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4.31 AVERAGE
4.31 AVERAGE
I know a book deserves five stars when the mere thought of it triggers all the emotions to come back up just like the first time I read it. It truly left it's mark on me, and it is one of the books that I will never forget, that will go down as my one of my all-time favorites. Words really cannot encapsulate how impactful and lasting this book is to me, which is why it took me so long to write this review--out of fear that I wouldn't do it justice with a paragraph or two.
Moral complexity/ambiguity and deep character involvement is my kryptonite, so I may be very biased in my opinion. However, there is no argument that Hosseini can write haunting, heart-wrenching stories that captures absolute despair with as much authenticity and rawness as he does. His characters emit a realness I don't see often and completely dismantles any idealism or redundancy that accompanies most books that center their plot development around their characters.
All I have to say to people who have not read this book is: read it. Whether you love it as much as I did or not, it's a read worthy of as much time, thought, and emotion as Hosseini puts into writing it. This book was the most memorable book I have read in years. Beautifully written and amazing plot progression. Absolutely heart-wrenching and haunting, though, so keep tissues nearby at all times!
Moral complexity/ambiguity and deep character involvement is my kryptonite, so I may be very biased in my opinion. However, there is no argument that Hosseini can write haunting, heart-wrenching stories that captures absolute despair with as much authenticity and rawness as he does. His characters emit a realness I don't see often and completely dismantles any idealism or redundancy that accompanies most books that center their plot development around their characters.
All I have to say to people who have not read this book is: read it. Whether you love it as much as I did or not, it's a read worthy of as much time, thought, and emotion as Hosseini puts into writing it. This book was the most memorable book I have read in years. Beautifully written and amazing plot progression. Absolutely heart-wrenching and haunting, though, so keep tissues nearby at all times!
Pain’s Quiet Redemption
The Kite Runner is a poignant historical fiction tale set against Afghanistan’s turbulent backdrop, following Amir, a boy wrestling with guilt and loyalty, and his steadfast friend Hassan. The coming-of-age journey of Amir, Hassan, and later Sohrab gripped me—father-son drama, Hassan’s selfless sacrifice, and Amir’s hard-won redemption hit all my sweet spots. The historical weave and emotional stakes, like gaining a father’s fleeting approval or overcoming betrayal, shone bright. Yet, some turns—like a villain’s convenient reappearance—stretched believability, piling on drama when subtlety might’ve sufficed. The prose, while clear and engaging, lacked the lyrical flow I crave, though it never bogged down. This story surprised me, delivering more depth and heart than I’d expected—a near-perfect blend of what I love in a book. Standout lines linger: “I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night,” and “A man who has no conscience, no goodness, does not suffer.”
The Kite Runner is a poignant historical fiction tale set against Afghanistan’s turbulent backdrop, following Amir, a boy wrestling with guilt and loyalty, and his steadfast friend Hassan. The coming-of-age journey of Amir, Hassan, and later Sohrab gripped me—father-son drama, Hassan’s selfless sacrifice, and Amir’s hard-won redemption hit all my sweet spots. The historical weave and emotional stakes, like gaining a father’s fleeting approval or overcoming betrayal, shone bright. Yet, some turns—like a villain’s convenient reappearance—stretched believability, piling on drama when subtlety might’ve sufficed. The prose, while clear and engaging, lacked the lyrical flow I crave, though it never bogged down. This story surprised me, delivering more depth and heart than I’d expected—a near-perfect blend of what I love in a book. Standout lines linger: “I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night,” and “A man who has no conscience, no goodness, does not suffer.”
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Violence, War
A beautifully written story about a timeless friendship that spans decades, and continents. Two little boys growing up as best friends in Afghanistan create a lifetime of memories together as the years pass. But when one year creates a secret between them, everything changes forever.
A wonderful read for everybody that tells the tale of friendship, life struggles, but most of all, forgiveness.
A wonderful read for everybody that tells the tale of friendship, life struggles, but most of all, forgiveness.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What a heartbreaking book at every twist and turn. This book definitely helps put your life into perspective, and makes you appreciate that anything can change at any moment. I was so struck by the contrast between their before/after lives, and that feeling that life as you know it could turn on a dime. This was devastating but beautifully written.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Islamophobia, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail