This will be my last post for The Kite Runner because I finished it just recently and I dare say it is an amazing book. For everyone who hasn't read it, here's my piece of advice: you should. While originally I never thought it would interest me very much I quickly learned that no matter how different you are from the protagonist or how far apart your worlds are, if the main character was made to be a real person, then you will always find some way to relate to him or her.
Relating to the main character is a very important aspect to liking a book. Amir's character is full of flaws, just like any other person. Even though he grew up in Afghanistan and knows a completely different life than I do, I find that it's easy to sympathize and even empathize with him at times. I know how it sometimes feels that the whole world is against you when all you wanted to do was help. Because of my connection with Amir, I was interested the whole way through.
I learned through Amir's journey, and my journey of reading Amir's story that sometimes bad things happen to good people. It's not always their fault, but the only way to move on is to forgive. And before they can fully forgive anyone else, before can move on with life at all, they have to forgive themselves. Once they do, things may never return to normal ever again, but they just have to wait. They have to wait and take what life gives them. Take all the small things because added together, they will mean so much. "It was only a smile, nothing more. It didn't make everything all right. It didn't make anything all right. Only a smile. A tiny thing. [...] But I'll take it. With open arms. Because when spring comes, it melts the snow one flake at a time, and maybe I just witnessed the first flake melting"(371). Things probably will never be the same again, but sometimes they will be even better.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Q4 Outside Reading Week 7 Post A
"I remembered how green the playing field grass had been in the '70s when Baba used to bring me to soccer games here" (268).
Amir had many memories that came back to him when he returned to Afghanistan to find Sohrab. As a child, his father had taken him to soccer games, hoping that Amir would take a delight in soccer as well. While Amir liked watching, he wasn't much of a player. The question of his strength was something that made Amir ashamed and fight even harder for his father's affection.
Soccer being the biggest and most acclaimed sport in Afghanistan during Amir's childhood meant that he and his father attended many games. The cultural difference here is that in America, soccer is not as much of a national past time. It is more commonly found in Europe and other such countries around the world. While it is broadcasted and games are attended, soccer has never truly reached the peak of interest as other sports such as baseball and football. Baseball has always been known as the American past time. Football, a sport that didn't pick up much speed in the beginning, has a forever expanding crowd base. With the SuperBowl attracting more fans than presidential debates put together, it is by far one of the more popular American sports.
Amir had many memories that came back to him when he returned to Afghanistan to find Sohrab. As a child, his father had taken him to soccer games, hoping that Amir would take a delight in soccer as well. While Amir liked watching, he wasn't much of a player. The question of his strength was something that made Amir ashamed and fight even harder for his father's affection.
Soccer being the biggest and most acclaimed sport in Afghanistan during Amir's childhood meant that he and his father attended many games. The cultural difference here is that in America, soccer is not as much of a national past time. It is more commonly found in Europe and other such countries around the world. While it is broadcasted and games are attended, soccer has never truly reached the peak of interest as other sports such as baseball and football. Baseball has always been known as the American past time. Football, a sport that didn't pick up much speed in the beginning, has a forever expanding crowd base. With the SuperBowl attracting more fans than presidential debates put together, it is by far one of the more popular American sports.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Q4 Outside Reading Week 6 Post B
There are two things I'd like to comment on for this post: writing style and the idea of redemption.
The writing style in this book is first person narration by the protagonist. It remains relatively consistent throughout the book with no point of view switches unlike books like My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult or In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alveraz. But the one exception to this rule is chapter 16. After moving to America, getting married, witnessing his father's death, and starting a life of his own, Amir is contacted by an old friend: Rahim Kahn. Rahim Kahn tells Amir about Hassan and what happened to him after they left Amir's house all those years ago. When Rahim Kahn tells his story, it is in his point of view rather than Amir's. It is the one time everything switches around. It's peculiar, this one chapter not in Amir's perspective. It protrudes from the story, interrupting the smooth flow of Amir's narration, but there must have been a reason why Hosseini put it in there. I think it was told in Rahim Kahn's perspective because he was the one who was there. He experienced it all. And if it hadn't been told from Rahim Kahn's point of view, all of the story would have been in quotes with occasional interruptions of Amir's thoughts. This way, the reader was able to hear the story without interruptions. They were able to develop their own thoughts rather than respond to Amir's. It was an interesting choice for Hosseini to make and while it disrupts the flow of the first person narration, it makes a good contrast to the book.
