Book Review - The Kite Runner

I don't normally "do" book reviews. I remember in 5th grade we did this reading auction where we got "money" for reading to go towards this really cool auction at the end of the year, but you only got the "money" if you wrote a book report. And I hated that. I ended up reading way more books than I actually wrote book reports for, although I still ended up with the second highest amount of "money" to spend. Go figure.

I've always wanted to be in a book group, but I'm a little intimidated by them. I was that kid in school that knew the answer but never, ever raised my hand to offer it. Even when the class was silent and the teacher was staring us all down. I was partly protecting myself in case I was wrong and partly just not wanting to talk in a group setting like that. I still get embarassed to say anything in a class. Even at church. Oddly, if you put me in charge or if I'm giving a speech/talk, I have no trouble at all. Go figure again.

Anyway, I'm rambling. The point is, I read a lot of books, and I needed an outlet/discussion place for this one.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

This book is set in modern Afghanistan (from the early 70's to today). Basically, knowing very little about the Middle East prior to reading this, it really opened my eyes to the horror they face every day.

I found myself strongly relating to Amir. He is soft. He is timid and wracked by guilt. He has a stong loyalty, but it is overshadowed by fear and it takes tragedy and life experience for him to grow strong enough to face his demons. There's a passage in the book where he is witnessing a public stoning. He has his head down in his hands because he can't bear to watch. I understood him there.

I avoid the news. I convince myself that I don't need to know. Since I can't do anything (besides pray) at this point, I don't want to know what's happening in the world. I don't want to put those scenes and images into my head to come back and haunt me later. I don't want the weight of the horror that exists to press me down. I purposely read and watch a lot of "happy endings" style books and movies because I want to believe that the world is still basically good. And, considering the content of this book, it does have a rather happy ending.

But when I do allow myself to see what's happening out there, I tend to come away contemplative. I find myself with a new resolve to raise my children as confident, happy people who can make a positive impact on the world. I have more gratitude for how incredibly blessed I am. I realize that knowledge really can be empowering.

Like Amir, I find myself being more willing to stand up for myself and my family as I get older and put more experiences behind me. I've learned a lot about people and understanding them over the last several years. I know I still have a long, long way to go, but I'm looking forward to it!

I love that God set things up so we can learn line upon line, precept upon precept. It's amazing when something that I need to understand just settles into place as if I'd known it all along.

That was all a bit disjointed, I think. But if you've read the book and have any comments, I'd love to hear them!