Having heard so many fantastic things about this book and with the popularity of the recent motion-picture, I decided to give the book a go.

What we have here is a compelling story with diverse characters, unique takes on western society, and a look inside the world of pre-Taliban Afghanistan… a reminder that Afghanistan was not always the war-torn nation that we know today.

Central to the story is the practice of “running kites”, a popular sport in Afghanistan.  Kites of all colors, strings coated in shards of glass, battle in the sky. Last man flying, wins.

Strings coated in shards of glass?

Yep.

The story is moving, with genuine characters throughout.  The inner struggle evidenced by many of these characters as they deal with their demons is expressed beautifully, the clash between good and evil expressed with poetic brilliance.  

All in all, for a person who rarely is compelled to finish a book once started, “The Kite Runner” is definitely one of my favourite books in a long while.  Definitely pick up a copy.