As for the idea of redemption, it is something that pushes the plot forward. Amir committed a horrible crime by not helping Hassan, a loyal friend, a loyal brother, but he is able to redeem himself when Rahim Kahn calls for him. Amir is presented the chance and while at first he reverts back to his cowardly ways, Amir soon learns that he must do this for Hassan, for himself, for his family. It's funny how when you think you've forgotten something, it always comes back to haunt you. Not until you put an end to it does it go away. You can bury it, toss it, repress it, but no matter what happens, you will never be able to live at ease until the problem is solved, until it's out in the open. While America may have been a place for Amir to bury his sins and pains, they came running after him anyway. He needs to find Hassan's son if he wants to live his life in peace. And when he does, he will prove to be the good person he really is.
The writing style in this book is first person narration by the protagonist. It remains relatively consistent throughout the book with no point of view switches unlike books like My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult or In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alveraz. But the one exception to this rule is chapter 16. After moving to America, getting married, witnessing his father's death, and starting a life of his own, Amir is contacted by an old friend: Rahim Kahn. Rahim Kahn tells Amir about Hassan and what happened to him after they left Amir's house all those years ago. When Rahim Kahn tells his story, it is in his point of view rather than Amir's. It is the one time everything switches around. It's peculiar, this one chapter not in Amir's perspective. It protrudes from the story, interrupting the smooth flow of Amir's narration, but there must have been a reason why Hosseini put it in there. I think it was told in Rahim Kahn's perspective because he was the one who was there. He experienced it all. And if it hadn't been told from Rahim Kahn's point of view, all of the story would have been in quotes with occasional interruptions of Amir's thoughts. This way, the reader was able to hear the story without interruptions. They were able to develop their own thoughts rather than respond to Amir's. It was an interesting choice for Hosseini to make and while it disrupts the flow of the first person narration, it makes a good contrast to the book.
As for the idea of redemption, it is something that pushes the plot forward. Amir committed a horrible crime by not helping Hassan, a loyal friend, a loyal brother, but he is able to redeem himself when Rahim Kahn calls for him. Amir is presented the chance and while at first he reverts back to his cowardly ways, Amir soon learns that he must do this for Hassan, for himself, for his family. It's funny how when you think you've forgotten something, it always comes back to haunt you. Not until you put an end to it does it go away. You can bury it, toss it, repress it, but no matter what happens, you will never be able to live at ease until the problem is solved, until it's out in the open. While America may have been a place for Amir to bury his sins and pains, they came running after him anyway. He needs to find Hassan's son if he wants to live his life in peace. And when he does, he will prove to be the good person he really is.
Q4 Outside Reading Week 6 Post A
"...a list that included exchanging dollars for Kaldar and Afghani bills, my garment and pakol--ironically, I'd never worn either when I'd actually lived in Afghanistan... and, finally, perhaps the most important item: an artificial beard, black and chest length"(230).
After being contacted by Rahim Kahn, Amir goes back to Afghanistan to retrieve Hassan's son from an orphanage after the Taliban killed his parents. In America, we are able to wear whatever we wish because of the First Amendment, as long as it doesn't fall into the category of the exceptions. Under Taliban-rule Afghanistan, certain dress restrictions are put in place, for both men and women. Women had to cover themselves up as much as possible when out in public and were not allowed to make eye contact or raise their voices. They were basically property to their fathers or husbands. Amir must put on a pakol, something he's never worn in his entire life, and an artificial beard because in America, men are free to shave or not shave as they like. In Afghanistan, they needed to have a certain length beard to be approved by the Taliban. This shows the restrictions in Taliban-rule Afghanistan that were guaranteed freedoms in America.
