Questions About The Kite Runner

by Khaled Hosseini (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (66)

Is this a YA book? If not is there anything in it that makes it inappropriate for teens?

Phil Laurette It depends on the young adult. There are a number of disturbing events including rape, brutal beatings and public executions. These things are uncomfo…moreIt depends on the young adult. There are a number of disturbing events including rape, brutal beatings and public executions. These things are uncomfortable for adults to read and although it is a work of fiction it is written in such a graphic and believable voice that it is hard to separate yourself from the idea that it is based on actual events. You really have to decide for yourself whether your young adult is mature enough to digest such possible realities. I read it myself before allowing my kids to read it and for me my 15 year old could handle it but many could not. Definitely not a "fun" novel to read purely for pleasure.(less)

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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Sam In most cultures, family loyalty rests above friendship. Even though Amir did not identify Hassan as his brother, their bond could not have been anyth…moreIn most cultures, family loyalty rests above friendship. Even though Amir did not identify Hassan as his brother, their bond could not have been anything but brotherly. However, Amir didn't know that brotherhood was less about blood and more about how people relate to/treat/defend one another. In short, I think Amir's reaction would have been the same. For one, he only saw Hassan as a servant, not a friend or brother, and treated him like one too. In addition, Amir only wanted people to accept him and give him attention. He already recieved that from Hassan ,because of Hassan's unwavering loyalty, and there was nothing else he needed. Furthermore, he already knew he was not a virtuous person. For example, his treatment of Hassan, when deriding him for his illiteracy, and his use of toys and food instead of apologies to reduce his guilt. Finally, Amir's cowardice was part of his nature. He grew up in spendor and did not know the hardships others had to face. Amir grew up hiding from his problems in imaginary lands and fiction. He had no real grasp of reality so he feared everything. (less)

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Did reading The Kite Runner, being a book about traumatised characters, help you with your own trauma? did it present you with insights on your personal wounds? and did it make you reflect on them? If the book influenced you in any way on a personal level, would you please share how?

Marc The book reminded me that part of the world is tremendously dangerous for people like me, so it had an upsetting undercurrent as I read.

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Is this book child friendly? I have a 8 year old, would me reading the book to him be appropriate? http://bit.ly/2oU0tc7

Jeffrey This book is not appropriate for an 8 year old. Even if you skip the inappropriate parts you'll be leaving out some of the key plot events and the sto…moreThis book is not appropriate for an 8 year old. Even if you skip the inappropriate parts you'll be leaving out some of the key plot events and the story will make less sense. Please pre-read it for yourself.(less)

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I'm confused on the circumstances of Baba being Hassan's father. Did he impregnate Hassan's mother intentionally because Ali was sterile, or because Baba had a tryst with Hassan's mother? Is this even fully explained?