The Kite Runner
Posted by Cami Eslick on
June 3, 2008
The Kite Runner by by Khaled Hosseini
PLOT:
Amir is a young boy growing up the only child of a single, wealthy business man in Afghanistan before the Russians invaded. Amir desperately wants the approval of his father. The story begins with Amir and his father’s servant’s son enjoying their childhood’s together as friends and comrades. The boys are happy and carefree until they become involved in a horrible crime. When faced with a major decision during the crime, Amir makes the choice he thinks will gain him his father’s approval, and it does, but that decision has dire consequence which impacts the rest of his life.
Shortly after the incident, Amir’s father’s servant and his son leave. The Russian invasion forces Amir and his father to leave Afghanistan and head to the United States. Amir grows into a man thousands of miles from his homeland. After the Taliban come into power, Amir returns to Afghanistan. On his journey home Amir uncovers truths he never knew, and is given a chance to make things right for his childhood friend.
THE SCOOP:
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the plus side the author does a great job of using his words to paint the images from the book. Even though it’s been awhile since I read the book, I can still close my eyes and see the scenes from the book. Also on the plus, the characters are all human and suffer from the same flaws we all do. On the negative, for me, the story served as a reminder of the horrible things that people do to each other which often leaves me irritated.
This is book that will make you think and will make you wrestle with the horrible things that happen all too often in this world. If you are just looking for a happy little story, this isn’t the book for you. But if you are looking for a great story, one that offers a few life lessons, grab a copy of The Kite Runner today.
