Dear Readers:
I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. In the spirit of the season, I am thankful for all the support and encouragement that I have received from you over the past several years. In addition, I am thankful for your empathy and generous offers to aid the Afghan people. It’s really a great honor for me if these novels have helped make the hardships of the Afghan people feel real and not something academic and distant. Many many thanks to all of you who have offered to help, and to all of you for your support of these books.
I also want to thank my publisher, Riverhead, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA). They donated money on behalf of all the booksellers, librarians, and educators who supported The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, and built a primary school in Arababshirali, in northern Afghanistan. The school, which will benefit 270 students, will be a sanctuary of hope and happiness for many children. I was in northern Afghanistan last year and recall vividly that one of the main wishes of virtually everyone I met was for a local school. Afghan children are eager and hungry for education. They apply themselves very hard and take pride in their work. Many of them walk long distances and overcome many obstacles (not the least of which is threats from the Taliban) to learn to read and write and for the chance to contribute to their country. This school will be a godsend. It’s very humbling.
I have pasted below the official press release about the school. The quote from Mohammad Wazir, the head of Arababshirali's governing council, is particularly moving and speaks directly to the needs and desires of his people.
Secondly, A Thousand Splendid Suns is out on paperback on November 25th. I will be visiting New York to promote the book next week. If you fancy a laugh or two, I will be on The Colbert Report on December 1st. I approach the interview with equal measures of giddiness and anxiety. You never know what he has up his sleeve!
Finally, a word on the “Suns” film. A first draft of the script is done and the search is on for a director. When there are more updates, I will post them here.
Many thanks, once more. Have a happy and healthy Holiday season. Speak to you soon.
Khaled
For the First Time Ever, Penguin Group (USA) Has Built a School, Grades One Through Six, Honoring American Booksellers, Librarians, and Educators Who Supported Khaled Hosseini's #1 New York Times-Bestselling and Internationally Acclaimed Novels, The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns.
New York , New York , November 19, 2008 . . . Penguin Group (USA), a member of the Penguin Group, one of the world's largest English-language consumer trade book publishers, is proud to announce that it has built a primary school in Afghanistan, in partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the United States Association for UNHCR. The school is located in Arababshirali, roughly 150 miles from Kabul , in Kunduz Province. The school, which recently opened its doors to 270 students, grades one through six, is a tribute to American booksellers, librarians, and educators who supported Khaled Hosseini's #1 New York Times-bestselling and internationally acclaimed novels, The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, published by Riverhead Books, an award-winning and critically acclaimed imprint of Penguin Group (USA).
In 2001, while still a practicing internist, Khaled Hosseini began writing his first novel, The Kite Runner. Two years later, it was published in hardcover by Riverhead Books, and followed by a #1 New York Times-bestselling trade paperback edition a year later. It has since become a critically acclaimed international bestseller, published in forty-eight countries, with more than 6.75 million copies shipped to date in the U.S. market alone. It has also been credited with leading readers far and wide to a heightened consciousness about Afghanistan, its culture, and its people.
In 2006, Hosseini was honored by the UN Refugee Agency and named a U.S. envoy to the UNHCR. In this role, he traveled to war-torn villages in the northern region of his native Afghanistan in 2007. During this trip he witnessed firsthand the overwhelming desire of Afghan people to provide an education and a better future for their children. Now, in 2008, Penguin Group (USA) is proud to play a key role in turning that desire into a reality.
Susan Petersen Kennedy, President of Penguin Group ( USA ), commented: "Changing the world can sometimes start with a single act of kindness. Our hope is that this new school is one of those acts. We know that the children it serves will contribute to their world and ours, and we wanted to help provide a place where they can learn, grow, and dream. For us, education matters, books matter, and these children matter."
Mrs. Kennedy continued, "We are grateful to our author, Khaled Hosseini, and UNHCR for making this gift possible, and for inspiring us and enriching our view of the needs and struggles faced by families in Afghanistan . As an international publisher, Penguin Group is committed to making a difference in communities worldwide by embracing those differences that exist among us. It is often through the voices of our authors, such as Khaled Hosseini, and their books, that we discover the connections we have to each other."
