The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Although I’ve been enjoying all my books this last month, none of them made it to you MUST read it status. Finally! I’ve got one! The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini was brilliant and if you haven’t read it yet, you should. Having read A Thousand Splendid Suns (see my review here), I just didn’t know if I would like this one as much as I did his second novel. But he didn’t disappoint me (although personally, I would say A Thousand Splendid Suns is even better). The Kite Runner kept me glued to the very end.
This was a beautiful, powerful novel. Set in Afghanistan, it tells the incredible story of two young best friends. Amir, our privileged, wealthy narrator, and Hassan, the son of his father’s servant. Having fed as babies from the same breast, both boys love each other dearly. But Amir who constantly competes for his father’s love can’t help being jealous of Hassan. Set against the backdrop of the soviet invasion, their overthrow, and the rise of the Taliban, the story takes us from the innocence of two young boys, a decision that will change both forever, the guilt and then ultimately, the redemption. There were several plot twists that I honestly didn’t see coming, although I’m sure there were clues all over the place. These twists and wanting to know what happens in the lives of these two boys as they grow into men and have families of their own kept me engrossed to the very end.
I haven’t seen the movie. But now that I just finished the book. I’m intrigued. Has anybody seen it? What did you think?
Visit Hosseini’s website.
Reading group guide.
Publishers reading group guide.
I sure hope Hosseini is writing another book. It would be a shame if he didn’t. What a powerful and gifted storyteller. Read this book! If you have, what did you think?
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Tags: Afghanistan, banned, book to movie, E-H Author, Fiction, I-L Title, published 2003, Publisher: Riverhead
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I thought this was a very powerful book, and I appreciated learning so much about Afghanistan. But several of the more violent scenes later in the book disturbed me so much I don’t think I’ll read it again. I do want to try Thousand Splendid Suns and see if I like it better.
on March 6th, 2008 at 6:06 pmThe stoning during halftime of the soccer game was brutal. I was shocked. So sad that things like this still actually happen in our world today. The fight scene was awful as well.
on March 6th, 2008 at 6:31 pmHi Natasha! Thanks for visiting my blog.
on March 6th, 2008 at 7:24 pmI agree this book is great!!! I’ve yet to watch the movie, but will definitely look out for the DVD.
Woah, this is scary. I finished writing my review of The Kite Runner a few minutes ago, then checked my RSS reader and saw you’d put up a review of the same book. I loved it as much as you did.
on March 6th, 2008 at 7:44 pm[...] this for crazy, Natasha (who’s alos participating in 52 books in 52 weeks) read The Kite Runner too, finishing her review a few minutes before [...]
on March 6th, 2008 at 7:47 pmMelody – And thanks to you for following me over here! I’ve added you to my RSS reader so I’ll keep in touch!
Jeremy – That is scary. Both of us sitting in the valley blogging about the same book! I left a comment over on your blog. Enjoy A Thousand Splendid Suns!
on March 6th, 2008 at 8:21 pmI loved the book, but I don’t think I will see the movie. Reason being, I don’t have the guts.. I don’t think I’ll be able to bear watching kids going through so much on screen.
on March 6th, 2008 at 9:34 pmFinally someone who agrees with me. I like a Thousand Splendid Suns better as well.
on March 7th, 2008 at 2:56 amI LOVED The Kite Runner and will hopefully start A Thousand Splendid Suns soon too!
on March 7th, 2008 at 11:12 amChica – I think I’ll watch it. I didn’t want to watch it before reading the book. I’m curious as to how they’ve adapted it.
Notablogger – Yep, agree! Kite Runner was amazing though. Hosseini is on top of his game!
Stephanie – I look forward to reading a review of A Thousand Splendid Suns when you do.
on March 7th, 2008 at 1:50 pmI read this book last fall – it was very powerful, and sad. I haven’t read A Thousand Splendid Suns yet, though I intend too. I guess the first book was so sad, I needed to wait a while before starting his next book.
on March 7th, 2008 at 7:35 pmOh, I’m glad you liked this one! My dad and sister both like this one better, but I think A Thousand Splendid Suns is my favorite of the two. To be honest, I’ve been avoiding the movie because I loved the book so much. Sometimes that leads to disappointment.
on March 7th, 2008 at 7:45 pmI agree this is a must read! I’ve counted it among my top 10 novels of all time. I read this well before A Thousand Splendid Suns, and I have to say I thought Kite Runner was far better (I explain why in my blog review). But if he writes another, I’ll definitely give that one a chance. I have the movie in my Netflix queue, so I haven’t seen it yet either–but intend to.
We seem to be reading a lot of the same books! Thanks for another review.
on March 8th, 2008 at 6:32 amI listened to A Thousand Splendid Suns on Cd and didn’t love it. Maybe if I had read it?? The Kite Runner is still on my shelf.
on March 8th, 2008 at 7:12 amI think I’ll probably skip the movie even though I loved the book. I can read about violence and process it better than I can watch it on the screen and deal with it.
on March 8th, 2008 at 7:52 amThis is one of my favorite books (I thought it was better than A Thousand Splendid Suns)
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Is the movie out already? I was really wanting to see it. I’ll have to do some research.
on March 8th, 2008 at 1:09 pmAll – Thanks for your great comments! The movie came out in December and it is due to be released on DVD on March 25th.
