As I've shared before, I'm particular about what I read.  Like all of you, I don't have a lot of extra time for "free" reading.  I've read a lot of junk over the years, so I tend to stay away from secular, main stream, bestsellers.  Just like what I watch on TV, I filter what I read through this verse;

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things."  Phillipians 4:8

I don't want my mind dwelling on things that don't glorify the Lord.  As the old saying goes "junk in, junk out".  So I try to fill my mind with pure, lovely and excellent things.  There are a lot of great classic novels and living literature for me to read.  Although most current christian fiction I find to be a bit, well predictable.  There are some great authors, the Thoedes, Francine Rivers, Gilbert Morris, Liz Curtis Higgs, and T. Davis Bunn. 

But something about The Kite Runner grabbed my attention.  I had read about it at Semicolon's.  I also have a fascination with Afghanistan.  Growing up, watching the Russian invasion.  Then their liberation and internal strifes.  Post 9-11 watching Afghanistan on the nightly news.  Then reading this book:

This is a great book.  I'll read this with Jennifer during her high school years.  Both of these christian women came from divorced homes.  Each turned to the Lord during their struggles and have choosen lives in total service for Him.  The details about Afghanistan and the Lord's work there makes this a good read. 

The missionary, that stayed in our home in early December, pointed something out to me about sharing the gospels with Muslims.  As he said, "you can not start with Jesus."  So part of my desire to read this book was to learn more about Muslim culture, part was to learn more about Afghanistan and lastly to read a book that has received fabulous reviews.  

The Kite Runner did fulfill these goals.  Mr. Hoessini's writing style is vivid, his characters have depth and yet with a balance of predictability. But yet the book left me sad, and deepened my desire for evangelism.  The main character, Amir spent the majority of the book seeking redemption for something that he did/didn't do when he was twelve.  This "thing", was and is the most horrific part of the whole book.  Although I would not say that it is a reason to not read the book, if you are an adult.  These "things" are part of the reality of the fallen world that we live in.  But, Amir seeks his redemption through his own handiwork.  He never truly forgives himself.  Nor, does he have the peace that redemption through Christ brings.  When finally at the pinnacle of crisis he returns to his muslim heritage and begins praying. 

Part of the richness of this book is Amir and his father's relationship.  Also, as many reviewers have mentioned, a glimpse into an Afghanistan that is not found in a history textbook or the nightly news.  I also appreciated how easily Amir forgave others for their flaws.


I give this book a Great-minus


Here is my book rating scale:

No way:would never think to recommend or purchase

So-so-if you like a run of the mill book

Good-is worthy of a quick read, don't dwell on or re-read any of it

Great-this is a book that you  should take time to read

Excellent-a book that I would defintely recommend and will be adding to my library

to re-read in future years.


~~~~~eternally grateful, for His redeeming love and faithful grace,

Linda