The Kite Runner

the Book
The Kite Runner

Written by Khaled Hosseini

Rating: ★★★★★ Couldn't put it down!

What it's about:  

In Kabul, Afghanistan, Amir, the son of a rich businessman, and Hassan, the son of a poor servant, have grown up with each other since birth, and have formed a bond akin to brotherhood.  By age twelve, they have become an unstoppable kite-fighting team, and Amir hopes to win the annual tournament to gain the approval of his father.  But when an unthinkable atrocity tests Amir's loyalty to Hassan, their friendship is torn by lies, shame, and hatred.  As war continues to rise in Afghanistan, fate leads the boys on separate journeys, and Amir makes his way to America.  Now an adult, Amir must face the past once again if he can ever hope for redemption. 

Why we love it: 
 
Fascinating fiction story integrated seamlessly with non-fiction events.  Khaled Hosseini writes with amazing, heart-gripping detail on the conflicts that changed Afghanistan forever, including the Soviet war and the rise of the Taliban.  This was Hosseini's first novel, and we are blown away by his talent.  His characters leave a profound, lasting impression, and show us what it truly means to be a brother and friend. 

We love the exposure to new words from the Afghan culture (such as Buzhashi: a sport in Afghanistan) and Islamic religion (Allah-u-akbar: Allah is the Greatest), that are neatly distributed throughout the book.   

the Movie

The Kite Runner (2007) (PG-13)

Directed by Marc Forster

Starring: Khalid Abdalla, Zekeria Ebrahimi, Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada

Rating: ★★★★★ Loved it!  

• ☂ (Tearjerker)

• Say what? (movie is mostly in subtitles)

Differences between the movie and book:  

The movie follows the main storyline of the book without much variation - the movie script is actually verbatim from the book in some parts. The movie, however, does leave out a good portion of the story that you will only discover if you read the book (so no, forgoing the book because the movie is in subtitles isn't a valid excuse!). 

Why we love it:  

For many of the same reasons we loved the book, we love this movie.  The story of Amir and Hassan is one of brotherly love and redemption, teaching us "There is a way to be good again."  The talented director and actors produced an amazing work of art, all while upholding the integrity of Khaled Hosseini's original story.

Overall we suggest you read the book and watch the movie, but not necessarily in that order. 

Up Next . . . The Lovely Bones

The Painted Veil

The Painted Veil 

Written by W. Somerset Maugham in 1925.

Rating: ★★★★★ Couldn't put it down!

What it's about: 

When Kitty is caught having an affair, her husband, Walter, gives her an ultimatum:  unless her lover will agree to marry her, she must accompany him on business to Mei-tan-fu, a cholera stricken village in China.  Kitty is forced to face a heartbreaking reality when Charlie, her lover, will not divorce his wife, and she is bound to move where people are dropping like flies.  However, it is in Mei-tan-fu, surrounded by death, where strength is birthed in Kitty, and she is led on a soul-changing journey.

Why we love it: 
We love a good love triangle!  W. Somerset Maugham is clever and writes beautifully.  He has incredible insight on human character and desire. We love the characters that he creates, even if we are frustrated with their decisions at times.

We love the East meets West theme throughout the book, as well as the the 1920's era the story is set in. Maugham demonstrates talent in his juxtaposition of Britain and China.  

The Painted Veil (2006) PG-13

Directed by John Curran

Starring: Naomi Watts & Edward Norton

Rating: ★★★★★ Loved it!

Differences between the movie and book:  

This movie followed the book fairly closely, except for a few variations added for drama, including the uprising of nationalists and a greater look into the work Walter performs as a bacteriologist.  The principal variation is the ending relationship between Kitty and Walter. 

Why we loved it:  

First of all, Edward Norton and Naomi Watts, are two extremely talented (and good looking!) actors, so what's not to love?  Second, John Curran did an amazing job directing this film.  The movie added its own variation yet kept the heart of the book.  It was as if all we had imagined from Maugham's work came to life.  

While we're not always fans of movies changing the endings of good books, we must admit we loved the ending of this movie. 

Overall we suggest you read the book and watch the movie, but not necessarily in that order. 

Up Next . . . The Kite Runner