Khaled Hosseini

The sole purpose of this post is to encourage you to go to the book store and buy all three of Khaled Hosseini's books (The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, The Mountains Echoed). Since the first day I picked up one of his books (I read "The Kite Runner" first), I've constantly felt the need to share my thoughts with everyone, talk about the plot and the way Khaled (yes, I've decided that we're on a first name basis) captures me with the way he writes.

I never enjoyed analyzing books in school and never saw the sense in it but one day (half-way through "The Kite Runner") I caught myself analyzing the protagonist's character and how Khaled had subtlety but very willingly guided me to my feelings towards Amir (protagonist). The amazing thing about "The Kite Runner" in particular, is how Khaled makes you hate and empathize with the protagonist by making him the very selfish, anti-hero we humans all are. There were so many moments when I wanted to grab Amir's shoulders and shake all my sense into him, when I realized that given the circumstances I might not have acted differently. It's an amazing and capturing tale about two children, best friends and brothers. Be sure to pack plenty of tissues before you start reading.

The plot of "A Thousand Splendid Suns" captured me even more fiercely, probably because of my personal relation to domestic violence. However, it is much more than the typical story of domestic violence, it's a story about suffering, strength, happiness and sacrifice. I was never able to lay down this book, I took it with me everywhere and read it in between class, on trains and buses and in bed. It took me about 5 days to get through (I'm a slow reader, so that's fast for me).

I've only recently started on "The Mountains Echoed" and have to admit that I'm not completely enveloped yet. However, I'm sure I just have to get a little further. Or maybe I might just need a short breath of air, to recuperate from the tough and heavy topics he writes about.

Khaled Hosseini's books are definitely not for you, if you're looking for comedy or romance but I you want a story to take a hold of your heart, soak up all your tears and bring out all the emotions, than he's definitely what you are looking for.

Enjoy