Khaled Hosseini said, "Novels evoke universal human experiences. They are uniquely suited to create empathy and understanding between people of different cultural and religious backgrounds. Over the past few years, I have been humbled by the outpouring of empathy and compassion from my readers for the people of my homeland. It is a great honor to me when readers write me to say that they have found a personal connection to Afghanistan and the suffering of its people through my novels. To me, this school is the physical expression of that connection."
Ground was broken for the school earlier this year, and its construction provided much-needed employment for men in the village of Arababshirali . Now completed and open to students, the schoolhouse has six classrooms and is staffed by six teachers, four women and two men. Approximately 270 Afghan students, in grades one through six, now regularly attend classes. Despite anonymous threats demanding that they not be allowed to attend, girls make up a third of the enrollment. Before the school was completed, students were taught by teachers outside, often under shade trees or in tents that served as makeshift classrooms.
Mohammad Wazir, the head of Arababshirali's governing council, said, "We are very, very grateful to all the people in America who gave us our school. We will do our best to make sure that all of our children grow up to read and love books. The year has been difficult, but building the school has given us hope that things will get better and that our children will take pride in being home. The villagers worked for three months to build the school, and we will make sure it stands for the children of our children. It is for all of us. We are thankful."
According to Michael Coburn, Associate Director, USA for UNHCR, "With hundreds of children at primary-school age in the village, there was no school structure available for them to learn. In fact, the children attended classes either outdoors or in a destroyed primary school. The new primary school is an absolute blessing. UNHCR can now ensure the children have a proper shelter, infrastructure, and resources to receive an education, which is the essential tool to help build a better future for the children of Afghanistan . The whole village is extremely grateful."
Geoffrey Kloske, Vice President and Publisher, Riverhead Books, added, "Khaled Hosseini's books have brought the lives and concerns of the Afghan people vividly to life to American readers, booksellers, librarians, educators, and reviewers. We wanted to acknowledge and pay tribute to as many of these people as we could with our gift to UNHCR. We are sincerely grateful to Khaled Hosseini for inspiring us to turn our attention to a community in need halfway around the world. We are honored to be working so closely with Khaled and UNHCR to provide a more fertile learning environment for the children of Afghanistan , who may very well become our leaders of tomorrow."
More than 350 booksellers, librarians, and educators across the United States were recognized for their support of Hosseini's #1 New York Times-bestselling first novel, The Kite Runner, with personalized donation certificates that read "Some novels make a world of difference," each signed by Hosseini.
HI!
I just wanted to say that your books rock! I live in Sweden and I have read 'The Kite Runner' and it's great. I'm also going to read 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'. Bye!
Khaled, it's really remarkable of you to do this for your country...I can't express how happy that makes me, considering I'm away from my own country too and always feel like doing something for the upliftment of the people...Kudos to you
Also, REALLY excited about seeing you on Colbert Report! I haven't forgotten your "rendezvous" with Stephen at the CSpan Book event...Can't wait for you to nail him again...
با تشکر از مطالب وزین و جالب وبلاگتان. سفری به لندن قسمت سوم همراه با عکس و فیلم، آموزش دوران حاملگی، کتابهای جدید و ... در سایت وطندار
I am reading "A Thousand Splendid Suns"..
I think, I have found almost whatever I needed ..As a middle eastern woman, all the scenes have special meanings for me..I bought the book last night, I couldn't stop reading till today...
And I remembered all Afghan people around me during 30 years, My mom's friend, who comes to our home in Qom frequently, she used to be a rich woman from a respectable family till she had to escape to mountains and give birth to her kid in a cave and at last she could escape to Iran...she found a bride for her son last month
And the other man, Javad, He was an apartment security in Tehran..he used to live here with his wife and two cute children...till Iran government decided to send them back to Afghanistan...He was the only one whom I could trust, while I used to live alone in that apartment..I remember that One night my fiance betrayed me,beat me and broke my heart...I went to the yard area and cried till I fell fainted..he was the only neighbor who came and tried to help me..Don't worry, you'll find a better life, he told..
I have many more stories from my Afghan friends...
I just wanted to thank you for writing the book..There are many more books needed to make people in the world understand what a war can do with people..specially women and children..
Wish you and all afghan people, happiness, peace and success...
Regards
Maryam Javidi
Dear Mr. Hosseini,
I have read both your books, the first about three years ago and the second last year. These are the best stories I've ever read from a modern author, and I still think about the characters and the Afghan people daily.
