A Thousand Splendid Suns

I discovered that Khaled Hosseini is an amazing author when I read A Thousand Splendid Suns, this thought was solidified when I read A Kite Runner a short time later.  Hosseini does not just write an entertaining story, he pulls you in and you become part of it.  These books opened my eyes and heart to the desolate and devastating situation in Afghanistan in a way that the news never did.  Hosseini makes it personal.  A Thousand Splendid Suns is, at this point, possibly the best book I have ever read.  I enjoy a book more when it has real life application and provides insight and inspiration; this book does all of that and more.
Mariam lives on the outskirts of Herat with her mother.  Her wealthy father, Jalil,  lives in the city with his wives and children, but Mariam is his illegitimate child and, therefor, cannot live with him.  Jalil visits Mariam sporadically, bringing her gifts,  and she idolizes him.  Her mother is hostiles towards Jalil and any feelings Mariam has for him.  When Mariam runs away in hopes to live with her father, the devastation begins.  An unexpected serious of quickly unfolding and unfortunate events that force Mariam to marry at a young age and move to Kabul.
In the same neighborhood in Kabul live Laila and Tariq who are secretly fond of each other, but must be wary of social boundaries.  When war comes to Afghanistan, their families decide to leave Kabul but for Laila's family the decision is too late.
The stories of the two women become laced together in an unexpected way.  Their bond and struggles are meaningful and enlightening.  I absolutely could not put this book down, and to be honest I cried a few times.  It's definitely a tearjerker.

THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR: This book has some violence, SC, language and some gruesome murder descriptions.

UNIQUENESS: 11/11 (A++)
I have never right a novel quite like this, and especially one that moved me in such a profound way.
FLOW: 10.9/11 (A+)
like water.
INSPIRATIONAL: 10.8/11 (A+)
This book is just so great, I can't say enough.
OVERALL:  9.9/10 (A)

As always, comments more than welcome.

The Kite Runner

Having recently read this book, I cannot think of a better way to start this blog.  This book is a unique and heart wrenching fictional story of two boys and the trials they face in Afghanistan.  I was actually drawn to read this book because of another of Khaled Hosseini's books titled A Thousand Splendid Suns.  Hosseini makes the everyday news of destruction and war in Afghanistan personal and real in his books.
The Kite Runner begins with Amir and Hasaan, two young Afghan boys who come from very different circumstances.  Amir, who is very privileged with a wealthy father; and Hasaan, son of a servant, and a servant himself.   Tragedy strikes the boys in an unexpected way, and the way Amir copes with the devastation will change his life forever.  Things become worse when the Taliban take over and completely change life as anyone knows it.  This is truly a story of redemption and one that made me realize how incredibly blessed I am to be an American.

Things to watch out for:

This book contains graphic material, I do not recommend it foranyone under 13.  There is a rape scene, references to sexual child abuse, brief obscene language, violence, and descriptions of devastation caused by the Taliban that includes dead bodies.  This book is commonly assigned as required reading in high school to upperclassmen.  It is an enlightening book, but definitely for mature audiences.

I give this book
UNIQUENESS: 9.7/11 (A)
This book is certainly unique, it is definitely not something you come across everyday.  The story is unlike any I have ready before.  I couldn't put this book down.
FLOW: 9/11 (A-)
INSPIRATIONAL: 10.6/11(A+)
This book is not only an absolute inspiration in so many ways, but also a reminder that nothing in life should be taken for granted, especially freedom.
OVERALL RATING: 8.87 ( A-)

If you are thinking of reading this book and have any questions, please ask!  I try not to include too many details as not to spoil the story.  If you have read this book and have anything you want to say, comment and start a discussion!