Final Post

Question: What is the setting of the novel?

Answer: In the beginning and near the end of the story, it was set in Kabul, Afghanistan in the 1970's and later on when Amir and Baba immigrated to America in the 1980's, it was set in Fremont, California. The setting influences the theme because at that time Afghanistan was in a war with the Soviets, therefore the theme of the immigrant experience is present in the novel. Hassan describes to Amir that "in Kabul, fear is everywhere..it is part of our lives here". (Page 228) This forces Amir and Baba to take the risk and flee the country as refugees. However, some people are not as lucky as they are, for example, Ali and Hassan, because of a decision Amir made years ago. That brings up another theme in the novel, betrayal. 

Question: Is the setting important or could the novel happen anywhere? Why?

Answer: The setting is important in the novel. Since the Russians invaded Afghanistan, people were forced to leave the country. Next, there was a discrimination against Hazaras which leads to terrible events happening throughout the novel. If it was set in Canada, Hassan would not be a servant, but a friend to Amir. The Taliban factor is important because it leads Amir to face off against one of its members. Without these factors, the story would not be the same. However, I suppose the theme could work in a different setting, but only if it is a country in turmoil because then it would create chaos amongst the characters. 

Question: Would it change the plot? In what way?

Answer: Yes, it would change the plot if The Kite Runner was set in a more stable country. For example, had it taken place intially in America or Canada, Baba and Amir would not have to flee the country because they was no major war in America during the 1980's. People would have gotten along better there. But in Afghanistan they had to escape to have a better life which later on leads to Amir returning back to Afghanistan to rescue Sohrab.

Question: Would you recommend this book to another reader? Why/why not?

Answer: Yes, I would absolutely recommend this novel to another person. This novel is a amazing read and it taught me a lot about the culture and environment in Afghanistan. It makes you have a emotional connection with the characters in the novel, just like I had one with Hassan. Also, the plot of the novel made me want to keep on reading.

Question: What kind of person would you recommend it to?

Answer: Definitely for people who are mature enough to read at this level of writing. But also because there are some disturbing scenes in the novel. Someone who is in tenth grade or higher can understand the meaning behind the novel like the theme. Lastly, I think someone who enjoys learning about the culture in other countries would like this novel.

Question: What would you tell the person about the book?

Answer: I do not want to give away the whole plot of the novel so I would not say much. But, I will say that after finishing the novel it gave me a greater perspective on life and how we should consider the things we take for granted.

Halfway Post

                   
Question: Describe a problem faced by the main character.

Answer: Amir faces the problem of not getting Baba's attention. Baba wants his son, Amir to grow up to be a strong, young man but he does not live up to his expectations. One time,"[Baba] sees how [the boys] push him around" (Page 24) and in reponse "[Amir] never fights back". (Page 24) He can not defend himself in front of Assef, let alone a group of his neighbours. However, Hassan is able to, which makes Baba admire him even more. Amir tries very hard to establish a father-son connection. But, he also thinks that Hassan is getting in between the two of them because Baba pays more attention to him than Amir.

Question: Explain how the main character deals with the problem.

Answer: Amir is unable to deal with his problem in a mature way. Instead he tries to make Hassan the "bad guy". For example, he purposely places his watch and money  underneath Hassan's mattress and blamed him for stealing his belongings.

Question: Make a personal connection to this.

Answer: When I was in elementary school I wanted to make my father proud every time he saw my report card. It was the final report card of seventh grade; I was heartbroken when I didn't get the grade I wanted in math. I saw the angry look on my father's face. He told me I shouldn't have gotten that letter grade because he was helping me with my assignments. Now, I realize that the grades I get are for me. It is my future, not his.



Question: Write your opinion of a character's action or reaction to a situation in the book.


Answer: The way Amir reacted when he saw Hassan get beat up and raped by Assef was absolutely disgusting. "[He] just watched" (Page 78) Hassan in pain and did not call for help. Instead he ran home but did not tell anyone. He didn't care how Hassan had to get it, all he wanted was the kite, which is very selfish of him. Later on, he reflects on how "the rest of [his] life might have turned out differently if [he] had". (Page 78) If Amir had made the right decision, he would not be living in guilt.  Hassan gave him his loyalty but Amir could not give it back. I feel like at the age of twelve he should have at least known to call for help if he witnesses something terrible happening. 


Question: Do you think it was the appropriate course of action?

Answer: Absolutely not. What kind of a person would not help their friend if they were in trouble. Amir was definitely not Hassan's true friend.

Question: Would you have done the same? Why/why not?

Answer: If it was me, if I happen to see my best friend or even a stranger being ganged up on; I would call for help from an adult nearby. If I had the power to save someone life I would not hesitate to do it. But it depends on the surrounding and environment I am in . Obviously if it is not safe then unfortunately the safest thing to do is call the police immediately.

Introductory Post

                                                      The Kite Runner
                                                        By: Khaled Hosseini

The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant, The Kite Runner is a beautifully crafted novel set in a country that is in the process of being destroyed. It is about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption; and an exploration of the power of fathers over sons—their love, their sacrifices, their lies. A sweeping story of family, love, and friendship told against the devastating backdrop of the history of Afghanistan over the last thirty years, The Kite Runner is an unusual and powerful novel that has become a beloved, one-of-a-kind classic. Written by http://khaledhosseini.com/books/the-kite-runner/synopsis/

• Riverhead Books, New York, NY, 2003
• 372 pages
• Book Review: http://www.theguardian.com/books/2003/sep/07/fiction.features1

I chose to read this book because it made the list of best-selling books. After reading the synopsis on the book I was curious to know how a wealthy person can befriend a poor servant back in the 1980's. I remember there was a war during that time period between the Soviet and Afghanistan so it is interesting to read how the characters lived through it. I liked how the book focuses on the subjects of love,loyalty and sacrifice and many more. Also, I like reading novels that take place in foreign countries because I get to learn about the culture and daily life there, and compare it to where I live.