It is a blessing to read about all the courageous people who are working to take the new primary school in Afghanistan from dream to reality. You and these folks are in my prayers. I pray for the safety of everyone involved in this project, especially the precious children.
Thank you again for being a voice for the people of Afghanistan and for others suffering from oppression and injustice.
Emily French
Pennsylvania, USA
School is a very good beginning. I hope that in some years these efforts prove beneficial not only to Afghanistan but also to the whole world..... I pray that this beginning be the end of the terror outfits which are thriving there on the soil of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Mr. Hosseini,
I would like to let you know that no other book has shaped my life as much as 'The Kite Runner' has. I am a high school teacher, and I have taught this book for the last 3 years. I can truly say that I have watched my students' perspective of the world change as a result of the discussions we have had in class.
Reading both of your books motivated me to become a voracious reader of Middle Eastern literature. As a result, I have decided to pursue a law degree with a concentration in international human rights. Thank you for your efforts in helping the less fortunate, and thank you for inspiring me to do more.
Hi,Mr.Hosseini~
I'm an undergraduate from Beijing, China.
I just want to say thank you because your book give me a revelation, that literature is an art.
'The Kite Runner' is the first book which had changed my view of life. The night I finally finished reading it, I thought about human beings' life and world for the first time in my life. I just want to say, thank you.
And I'd also like to share the result of my meditation because it's inspired by you.
By your book,'The Kite Runner', I realize that although there are different countries, cultures, races and religions,
in the deep, as I see it,
we are all of the same blood.
In the deep, as I see it,
we are family.
Jeesie Yan
Beijing, China
I read your both books. Both made me cry for different reasons.
Maybe will mail you later, if I get your mail.i am from Bengal ,India....there is a special bond
between Afghanistan and us.
write ..it is quite mighty.....
peace n light.
Hi Khaled,
It's wonderful to see that so much good has come out of your books. Your fantastic books have indeed made "world of difference."
I am both an avid fan and fellow fiction author. We have something else in common, our literary agency. I'm also represented by the Elaine Koster Literary Agency (by Elaine's associate Stephanie Lehmann).
Please keep writing those wonderful books. I'm looking forward to some great reads in the near future.
Mr. Khaled, I'm a Brazilian boy and my English is very bad. But I finished "The Kite Runner" now, and I had very emotion with your book. Congratulations and thank you. Viva Afeganistão!
Eduardo, Porto Alegre
Dear Khaled,
After reading 'A Thousand Splendid Suns', I also read it to my ten year old daughter. She loved it all the way and wants me to read 'The Kite Runner' to her as well. But more so after reading your books we want to do something for the Afghan woman and children. So what can we do?? I love it that this school has been build, but I do not like that so many people forget about your people. So please what can we do??
With all our love Monique, our oldest daughter Tanika and her sisters Elke (9) and Jaylin (almost 6) and not to forget their father Nick.
Congratulations on the new school. I saw you on the episode of the Colbert Report. It was great! Good job! I hope to see you on more shows.
با عرض سلام و خسته نباشید به شما نویسنده عزیز
امید که روزگار در کامتان خیلی خوش بگذزد
کتابهای شما را مطالعه کرده ام و از سبک و مطالب کتاب شما خیلی چیز ها را آموخته ام
در انتظار کتاب جدید تان بس میبریم
خدا یارتان
Dear Khaled jo,
I am a journalist from Tajikistan working with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
I just have finished reading your amazing book "A Thousand Splendid Suns" that we will be discussed at our Book Club soon. Thousands thanks to you for writing such a marvelous and powerful book. As a someone from the region I am very proud of you.
Sorry for writing this letter as a comment to your blog. I have a few questions but do not know how to ask.
I wish you all the best.
Salim
Mr Hosseini:
I am not sure if you read my comment or not. I don't know who you are and I am sure that never in my life can I see you. I just want to say my thanks deep from my spirit. Mr Hosseini when I read your novel really felt that I am an Afghan. I understand how much pain suffered your nation. I cried for Hassan, I don't know why but cried. When I finished the book I really felt nice. I must apologize because my English is not well as you. I wrote this comment to say " thank you for this good feeling" love you
I am so happy that more children can get education and a better place to study in. I give my best wishes to them.
