The Kite Runner

I probably wouldn't have read "The Kite Runner," if it hadn't been my book club's selection of the month. However, one of the reasons I joined a book club is to step out of my comfort zone. It isn't just about the wine, people. We really do talk about the book, for awhile.

In all fairness to, Khaled Hosseini, the author, he weaves a great tale. "The Kite Runner," is a story of friendship, devotion, loyalty and of course, the opposite of those things, abandonment and betrayal.

But ultimately, it's a story about forgiveness, redemption, and telling the truth. How speaking the truth, truly does set a person free, even though it doesn't change the tragic course of events that transpire.

That being said the backdrop for the story takes place, first, in pre-Taliban Afghanistan. The main character, Amir, eventually flees his lavish life in his homeland, for the United States. He returns to a war torn Afghanistan, 20 years later, to face the ghosts of his past. His homeland, has been raped, plundered and pillaged by the Taliban. Afghanistan had become a country "full of children, without a childhood."

In Afghanistan, children are left fatherless because their fathers have been murdered. Mothers, who aren't allowed to work, are often forced to turn their children over to orphanages, because they cannot provide for their children.

Yes, it's a story that shows both the capacity of humans for cruelty, juxtaposed against our capacity for compassion, loyalty, healing and forgiveness.

"The Kite Runner," is a powerful, tragic story. It was a hard read for me, but one I will never forget.


I heard the book is better than the movie.

Book Club Da Da Da

"Use a book mark," instructs Stefan, "this is bad for the binding."

Friday June 26, 2009 10:30 PM

I'm finally on page 200 of "The Kite Runner," this months book club selection.

"I couldn't put it down," says one of my friends.

I wondered if it was because some trickster had glued it to her hands.

To make matters worse Vinny tells me, "I could read that in two days."

"Well, so could I if I didn't have laundry, dishes, a house, a husband, children, a cat, a dog, work, friends, blogs, twitter, facebook................." I ramble on as absolutely no one listens.

Then my husband makes a confession, which makes me feel better, but doesn't help.

"When is something going to happen in the story," I ask Stefan.

"Do you know how long it took me to read that book?" Stefan asks.

"Um, are you still reading it?" I ask.

"No," he answers. "It took me six months," he says.

"Six months?!" I say. "I don't even have six days left. Oh well, at least, I can go to the meeting for good food and good company."

Saturday June 27 12:15AM-1AM

I stayed up way too late reading from page 200 to 230 of the Kite Runner. Especially considering my alarm was set for a 5AM dawn patrol surf.

Saturday June 27 All Day Long

I read 0 pages in "The Kite Runner," despite the fact that I was sick and laying on the couch all day. The book, however, was close at hand, in case I decided to read it.

Sunday June 28 4PM

Still sick on the couch, just woke up from a nap, read from 230-307.

"If he doesn't adopt the kid, I'm not going to finish reading it," I say. "Does he adopt the kid?"

"Mommy you should find out what happens in the book, the way like I do............. by reading it,"

"You have less than 70 pages left and you aren't going to finish it?!" asks Stefan incredulously.

Sunday June 28 10:17 PM
Finished the book, sobbed, tossed and turned for two hours in bed, finally got up at Midnight, for some mindless television relief, Gossip Girl style. I know I love her. xoxo

Wednesday July 1
My review of The Kite Runner. Stay tuned.