Way back in 2004, which seems a lifetime ago now, I was working in London and had started a new contract with a very large financial investment firm who were transitioning to outsource their customer service to India. They brought in 12 contractors (me included) to learn the system, test it for problems and ultimately train the new customer service officers flying in from India.
I made very good friends with one of the other contractors and we remained friends long after the job came to an end. Anyway, I remember her raving about this book and insisting that I read it. I never did get around to it until a week and a half ago when it was pegged as our next member of book club choice in our second book to read.
The Kite Runner is Khaled Hosseini's first novel, which he wrote while working a doctor, no less. An incredibly moving and electric novel that kept me up at nights and had me nearly missing bus stops because I was so engrossed in the story.
It's the tale of two young Afghan's who grew up in the pre-Soviet Union invasion, only to part ways once Afghanistan turns into a war zone. Unlike a lot of other novels that arc over the large life span of a character's life, The Kite Runner moves along at good pace never leaving you bored.
I was entranced the entire journey and this was the first novel that actual made me shed a tear in a long time.
Khaled Hosseini has started a foundation that supports and builds shelter in Afghanistan for returning refugees. It also provides education and healthcare for women and children in a country where women have lost their rights as a result of Taliban dictatorship. Read more about The Khaled Hosseini Foundation.
Such an incredible writer and engaging book, I'm keen to read his second novel A Thousand Splendid Suns.
If you haven't read The Kite Runner, I put it on my most highly recommended books for 2012.
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