Anybody know if he is writing another book? It doesn’t say anything on his website.
on March 8th, 2008 at 2:41 pmI thought this book was fantastic and one of the best I had read in a long time until I read A Thousand Splendid Suns. He really has a gift for writing and I can’t wait to see what he comes out with next.
on April 26th, 2008 at 2:58 pmI have been wanting to read this book for some time but just haven’t gotten to it yet. Sounds wonderful We just got the movie from Netflix and will be watching it this weekend. Thanks for the recommendation!
on April 27th, 2008 at 4:49 amObviously, I’m still figuring out how to navigate. ^_~ Silly me. I’m on the fence about the movie. I’ve heard it’s good, but I think I’m setting myself up for disappointment.
on April 30th, 2008 at 1:24 pmTrue. The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns both novels are very well written, they both touched my heart and made me sad and cry. but mostly I prefered reading The Kite Runner cuz’ it is so very touchy and sad.
Khalid is justa great writer, proud to have such an author???
go Khalid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
on May 2nd, 2008 at 6:03 amI have read both Hosseini books and seen the movie.
on May 9th, 2008 at 7:19 amFor some reason, I did not find the movie as stirring as the book. I’m not sure why, except that I think the pictures in my head were more vivid that on screen. (hard to believe, I know)
[...] Other reviews of this book: Natasha [...]
on May 10th, 2008 at 10:52 amI just got the movie from the library yesterday. We haven’t had time to put it in yet, but I’ll come back with my thoughts when I do.
on May 11th, 2008 at 9:44 pmDo not watch the movie. For me it was a big disappointment. It left out all the important parts of the book that made it have so much meaning. It’s not very violent either, and doesn’t pack the punch the book did. I was very upset and I wouldn’t want any one to have that sort of disappointment
on September 10th, 2008 at 9:31 pmRead “The Kite Runner” recently.Was spellbounded by Hassan’s character.The way his true blood ran in his son’s veins..It’s one of the best book i have read in the recent times..
on October 22nd, 2008 at 2:14 amWill be readin “The Thousand splendid suns” shortly..
Great work!!Bravo!!
hi…
on December 9th, 2008 at 11:32 pmI just finshed reading kite runner yesterday..
I was amazed that how a good book can hold you until finished…
on December 9th, 2008 at 11:34 pmI love Kite runner…
It is an extraordinary book and i am sure whatever u read after this would seem to be bland..Though i am thinking of reading Thousand spendid sun
I loved the book the Kite Runner. It had to be an all time favorite to me. The is a book that has twist and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
on December 17th, 2008 at 9:43 pmI loved this book. I also loved the movie too. The sad part was that hassn died.The book keep you on the edge of your seat. The movie did too.
on December 21st, 2009 at 11:07 amThis book is adicting to read but really sad. I feel so bad for Hassan throughout the book. I think that the movie is even more sad because you actually see what is going on.
on December 21st, 2009 at 1:13 pmI think this is a good book because theres alot of things in it that wouldnt happen here in America. I feel bad for Amir because he has to live with the fact that his best frind/ brother got raped and he couldnt do anything about it.
on December 21st, 2009 at 1:18 pmThis book was very good. i couldnt stop reading it i just kept wanting more. It has to be one of the best books i have read. the movie and the book are almost exactly the same. i recomend reading it!
on December 21st, 2009 at 1:23 pmThis book was beast it explained how life was back in the 70′s and 80′s. It inspired me to look into the taliban and their rights they got. The book literly told what life was like to live in pakistan and how the difference in tradition mattered so much.
on December 21st, 2009 at 1:28 pmI thought that the author did an outstanding job explaining the differences of the culture of Kabul in the past when Amir was a kid, and what Kabul’s present day culture is now.
on December 21st, 2009 at 1:29 pmThe book was good, but the movie was better. I liked the part when Amir cut the other kids kite and Hassan ran after the kite. I liked the movie better becuase I like watching movies rather than reading books.
on December 21st, 2009 at 1:30 pmi lioked the book some parts draged on but the story itself was both desterbing and gripping
on December 21st, 2009 at 1:34 pmThis book was good because it had alot of detail. It was kind of cool how it showed how life is over in pakistan and how dangerous it is.
on December 21st, 2009 at 1:35 pmI thought this book was very good because the book was inspiring and you wanted to keep reading it. I feel really bad for Hassan because he was the fighter but he was the one that got raped and then later died. I also feel bad for Amir because he was the wimp and he did nothing to stop the men that was raping his brother/friend. He also has to deal with shame when they were little kids back then. I would reccomend the book and also also the movie.
