Kite Runner---things to talk about in book club?

[BeachBum]

This is our 2nd month of book club --so we are still figuring things out. Anyone have any good discussion points to bring up regarding this book? I don't think I have to "lead" the discussion, but I'd like to be prepared just in case.

[MaineBelle]

Here is a reading guide for The Kite Runner:

The Kite Runner reading guide (http://www.bookbrowse.com/reading_guides/detail/index.cfm?book_number=1232)

[lawyerlee]

Here are a couple of others I found:

The Kite Runner: B&N Reading Guide (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?userid=RN67tDSAaz&ean=9781594480003&displayonly=RGG#RGG)

The Kite Runner: Reading Guide Discussion Questions (http://www.literaryguild.com/doc/full_site_enrollment/detail/fse_product_detail_plus.jhtml?repositoryId=3318430 45&repositoryId=331843045&section_name=Reading%20Group%20Guide)

[laura]

There was so much "stuff" I just wanted to talk about when I got done reading that book. That is the first book that I've felt moved to tears by in ages, and I just thought it was so good and touching and heartbreaking, all at once. I would probably just start off by saying how I felt about the book and mentioning a few key parts that I really liked or felt were especially moving - then go from there.

[BeachBum]

Thanks for the links! Things went great last night.

[cyd_96]

Sorry....hijacking.....

There was so much "stuff" I just wanted to talk about when I got done reading that book. That is the first book that I've felt moved to tears by in ages, and I just thought it was so good and touching and heartbreaking, all at once. I would probably just start off by saying how I felt about the book and mentioning a few key parts that I really liked or felt were especially moving - then go from there.


My mom, brother and I all read it, but had different feelings afterwards. My brother and I felt a sense of depression and loss after reading it, my mom said she felt hopeful. Amazing how one book can instill feelings at different ends of the spectrum.

[sheartm7]

Just bumping this thread, because I recently finished this book and wanted to say how wonderful I found it. Very powerful and moving.

One thing I really liked was how well the author portrayed Afganistan while Amir and Hassan were growing up in it. It was such an informative read, I feel like I know so much more about their culture now.

Question: What were everyone's thoughts about the main character, Amir? Did you like/dislike him, and why?

During a lot of the book, I couldn't stand him and was very frustrated with how he couldn't stand up to anything. But in the end, I was much happier.

[msnicolea]

I felt depressed AND hopeful--I think that's the measure for me of what an amazing, complex, tragic, lovely book this was!

[emmjay]

I thought Amir was a realistic character - very believable. I also found myself getting mad at him for his flaws, but at the same time it was easy for me to understand his behavior. I also really enjoyed the descriptions of life in Afghanistan. Particularly since English isn't the author's first language - I was totally sucked into the first 2/3 of the book.

That said, I was annoyed at the ending - I though it was too contrived. I went from being completely lost in the story to being completely removed from the story. I was rolling my eyes at some parts. I mean, I understood Hosseini's point but I was irritated that he went from telling such a human and REALISTIC story to wrapping everything up so exactly and perfectly - I didn't think there was enough depth/symbolism at the end, especially compared to the beginning.

IMO, of course - I did think it was a great book for reading about the culture of Afghanistan.

[games]

I absolutely loved the book. We read it last month for our book club. We dined on Middle Eastern food while we discussed the book. :D

The strongest impression the book left on me is that I find myself wanting to be more like Hassan but in truth relating more to Amir.

It's a beautiful story.

-Alex

[msnicolea]

I absolutely loved the book. We read it last month for our book club. We dined on Middle Eastern food while we discussed the book. :D

The strongest impression the book left on me is that I find myself wanting to be more like Hassan but in truth relating more to Amir.

It's a beautiful story.

-Alex

I know what you mean. Hassan was almost TOO good--to his own detriment. I wish I were that pure of heart, though.

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

I read this book a couple of months ago.

As others have mentioned this is the first book to bring me to tears. I would read and my husband would be thinking that I was being emotional. Then he read it and was brought to tears!!

I actually related to Amir quite a bit. Just that torture you put yourself through. Though I never did anything to that extent, I felt his guilt when he descibed it in the book. I could relate to his eagerness to please, and feel that you have seek your parent's approval.

I actually liked the ending. Something so small that just left hope.

[craftyT]

I finished the book last night...

I haven't read a book like this in a long time... where I felt like I was the one going through the motions of each character - I felt like Amir - I felt like Hassan - I felt like Soraya - I felt like Sohrab - for every character! No matter what the situation, I totally took on their emotion. I was sad when they were - frustrated when they were - happy when they were. For characters who, on the outside (and maybe on the inside too), couldn't be any more different than I, I sure could relate... that, IMO, is what was so surprising about this book. How we (as humans) are more alike than different.

I feel a little more enlightened after reading this book.

[QT Pie]

I feel a little more enlightened after reading this book.

I totally agree. I just finished this book last night and LOVED it. It's been a long time since I've been hooked into a novel. I can't wait for his next book!

[schmeevee]

LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. (if you love this book, you might love SISTER of MY HEART too)

Alex (games) said it best. I, too found myself wanting to be more like Hassan, but related more to Amir.

Hassan's unfaltering loyalty is what everyone hopes to have... but in reality - is it really possible when the relationship is not reciprocal? What, other than Amir being his only friend, did Hassan have to gain from the abuse he got from Amir? Why keep the friendship? Was it worth his self-esteem, his pride, his self-worth?