I am looking forward more surprises in a new year. 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' will be my most anticipated film!
Thank you Mr. Hosseini for giving me such great books to share with my families and my friends. I find I start to think about life and the world more deeply after reading your novels! Thank you!
Betty,15
from China
I'm a Chinese college student,and I really appreciate your books. Before, I nearly know nothing about the country , it really touched me.
Dear Mr. Hosseini,
I just finished reading "A Thousand Splendid Suns" and I loved it just as much as I did "The Kite Runner".
I cannot express in words how inspirational you are--not only as a writer, but as a person. You clearly possess many talents as a writer--I have no doubt that you could write about any subject and make it interesting--but the fact that you've used your art to help inform the world of the conflicts Afghanistan faced and continues to face makes me respect you more than just as an author. Your writing has proven that change can come from someone merely reading a book, and that the true beauty of change is that it does not require violence, malice, war.
My Women Studies teacher recently bought a crate full of "A Thousand Splendid Suns" copies for the class to read. We were supposed to start reading the book at the beginning of January and discuss a chapter a day, but so many people in the class, myself included, have finished it on their own. It has sparked interest like no other book we've read so far has, and I think I speak for everyone when I say that for many American students, Afghanistan remains a fuzzy image, a blur concocted from the television news. But your characters have made it alive, made it a character on its own that humbly asks for the attention it has always deserved and needed.
Thank you for your books. I am eagerly awaiting the publication of your next book.
Hello, thank you...
I loved 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'
I'm a big fan of you..
Congratulations!!!
I'm so happy for your job, so so so, in a world like that, things like that makes difference
x.o.x.o
I watched the movie of "The Kite Runner and I'm reading the book currently.The book is most impressive and vivid...like all the other readers, by reading your book, I've got more attention on people living in Afghanistan. Try to search for more information about the misfortune group -Hazaras.
It could not be happier to know there's a school built on for the children.That's the power of your book...has been touching so many people all over the world. I'm here to show my respect and grateful to you for your great stories.You are the hero in this modern times. Thanks!
I read The Kite Runner and I thank you for such a wonderful book. I have been deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. I have had many different looks throughout the country and I am glad I have read such a wonderful book. The story was amazing.
Dear Mr Hosseini
Hello I am 15 years old living in England.
I have read your book and nearly cried.
I am from Afghanistan as well and one day I would like to be someone like you. I want to help my people and give money to the poor. Unlike some people that live among us that don't really bother to help and donate.
You have inspired me and showed me a new pathway for me to follow.
The world has many holes, these holes are a reminder for us that we shouldn't be relaxing. Because this may be a sin, I mean not doing nothing. We have to cover these holes up and bring equality and good living for all. If we do not make this happen many people will die.
I would like to let you know that what your doing Mr Hosseini is good and there is no bigger reward in my opinion than helping people who are in need.
I think that the school you have built is a sign of encouragement and of improvement.
I wish you a wonderful life because you deserve it.
Yours sincerely.
It's great to know how your writings affect the people, thoughts and hearts. 'To kill a mocking bird' by Harper Lee is one of the example also. I am always looking for a great book to read. I haven't read your books, I find it hard to get here at the local bookstores. I heard a lot of positive review about your books especially 'The Kite Runner' and I think that is good news for you. Anyway, looking forward to read your books. Wish you all the best!
Thanks . For your book- 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'
I'm in the middle of it and love it.
Hope you continue to write. Please
This is very encouraging news. I congratulate you on your book 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'. It is a remarkable work of sympathy and imagination based on careful and painful listening. You have done a great service to the people, and especially the women of Afghanistan, and have opened the minds and hearts of many readers.
Mister Hosseini, Bonjour,
I would like to let you know that 'The Kite Runner' has shaped my "life". Congratulations on this remarkable novel you wrote.Although all our different cultures we are all the same and human beings.
My English won't be good enough to express myself, all I can say is Bravo!!! I hope you will write more (please)
Warm wishes from France.