on December 21st, 2009 at 6:38 pmThe book the Kite Runner is an interesting story, the book shows the racial discrimination between the two boys. An interesting part of the story line I think is the fact that Amir’s feelings towards Hassan are a bit bipolar like one second Amir and Hassan are best friends and then the next it’s like day and night. The tension Khaled Hosseini includes in this book made me keep reading. This book is very informational and it shows the reality of this harsh world we live in. The book the Kite Runner has kept me on the edge of my seat.
on December 22nd, 2009 at 11:51 amThe book The Kite Runner shows how different religions affect the life of people in Afghanistan. Amair was Pashtun and Hassan was Hazara. They only knew that they were best friends, but after Baba and Hassan both died, Baba best friend Rahim Khan told Amair that Hassan was his brother. Baba, Amir and Hassan’s Father, didnt want anyone to know that he had a Hazara for a son. Thats just one way religions affected people in Afghanistan.
on December 30th, 2009 at 10:08 amI haven’t finished the book yet, but it’s really good so far. I really like Rahim Khan’s character and the way he sticks up for Amir and encourages him, even though he doesn’t tell him the whole truth. It’s so sad watching Amir and Hassan’s friendship fall apart, and it’s really amazing the way Amir goes to rescue Sohrab later on. I thought this was a really interesting look at life in Afghanistan, and the way religion and family affect people’s lives there.
on January 2nd, 2010 at 1:22 pmI thought the book was interseting. I liked how it talked about the religion between one another
on January 4th, 2010 at 8:11 amI thought the book was interseting. I liked how it talked about the religion between one another.
on January 4th, 2010 at 8:12 amI saw the movie “The Kite Runner” and its such a beautiful story but yet it is also sad at the same time. For those of you who said you wouldn’t like to see the movie because of the cruelty…you are right. Somehow I regret I saw the movie before I read the book (I actually haven’t read it yet
) because I am sure important aspects of the book might be left out from the movie. I just loved the story and I am sure I will enjoy reading the book. Now, thanks to all your comments I am looking forward to read “The Thousands Splendid Suns” 
….God bless you
on July 10th, 2010 at 4:56 pmI saw the movie but it’s in arabic I think and there’s no translation. Nevertheless, I finished it and still cried afterwards. But I still love it on the books still. There are some stories not covered in the movie like the story of Hassan’s family. (father and mother)
on February 23rd, 2011 at 7:46 amI just finish reading The Kite Runner now and in my opinion it unfortunately depicts a very unclear picture of Muslims in general. Instead of seeing the love and modesty that is the key principle in Islam, this book actually focuses on the corrupt practice of Muslims. In my opinion, this book focuses on the modesty of muslim women and how men defy the dignity of women and the Islamic principles and practice homesexuality. The Islamic belief is that human beings should remain celibate until marriage and that marriage should be a distinct honour given to human beings, in contrary as the plot thickens in the Kite Runner, revenge and hatred prevails as an Islamic belief .
on March 13th, 2011 at 11:38 pmThis book definitely ranks up there with the most powerful and moving novels that I have ever read. The rape scene was so intense that it was almost hard to read. I have not yet read his second book but I am definitely putting it on my list to pick up the next time I go to the bookstore.
on July 1st, 2011 at 7:01 pmHi everyone! First of all, the book truly provides not only greater detail, but also hugs amounts of depth that you just don’t get from the film. While the film manages the capture the essence of story, it really feels watered down and simplified, and I think you miss out on too much by not reading the book.
This depth I’m talking about goes for all the sad and horrible events and their connections to the relationships the various characters have. As one example, the Sohrab in the movie is like a kid in a candy shop compared to the Sohrab in the book. In the book we get a much clearer idea, though still small, of what Hassan’s son went through. This child has experienced the murdering of his parents, inhumane living conditions at the orphanage, rape & molestation, witnessing of extreme violence (again hardly magnified in the movie, and the collection of the emotions and pain that accompany such horrors. The book spends a lot of time with Sohrab, really giving the reader a feel for his immense suffering which helps us to understand his lack of will to live.
Also, did anyone make the connection that Amir’s father, Baba, stood up to the attempted sexual assault by the Russian officer, whereas Amir did nothing for Hassan earlier on? Obviously, one of the main points in the relationship is that Amir is different from his father in many ways. And so I thought comparing/contrasting these two scenes is a beautiful illustration that I missed until after reflecting on the book and movie.
And finally, I’d like to address comment #47, namely Farzeen. After reading the book, my impression of the Islamic religion actually bettered. Although there are many pitfalls for such a conservative community in certain places like Afghanistan, I felt the book especially portrayed the people as honorable, decent, and with good intentions. One example that comes to mind is when Baba get’s angry at a shop and criticizes Americans for not honoring honesty as those in his community back home. Amir then explains that credit in Kabul is kept track of by simply making ticks on a broken tree branch per transactions and in due time paid back without questioning the integrity of customers (you who have read the book know what I’m talking about). Of course, it’s a totally different story for the horror the extremist of the faith cause.
Overall, The Kite Runner is a phenomenal narrative, beautifully covering an array of issues. I believe it will stand alone against the test of time as a honored novel.
on July 14th, 2011 at 9:07 pm