A review by atlanticgiantpumpkin
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I try not to give every book I read a five star review, but this may be the best book I have ever read. Not my favorite, but definitely the best. I feel like everyone should read this. Maybe keep it among older high school students and college, but I feel like it should be required reading, up there with To Kill a Mockingbird. I cried for Hassan, I cheered on Sohrab, but most importantly, I empathized with Amir. I watched his growth and his change and watched his personality warp as did the political climate of Afghanistan. There are themes of love, family, fear, shame, justice, courage, and possibly most important, finding one’s home. There are metaphors and symbolism that rivals those of classic authors, and it’s astounding that this was the first book the author had published. This also makes me weep for all the Afghans who, after finally ridding themselves of the Taliban, were forced into their cruel subjection again. This book rarely holds back punches as it should. Sometimes, the reality of the world outside your little bubble needs to stab you repeatedly so you understand the truth.
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