After being contacted by Rahim Kahn, Amir goes back to Afghanistan to retrieve Hassan's son from an orphanage after the Taliban killed his parents. In America, we are able to wear whatever we wish because of the First Amendment, as long as it doesn't fall into the category of the exceptions. Under Taliban-rule Afghanistan, certain dress restrictions are put in place, for both men and women. Women had to cover themselves up as much as possible when out in public and were not allowed to make eye contact or raise their voices. They were basically property to their fathers or husbands. Amir must put on a pakol, something he's never worn in his entire life, and an artificial beard because in America, men are free to shave or not shave as they like. In Afghanistan, they needed to have a certain length beard to be approved by the Taliban. This shows the restrictions in Taliban-rule Afghanistan that were guaranteed freedoms in America.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Q4 Outside Reading Week 5 Post B
This week, I will comment on the narration and style of the writing used in The Kite Runner.
It seems like any normal first person narrative story with our main character being the narrator. The events that unfold throughout the story revolve around Amir, just like they're supposed to. We don't learn about the lives of those outside of his sphere, and when he moves to America, we don't leanr anymore about Hassan or Rahim Kahn except an occassional thought or to from Amir. But there is one thing that makes it different. Amir is from Afghanistan. Although he does learn to speak English, that is not his native language, but that is the language the book is written in. It's almost like someone translated it for us readers. It's interesting how Hosseini writes all of the dialogue in English, with the exception of some words which he uses Amir's character to translate in Amir's head, while the characters may not be speaking English at all. This small subtle writing style makes me sometimes forget that Amir is Afghan and not American along with the traditions that Hosseini incorporates into Amir's life. But despite my knowledge, Amir still seems like any average American. He has thoughts that have gone through my head. He does things that I've done. It doesn't feel like he lives or has lived in a different country. It doesn't feel like he lives in a different time period. It doesn't feel different at all even though I know it is. This is part of Hosseini's amazing writing, to make one be able to connect to the main character despite all the differences. And when one can connect with the protagonist, it just makes the book that much more enjoyable.
It seems like any normal first person narrative story with our main character being the narrator. The events that unfold throughout the story revolve around Amir, just like they're supposed to. We don't learn about the lives of those outside of his sphere, and when he moves to America, we don't leanr anymore about Hassan or Rahim Kahn except an occassional thought or to from Amir. But there is one thing that makes it different. Amir is from Afghanistan. Although he does learn to speak English, that is not his native language, but that is the language the book is written in. It's almost like someone translated it for us readers. It's interesting how Hosseini writes all of the dialogue in English, with the exception of some words which he uses Amir's character to translate in Amir's head, while the characters may not be speaking English at all. This small subtle writing style makes me sometimes forget that Amir is Afghan and not American along with the traditions that Hosseini incorporates into Amir's life. But despite my knowledge, Amir still seems like any average American. He has thoughts that have gone through my head. He does things that I've done. It doesn't feel like he lives or has lived in a different country. It doesn't feel like he lives in a different time period. It doesn't feel different at all even though I know it is. This is part of Hosseini's amazing writing, to make one be able to connect to the main character despite all the differences. And when one can connect with the protagonist, it just makes the book that much more enjoyable.
Q4 Outside Reading Week 5 Post A
"... not unless the fellow in question was a khastegar, a suitor, who had done the honorable thing and sent his father to knock on the door"(147).
In Afghan tradition, marriage, is quite different than for Americans. Everything has to be done based on tradition, honor, and family name. A boy who comes from a decent family will have a better chance at getting the girl of his dreams than one without a good name. For Amir, his good fortune of having a well-known father gave him a shot at happiness with Soraya, the daughter of an Afghan general. "That's why when his father--God give him peace--came khastegari, I didn't hesistate. And believe me, his father wouldn't have agreed to ask for your hand if he didn't know whose descendant you were. Blood is a powerful thing [...] Now if you were American, it wouldn't matter. People here marry for love"(188). They care about family name and ancestory. Marrying for love isn't always possible for people like Amir, but he was lucky enough to find it in the form of Soraya who came from a good family too.
