The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Beginning)

I had heard many amazing reviews of this book, and finally one day questioned myself about why I had not yet read it. Though I only started it last week and haven't had much time to read, the beginning has already drawn me in and got me hooked.

The story is set in Afghanistan with two young boys as the main roles, Amir and Hassan, one of which, Amir, narrates the tale of his life, his father's life and the lives and events of those around him in his native country. Although the book takes place during the time of Amir and Hassan's childhood and on, the novel is more in the form of a series of flashbacks and reflections told by an older, wiser, Amir who wishes some things had worked out differently than they did in his life.

Amir and Hassan though different in their views and status share a bond that goes back a generation before their existence; their fathers Baba and Ali have also grown up together, as Ali was the survivor of a car crash that killed his mother and father, and happened to be taken in by the judge who prosecuted the case, who was in fact Baba's grandfather. Ali was taken under the wing of the servants in Baba's household and they spent their childhood together as playmates, causing mischief and exploring.

Now just like Baba and Ali, as Amir recalls his childhood days with Hassan it becomes apparent that the class and religious distinctions between the boys may lead to some turmoil with their friendship as the book progresses. As Amir mentions, "history isn't easy to overcome".

We also come to see that Amir has great respect and admiration for his father and it bothers him greatly if he pays more attention to Hassan at a particular moment because he feels Baba is his alone, and wants all the same recognition of achievements Hassan may recieve from Baba, though he believes he falls short of his father's expectations.

Although there are many distinctions that separate the boys, they do share a painful loss, the loss of both of their mother's, Amir's to death in childbirth and Hassan's to a band of traveling dancers. This common thread unites the boys as they discover their world together.

I truly am sorry that I have not had the chance to get further into this novel yet, but insist that I simply cannot wait to find out what happens to separate or tarnish this great childhood friendship and see it grow and prosper before that may occur.

If you're looking for a book that's completely unique from any other you've ever read and will have you begging for more after the first chapter, pick up a copy of The Kite Runner, and you won't be disappointed.