Monday, October 23, 2006

Go Read This Book!

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini



If you are a reader, you need to go right now and get you a copy of The Kite Runner. The book, which actually came out in 2003 (I'm behind the times sometimes and I just happened up on this one at Amazon, read its great reviews, and ordered me a copy), is absolutely AMAZING!

I took this book with me on our Disney World trip and, on the way home, I was so caught up in it that I couldn't put it down. Florida, Georgia, and Alabama came and went quickly as I was immersed in this book (although the nighttime darkness finally took over in Bama and I had to abandon it). The book is so powerful, in fact, that Gary looked at me a few times and grinned a little bit--seeing that I was actually crying as I read it.

I'll admit it--I am a Book Cryer, but it doesn't happen very often. The Kite Runner, though, absolutely GOT me! Its story kept me immersed through every page and the emotion it brought out in me was some of the most deeply-felt I've experienced from reading a book in a long time.

The book is the story of two childhood friends in Afghanistan, long before Russia's invasion and the later Taliban takeover. The friends--the privileged Amir and the ethnically-"inferior" Hassan--live in a world of cultural rules that can't be wavered from. Still, they find childhood joy in games and activities like sharing stories, playing under the pomegranate tree, and flying (and "running") kites (which becomes an activity loaded with meaning!).

A singular day, though, changes everything for them both and they drift far apart. (It was at this one particular event in the book--the one charged with so much meaning that it changes their entire worlds, lives, and future--that I openly cried because it was so incredibly emotional!). Amir and Hassan go on to much different worlds--one to America and success as a writer, the other remaining in a much-changed and violent Afghanistan.

The book is ultimately a story of betrayal and redemption, and it's hard really to explain the power I felt in reading it. The writing is wonderful--very sparse, yet meaning-filled--and the characters feel authentic. It's truly a book that I think will stay in my memory for a very long time!

(By the way--I've been planning on sharing my favorite books from the last 6-months on a blog entry soon. I absolutely LOVE to read and usually have two or three books going on at the same time! I love all sorts of books--from the classics, to contemporary mysteries, to poetry, to young adult, to bestsellers. And although I've read a ton of books over the summer and into the Fall and have read several really GOOD ones, this book is going right to the top of the list!)

18 comments:

Phats said...

This is quite funny, I just did a whole post about books myself haha.

I will definitely look into this book

Bare said...

Wow, that sounds like a great book! For me, it's not that I don't like to read, it's just, it HAS to be something that I'm REALLY interested in, in order for me to read it. Needless to say, I've only read a handful of books in God only knows how long, but I just might have to check this one out :0)

Unknown said...

I started this book bsck when I was pregnant with my first son and never finished it because I was so tired that first trimester, etc. you know the game! Anyway, I still have it, you've encouraged me to pick it up again!

Going For Greatness said...

It sounds very much like a book that my mother in law would LOVE. I'm not much of a reader of that type of topic... and I am not one who likes sad/heartfelt stories. I hate "Old Yeller" "Wuthering Heights" and stuff like that... I hate to feel so sad or impacted... there's enough of that on CNN for me LOL!!
~Gabi

Anonymous said...

I never feel like I have enough time to read but it sounds like that one would be a good one. I like to read about peoples lives in other countries..it shows us we are all the same in our cores :)
I will see if my local Library has this one :)

Cheryl Wray said...

Phats--that is too funny! I went and checked out your blog too. Great minds think alike . . .
Yes, everyone, go read this book!!! LOL
Amanda--if you happen to come back and see this: I can't get any of my comments to go through on your blog. It's not letting me post, even though I went and did the whole Google account thing that it requested. ??

the not so "new" mom on the blog said...

I love reading - I just don't have the time, the little spare time that I do have I spend blogging! Hope you are having a good day!

Anonymous said...

i have never heard about that book but it sounds interesting, great to hear you made it back safely from your trip

Anonymous said...

You've sold it to me Cheryl!!! This is definitely going on my books to read list, thanks for such a great reveiew.

Unknown said...

I love to read too! Especially during the fall and winter months. I just light a candle, make a cup of tea, curl up with a blanket and read. It's another one of my favorite pasttimes. Dana

Unknown said...

A very busy schedule has kept me away from visiting for a few days. When I saw the title of the post I scrolled to the end without reading it as I am currently listing to this book on cd. I rarely get time to read so I do cd's in the car. I am hanging on every word - it is SUCH an incredible story. I will let you know when I have finished it. Hope you and the family had a great vacation. xox

Melissa said...

oh that sounds like an awesome book-Thanks so much for sharing :) I love to read too..but lately with my classes I haven't been able to.

Mz.Elle said...

Oooh thanks for this! I put it on my list!

Theresa Tyree said...

Hi Cheryl,

I get so sick of reading scrapbook magazines. I forget there's more to read (and life) than scrapbooking! Thanks for reminding me. I'll have to check this book out.

Unknown said...

You're like the tenth person to say that!!! I switched to a new beta version, so I think I have to create a whole new blog. Maybe I'll work on that this morning! I want to post a RANDOM Tuesday! ;-)

Anonymous said...

Ok...when can I borrow it? LOL

Anonymous said...

Aww!! I ALMOST bought that book this weekend, but put it back on the shelf. I should have bought it, huh? I will definitely have to read it. I can't wait for your post about books...I love to read, as well!!

She-Ra said...

I'm back...it's been awhile. Anyway, my daughter's preschool teacher recommended it to me since she knows I'm a reader. I checked it out from the library about a month ago (had to renew it once already!) and finally started reading it yesterday (as a way to avoid housework). I made it to the "event" and just a bit past it. I will probably finish it in the next couple days because once I start a book, I just can't put it down. Not even if the sky is falling down on top of me!