The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is, in many ways, an amazing book. Set in Afghanistan, the story is unveiled by a young boy who is part of the last generation of Afghan children who did not know the sound of falling bombs and guns. This was the early 1970's, before the Soviet Invasion and the myriad tragedies that were to befall that country. In spite of the powerful plot, complex and endearing characters and thought-provoking themes, what delighted me the most was the window it  opened for me, a foreigner in every sense of the word, into that country which I had only known from the disturbing images in the news. Afghanistan was transformed in my eyes, no longer inert and distant, but alive, flawed and wonderful, as most societies are.  

I would certainly recommend this book, and I believe I am not alone. Even though it was published only a couple of years ago, a movie based on the novel is set to open in the US on November this year. It is directed by Marc Foster (Finding Neverland). It will be very interesting to see the adaptation, and how the powerful images the book created in my mind come to life.