I admit, even before reading The Kite Runner I had great expectations. The book has certainly met them; I have cried more times reading this book than with any other book I’ve read. When you think the situation is finally, finally, getting better the author finds a way to make it sad again. Overall it’s an amazing book; there was so much emotion. There was complete happiness, betrayal, misery, and redemption. Overall, it is an amazing book and it leaves such an impression.

"For you, a thousand times over," Amir to Sohrab

As I mentioned before Amir needed to redeem himself and it’s safe to say he’s slowly getting there. The plot twist hurt me more than it should have; I’ve always connected more with Hassan and felt that it was completely unfair, but it gave Amir an opportunity and thankfully he took it. He rescued Sohrab from Assef’s hands and as predicted adopted him. Sohrab also fulfilled what his father promised, but he’s still Hassan’s son and he felt horrible for doing it. I love Sohrab’s character almost as much as Hassan’s, he is so much like his father, but due to his situation, the smile and happiness they once shared is gone.



When he almost killed himself, I screamed. I had begged for him to live a life he deserved, a life his father couldn’t live; I wanted him to have freedom. It makes me extremely happy that Amir is doing everything he can to bring back Sohrab’s happiness; hopefully, the kite will deliver that.

Amir’s life has changed: his father died, he's now married, and now has become a fairly successful writer. He's also starting to approach the guilt that has been slowly consuming him. As predicted, Rahim Khan knew about what happened; he's given subtle hints for Amir to resolve it before. An opportunity finally rose and after so many years, Amir is ready to face Hassan and make things right. I find this news full of relief; I'm not sure if it's because Amir will ask for forgiveness from Hassan or because I get to see Hassan again. But knowing this book, I don't think it'll end well. I still have hopes it will though, that Hassan is well, healthy and living a very happy life.

So many emotions ran through my mind between chapters eight and twelve; mostly disappointment towards Amir. I thought the guilt from what happen to Hassan would eventually push him to do what’s right, but it only lead to their separation. Amir kept drawing himself away from Hassan and Hassan went into a depression state. Unable to take the guilt, Amir frames Hassan of stealing knowing his father would be unforgiving. Hassan being Hassan, took the blame for Amir; understanding that Amir knew about the rape. It disturbed me how Amir was willing to let Hassan go; I hoped their friendship was much stronger than his desire for a parent’s attention.

Now war has taken over, Amir and his father took refuge in America. Leaving their riches, reputations, as well as his guilt behind. Amir’s character has grown a little; his want for his father’s attention has lessen and Hassan is still mentioned throughout his new life. In memories and accomplishments. Personally, I still cannot find it in myself to forgive Amir and I know it’s going to take a while for me to do so, but I’m hoping that he’ll face his guilt and resolve it instead of burying it. Then and only then will I find myself forgiving him.

"For you a thousand times over!"- Hassan to Amir

Oh my god.... only 79 pages in and the book already had me in tears. Of all the characters, why was sweet, innocent, loyal, and content Hassan chosen to suffer? He is the epitome of good; as far as I’ve read anyway. So how could the author choose to have that happen to him? He’s so loyal and he genuinely thinks of Amir as his friend and believes every word he says. I’m assuming Hassan knew Amir saw what happen, but chose to keep quiet. Out of shame, something he shouldn’t have to feel because he was the victim. I know it’s fiction, but this happens everyday to so many people and hearing about it makes you lose hope in humanity.

So far Amir hasn’t really shown much characteristics to show he’s a good person. He’s been mostly selfish, but it’s understandable. He is a child and from what I know, it’s a coming of age story. Readers understand why he acts this way even though he’s wrong; he has parent issues, feels guilty for “killing” his mother, and feels that he has to act a certain way based on his status. Wrong is still wrong, he’s not acting like a good friend or a decent person. But everything is still new; nothing is decided yet. There is one thing I'm sure of….

The Kite Runner is going to ruin me.