The Kite Runner

This novel met my high expectations! The view into an unknown culture was detailed and fascinating.

This narration by the author Khaled Hosseini is so authentic and is read with such clarity. This is a great novel and it is enhanced by this narration. The pronunciation of the names in Farsi leads the listener in and brings the story to life.

I read this book probably 10 years ago, maybe even 12 years ago, in the paperback version, and it has stuck with me. (In an incredibly insightful and inspiring way.) As a kid growing up in the United States in the late 70's and 80's Vietnam was the big story, Afghanistan wouldn't become a big story until mid to late 90's to most of us. So to hear this country's name (my older siblings loved to make up names of places and tell me they were real; I was gullible as a child) in passing, I thought, once again they were pulling my leg. That is until a geography class, then forgot about it again until a few years later and 2 passengers jets hit both twin towers in New York City, New York and another passenger jet ran into the side of the Pentagon in Washington, DC. and yet still, 1 more plane had been hijacked by it's passengers who had heard about the other plans and figured that the plane they were on was probably headed back to Washington, DC or maybe even New York again. I know you are wondering why I am bringing all of this up, because this book touches on the subject of racism against anyone who is of middle eastern descent. When the subject of racism is brought up, it is not done so until closer to the end of the book, in such a way as to not be preaching or trying to shove an agenda down your throat, but to take you through one immigrant child's story and experiences, all the way through to adulthood. This author has a way with words, he can paint you a picture in your head while you are reading so that it feels as if you are right there. Like you are finally that proverbial "fly on the wall." Pick up your device, invite yourself to get a drink, get comfy, or, maybe just plan a 12 hour drive, because once you pick this book up, (or hit the download and play buttons) I guarantee, you will not one to put this one down.

Amazing book …

Absolutely loved the story. It grabbed me by the throat and I’ve listened to the whole 12 hours in one sitting.

Hosseini is a great writer. His literary descriptions captivate you. I felt that the book got a little long toward the end but would recommend.

Khaled is a literary genius. This novel had me gripped from beginning to end. I cannot put to words just how relatable it was - at a human level… Also, Khaled has humanised Afghanistan for me. Because of his work, I feel educated about Afghanis and Afghanis . May God bless that Country.

I loved the book. The story was easy to follow. Beautiful and heatbreaking at the same time. Recommended!

Although the narrator wasn't the most accomplished, he was the most authentic choice to tell this harrowing story of guilt, regret and, finally, a form of redemption. We become so saturated with news about wars throughout the world that it starts to wash over us. We don't envisage the actual people it affects, the lives it destroys, the everyday habits and traditions that it sweeps away. The author beautifully describes his city in time of peace and how his people live - warts and all - there are divisions in Afghan society like every other. So the destruction and brutal violence that follows is all the more gut-wrenching. The reader/listener has been enticed into this fascinating community only to witness its devastation and gruelling aftermath. Of the details that brought the author's account to life, I particularly liked his references to food and how it was prepared, served and eaten.

This book is so real. Throughout the book, you’ll find yourself so mad at the main character for his selfishness, but you’ll be reminded time and time again of how hard life is for immigrants and the struggles people face every day with things they don't talk about.

Great book. Very bleak and sad at times which always gets me interested. Appreciated the author reading it for the sake of pronunciations I know I would have completely missed reading in text.

Amazing story and narration!! Khaled has a captive voice and made it a much more sincere experience - I couldn’t stop listening!!

Great book. Makes you very emotional listening to it but well worth the listen. Amazing how life’s can differ and develop depending on where you are and how you live. Also very interesting insight on how different countries have different stories, activities and food or snacks that make a memorable childhood.

Narrator is great since he is the writer himself. I just don't know if I like the book that much that I could recommend to others. the story is interesting, however I would prefer more story of what happened in Afghanistan

Still my favorite book ever.

This was one of my all time favorite books. It is very well written and heartbreaking.

I will never forget this story my whole life. I was entangled, in love, in awe. Amir and Hassan and Sohrab will be forever in my dreams.

An amazing book, heartfelt themes common to all humanity. A great read/listen

This book was very well written! I had read all of his books and I didn’t think any of them could be topped! I’d recommend this a thousand times over! The author is incredible! He did an excellent job of narrating! A bit slow to start but give it a few. A must listen!!

I have taught this text a number of times at Year 11 and have always been impacted by the powerful and important story it tells of the plight of people in Afghanistan. This audio version is a new discovery for me and the it has moved me greatly. The author as the narrator gives the story such powerful authenticity - his accent and correct pronunciations have enriched my experience of this moving story tremendously. In many ways this is a brutal story, but it is also compassionate and extremely important in its teachings.

I did not like the book at first. The book starts out slowly but once you become engrossed in the story it is difficult to put the book down. It opened my eyes to the problems some people face daily just to survive. It made me appreciate the freedoms I enjoy daily and take for granted. I feel this is a must-read for everybody. Knowing there are children living in this fear will haunt me for a long time.

Excellent books and happy the author narrated it with accurate local pronunciations of names and places.

the story is captivating, the accent and persian word used by the author and narrator Khaled Hosseini give this audiobook a very personal touch. an insight into Afghanistan, the social and ethnic mosaic and the history.

One of the greatest and most heart touching books I have ever read. I enjoyed every second of it. I am about to read more of this author.

I loved this booK!!

Fascinating book that gripped my attention and wouldn't let go. The author really makes you feel like you are getting to know the characters on a deep level, and you end up really caring about them. The book was read by the author, which made it even more powerful. A few other reviewers are mentioning that his accent was difficult to understand, but I have no idea where that remark came from, because it was perfectly clear to me, and the pronunciation of a few non-English words scattered throughout the tale sounded beautiful. Overall this was a profound, thought-provoking book that was sometimes painful but always worthwhile. Highly recommended!

Confronting, gut wrenching, horrific, graphic but a wonderful read. An amazing book and I would highly recommend this to anyone but be warned it is all of the above.

Just finished this book ,I didnt want it to end , The Kite Runner really got to me, made me cry, and pops into my mind frequently.

The audio for this book was amazing ! I just wish there were more characterization while the author was reading, it was just monotone.

I've read all the reviews by other readers and don't know what more that can be said,. This story is so compelling it's hard to stop reading. The author as the narrator was the perfect choice to bring the reader into the complex culture he writes about. I couldn't help feeling as though the story was actually his story. All of the details and nuances he describes takes you in as an observer. Excellent listen!!

Redemption, forgiveness, fate... A beautiful tale capturing the essence and transient spirit of an embattled yet rich culture.

A very worthwhile book! This book was heart wrenching yet tender. I was quite sick about the wickedness displayed by some of the characters yet a got through those parts of the story and ultimately learned a lot about Afghan culture and its history . Read it!!!

I have read the book and watched the movie - but listening to it was a whole new experience. Loved every part of it.

I loved this book. The narration by the author was a plus.