes and aromas of the exotic (to me) streets and people and foods. Very engaging!

A highly recommended book, especially the audiobook for the author's rich narration. ( )

This was a very interesting, frustrating, sad, but also beautiful story. The rating is simply my opinion of how the writing was and the pace of the storyline. I wasn't a huge fan of the main character, and even when he "redeemed" himself towards the end, I still had a slight disdain for him. ( )

I really wanted to love this book. I really did! And I *DID* love this book, until he found the guy with the round sunglasses. From then on, I was just disappointed, because I just didn't buy it anymore. I didn't mind the heart string tugs, or even the obvious secret that is revealed later on (that I knew from the beginning).

But by more than 1/2 way, I just felt insulted. I just couldn't buy the extreme luck or, I guess, bad luck of two boys.

But, I like that this book did get people talking about what was going on in Afghanistan and I think it did raise awareness of things that happened. And any book that gets people talking...well, that makes it better than ok for me. I'm glad for the 5 star reviews. My belief of the world and how it works should not be the same as others.

I'd love to believe that Karma works, but we all know...we've seen too many times when what should have come back around never made it's way there..... ( )

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn. The more places you will go. Quote by Dr. Seuss.

Afghanistan, 1975: Twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to win the local kite-fighting tournament and his loyal friend Hassan promises to help him. But neither of the boys can foresee what will happen to Hassan that afternoon, an event that is to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realises that one day he must return to Afghanistan under Taliban rule to find the one thing that his new world cannot grant him: redemption.

Having previously read this book when it was released back 16 years ago ( that is hard to believe) I was thrilled when it came up as a bubbly read as I felt I remembered enough about the characters and the story to make me want to revisit and discuss this one again. A great book is one that remains firmly is your memory and while you may not remember all the details you will certainly remember the plot line and the main characters. The Kite Runner is an emotional but stunning read with a remarkable sense of time and place.

I loved the characters of the boys and that the book takes us from Afghanistan in the 70s to America shortly after 9/11. I love books that introduces to different cultures. Some aspects of the book make for difficult reading but as I discussion book I think this is going to be a great one.

There is only one sin, and that is theft.... when you tell a lie, you steal someone’s right to the truth. Quote by Khalid Hosseini. . ( )