There are also many traditions one has to go through. The first of which being the father of the son must go to the father of the daughter to ask for her hand in marriage. The two lovers cannot just date or come together on their own terms. There are also ceremonies that the couple must go through and they are not allowed in public alone together before they are married. To me, it seems like a complex string of events, but tradition is tradition and that was the way Amir was raised. It is different here. As General Sahib points out, people in Ameirca marry for love. I'm glad to be living in a country that grants you such freedoms.
In Afghan tradition, marriage, is quite different than for Americans. Everything has to be done based on tradition, honor, and family name. A boy who comes from a decent family will have a better chance at getting the girl of his dreams than one without a good name. For Amir, his good fortune of having a well-known father gave him a shot at happiness with Soraya, the daughter of an Afghan general. "That's why when his father--God give him peace--came khastegari, I didn't hesistate. And believe me, his father wouldn't have agreed to ask for your hand if he didn't know whose descendant you were. Blood is a powerful thing [...] Now if you were American, it wouldn't matter. People here marry for love"(188). They care about family name and ancestory. Marrying for love isn't always possible for people like Amir, but he was lucky enough to find it in the form of Soraya who came from a good family too.
There are also many traditions one has to go through. The first of which being the father of the son must go to the father of the daughter to ask for her hand in marriage. The two lovers cannot just date or come together on their own terms. There are also ceremonies that the couple must go through and they are not allowed in public alone together before they are married. To me, it seems like a complex string of events, but tradition is tradition and that was the way Amir was raised. It is different here. As General Sahib points out, people in Ameirca marry for love. I'm glad to be living in a country that grants you such freedoms.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Q4 Outside Reading Week 4 Post A
"Tea, Politics, and Scandal, the ingredients of an Afghan Sunday at the flea market"(138).
After moving to America, life for Amir was different. He was happier true, but his father was having a harder time. Amir got the education he'd always wanted while Baba had to work low paying jobs to support them. Among the Afghans, he was still respected, but in the wide expanse of America, Baba wasn't as influential as he used to be. But despite the culture shock and plunge to the working class, the Afghan traditions still remaind ingrained within them. Even though they were at a flea market selling stuff they had bought the day before from garage sales, the Afghans retained their respect. They would move among the stands, sharing political views, drinking tea, and trading gossip. It was the way of life for them on Sundays. In where we live, this isn't common. We don't embrace everyone who walks by and offer them some tea. Political views are shared true, but heated debates soon ensue which is never a good sign. I personally don't like to talk about politics with my friends because it only causes argument. Politics is something Amir's father will talk about. The one thing that we all do have in common is the trading of gossip. Scandal perks almost everyone's interest and even in the US, we can't get enough of it. That's why celebrity magazines are so popular. We just love to see the people on top screw up. Why? It shows they're human too. Plus gossip can just be fun ;)
After moving to America, life for Amir was different. He was happier true, but his father was having a harder time. Amir got the education he'd always wanted while Baba had to work low paying jobs to support them. Among the Afghans, he was still respected, but in the wide expanse of America, Baba wasn't as influential as he used to be. But despite the culture shock and plunge to the working class, the Afghan traditions still remaind ingrained within them. Even though they were at a flea market selling stuff they had bought the day before from garage sales, the Afghans retained their respect. They would move among the stands, sharing political views, drinking tea, and trading gossip. It was the way of life for them on Sundays. In where we live, this isn't common. We don't embrace everyone who walks by and offer them some tea. Political views are shared true, but heated debates soon ensue which is never a good sign. I personally don't like to talk about politics with my friends because it only causes argument. Politics is something Amir's father will talk about. The one thing that we all do have in common is the trading of gossip. Scandal perks almost everyone's interest and even in the US, we can't get enough of it. That's why celebrity magazines are so popular. We just love to see the people on top screw up. Why? It shows they're human too. Plus gossip can just be fun ;)
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