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I was already interested in the book based on a friend’s recommendation, but then I opened it up and found it was written by the same author as The Kite Runner and I was hooked. I loved both of these books.

Both novels are about Afghanistan, but tell a different type of story. The Kite Runner is about two boys of different Afghani ethnic groups who grow up as best friends oblivious to their differences, and how they later grow apart. It is a coming of age story, but also the story of Afghanistan, with a great explanation of the Taliban and an account of American immigration. It has recently been made into a movie, which I can’t wait to see.

A Thousand Splendid Suns is more about the situation for women in Afghanistan (and other Middle Eastern countries). It is very sad, but also hopeful. Several of the scenes made me cry, literally. I know it’s just fiction, but these things have happened to women in real life.

I think it is important for all Americans to read these stories, especially while we’re fighting in the Middle East. So many of us know nothing about Afghanistan, or Islam. To most American, Islam equals terrorism and treating women cruelly. It is important to remember that the terrorists are a small minority. The Middle East is full of people like you and me, trying to live out their lives. There are many kinds of Muslims, and there are several ethnic groups (part of the problem in getting everyone to get along).

Filed under: Nothing Like a Good Book