The Kite Runner

    David, 23, is one of our grandchildren that loves to read and talk about books.
  He convinced me to read one of his favourites.  It was "Slaughterhouse Five" by Kurt Vonnegut.  I was not impressed!
   John and I both love "The Kite Runner", so we recommended it to David and were interested in discussing it with him.  And here we are.  It was a rainy day delight!

  This novel begins in Afghanistan with two young boys that are great friends.  But Amir, at 12,  does not help his friend when he is in trouble and feels guilty for years.  Much later in his life, he is living in California and gets a phone call from his father's friend, who says, "There is a way to be good again".
  This is a powerful story of redemption, atonement and GOODNESS.
  John and I both read it shortly after it was published in 2003.
  David enjoyed reading about the history and culture of Afghanistan. The Taliban features in this book and there is a scene of retribution or justice, that makes you cheer.
  This novel has the best ending that I have ever read.  It involves flying kites, as that is a big theme in the novel.  And it involves Amir's nephew who was the same age as Amir was when he declined helping his friend.  It provided 'a way to be good again'.     Very powerful ending to a great novel.