Looking for a summer read that you won’t be able to put down? Try Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, an incredibly powerful novel chronicling the life of a young, privileged boy named Amir as he comes of age during a time of social upheaval in modern day Afghanistan. While the novel covers three decades of social turmoil in Afghanistan, Khaled also focuses on the more personal themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and forgiveness through his depiction of Amir’s friendship with his family servant’s son, Hassan, who belongs to one of the country’s lowest social classes: the Hazaras. Khaled describes the trials and tribulations the boys face as they attempt to maintain a friendship amidst immense social inequity and injustice.
The novel is set in modern day Afghanistan, but its message regarding the importance of friendship is universal. As I was reading, I was continuously struck by the way in which I was able to empathize with the plight of the characters despite the overwhelming cultural and social differences between us.
The Kite Runner is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s a total page-turner and a great read for a lazy summer day at the beach or a long flight to your next summer destination. Be sure to add it to your list!
By: Emily K, Brown
Emily P has 76 post(s) on RTR On Campus
