Can I get us started? (Reading Guide Question 1)

[Lori]

I'm not sure if we're ready to start or not, but I think the start date was yesterday, so I'm going to post the first question from the Penguin reading guide. My copy of the book doesn't have a reading guide in the back, but I'm think the one on the Penguin site is probably the same.

I have to say, I'm not enamored of this first question, but I'll be linear and start with it, anyway.

Oh, and I'll ask the question I always ask my students when we read something, before we get into a serious discussion ;): Did you like it? Why or why not?

The novel begins with Amir's memory of peering down an alley, looking for Hassan who is kite running for him. As Amir peers into the alley, he witnesses a tragedy. The novel ends with Amir kite running for Hassan's son, Sohrab, as he begins a new life with Amir in America. Why do you think the author chooses to frame the novel with these scenes? Refer to the following passage: "Afghans like to say: Life goes on, unmindful of beginning, end...crisis or catharsis, moving forward like a slow, dusty caravan of kochis [nomads]." How is this significant to the framing of the novel?

[Jo]

Thanks Lori for starting this! Brooke probably forgot. When I talked to her last night she was so tired she could hardly speak.

I will get back to this later when the kids are in bed and I can really discuss it.

[Jbird]

Well... Yes, I did like it. This was my second time reading it, but it's been a few years and I had forgotten many of the details. It was enjoyable again. I like the details of life in a different culture. I thought it was a fast read - short-enough chapters, descriptive but not overly so, and just a moving story. I think all of us can relate in one way or another to the idea of guilt and redemption.

As for the specific reading guide question, I think these two scenes really frame the theme of the story - that is, Amir's guilt for not saving Hassan, and then his redemption through saving Sohrab. And of course he's doing something for Sohrab that he never did for Hassan, like returning the favor. As to the quote, both were certainly critical moments for Amir, the second being cathartic as well. Interesting to think about how life does go on, despite your guilt, despite what happens to people around you. And also addresses the fact that Sohrab does warm to America, and it suggests that he will continue to do so.

[Brooke]

I'm so sorry ladies!! I am on a huge deadline of this brochure that has to be at the printer tonight or it won't get to my Dad at the show in vegas by Wednesday. Argh!! I'm staying late at work tonight. My Dad is over my shoulder yelling at me as it is. :giggle Will be back tonight.

THank you for starting Lori!!!

[Christine]

I loved the book. I felt drawn to the characters, although I really couldn't relate to them at all - interesting. I love stories that work out in the end, even if it's not all wrapped up neatly. The story was painful in places and allowed me to see into a culture that I wasn't at all familiar with. It's a story that's really stayed with me. I'm anxious to see the movie, but it wasn't released in the theaters anywhere near me.

Another reason I think those two particular scenes were important were how they showed the shift in the relationship. When the two were young boys, Amir had the task that brought glory. Even though Hassan was a great kite runner, it was Amir that was celebrated. At the end of the story, Amir was willing to take the backseat to Sohrab and allow him to experience the joy he had felt as a young boy.

[Jbird]

Good Point Christine - looking at it in a slightly different way, it's like an illustration of Amir's maturity, much like someone would grow once they had children. The enjoyment of our children, once we have them (adopted, or otherwise, I guess) takes the front seat to our own enjoyment. Their happiness becomes paramount to our own happiness.

[Christine]

He also became very tuned in to Sohrab's emotions and wanted him to experience joy and excitement. With Hassan, even though he loved him, there were times when he was the one inflicting the pain and being cruel.

[Danielle]

First off, I loved the book! It was really an enlightening experience for me in many ways. I never had a great understanding of the political background of Afghanistan and now that I've read the book, I feel compelled to learn more. The characters were strongly developed and believable and I thought that the relationships between the characters were unique and interesting but not so far fetched that they didn't seen genuine.

I'll come back to the reading guide ? in a bit, I'm at work and my appointment just showed up LOL.