A very special friend of mine who serves in the forces in Afghanistan bought me 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'.I have had the book for almost 9 months and picked it up to read only a couple of days ago. I couldn't put it down. I finished it today and cried so much that I could hardly breathe. The characters in the book were so realistic, I was completely immersed in the story. I am a single British mum who struggles with 2 children and live on benefits and at the moment I cannot work as I cannot get sufficient childcare. Yet today I felt so incredibly humbled at what these people have suffered. I looked around my home today and I felt rich...every crumb of food I tasted I was thankful for, and I kissed my children so much today their cheeks were flushed. I felt compelled the moment I put the book down to jump on an aeroplane and go help in one of these orphanages. I cannot believe the cruelty people instill on one another..what kind of world is this?..did we not learn from Hitler?.....atrocities are still going on daily in parts of the world, and many of us are so ignorant. Thank you Khaled....your a very honorable man, and you have been used by our creator, to help bring awareness to those such as I who were ignorant of the real suffering that is still taking place. I will never forget this book, and I'm going out tomorrow to buy 'The Kite Runner', which I've been warned I will also need a box of tissues for.
Khaled Hosseini,
First I want to thank you for writing such deep, beautiful sentences that turned into my favorite books. I remember being the first to buy your second book after reading your first. I prayed 'The Kite Runner' would become a movie and got that, I prayed for 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' and THANKFULLY got that too. Is there a set date for the movie to come out? I'm being greedy, I know. Please visit Michigan, anywhere in Michigan, I will come see you because you are a huge influence on my life. I am studying English in college and you've taught me very much without realizing it. You are a genius. Thank You for two phenomenal books!
-Nadiya Alsalman
I'm a Chinese student.
I read your book---'The Kite Runner' last year.
I very like your book, your story, your words and so on.
Several months ago, I read your other book--'A Thousand Splendid Suns'.It is also very good.
I wish you could write more books.
Hi Khaled,
I am Suvajit Das and I am from India.I am 22 years old and working in a software company.
I have read the book "The Kite Runner" and let me tell you and everyone that this is awesome, awing that's why I am writing to you.
I searched a lot for your mail Id but I didn't find it anywhere.So if you read this please do reply to me.
Anyways how is Soraya Jan and also Sohrab?I am dying to know more about them.
Please if you can take out some time and reply me.Only one line from your side will be even fine for me.
Thanks & Regards
Suvajit das
Dear Mr.Hosseini:
I am a junior high pupil girl, from China. I had already read your two books. They let me learn many things. Caused me to know that I should treasure own life. I liked them very much, they affected me, let me be able to realize chaos caused by war misfortune which brought to the people, but they could harbor the hope respectively, and did not give up. Also the love between Laila and Tariq, lets me feel that is very warm.
I always recommend these two books all day to my classmates, I like them very much. Thank you!
And I hope the Afghan children can smile for life.
[My English not very good,if make mistakes.Please kindly accept]
Hi Mr. Hosseini, my name is Winnie Lin, and I love your book "The Kite Runner." We are doing a project in school on your book, and we thought it'd be really amazing if we could get a chance to talk to you and ask you some question about the inspirations and thoughts behind your book. It would be so great to talk to you, and we'd really appreciate it if you could contact us if you have time. Thank you so much!
Best Wishes,
Winnie Lin, 17
Dear Hosseini,
About 5 minutes ago I finished your book "The Kite Runner". After finishing your book "A Thousand Splendid Suns", it didn't take me too long before I read the first lines in your first book.
Now, I just felt like I had to tell you how these books have given me an influence so big that the stories, and the country Afghanistan takes up big parts of my thoughts, every day. After reading your books I've also learned a lot, and got a new, strong will to make a change for the children and women in Afghanistan. Right now I´m only 15 years old, but I hope, in the future, maybe in some way I can make some change!
Love from Louise, Sweden.
Hi Khaled,
I am from China. (I am sorry my English is not very good.)
I'm very much like your books, and sympathize with your country people. I want to help them,but don't know how to do that.
The best wish for you and them.
Jessica
I just finished reading both your books. They are soooo good, kept reading til the last page with almost no break. Thank you very much. Thank You
Khaled Hosseini,
I have read thousands of books but I do not ever remember being so touched by "A Thousand Splendid Suns". My heart aches for the women and children in Afghanistan today. I cannot quit thinking about them. Thank you for bringing such awareness of the pain and suffering they endure. I want to donate to the school. How can I do this? I pray for the Afghan people.
Leslie
Dear Mr. Hosseini
I'm a 17 year old boy from Ecuador, South America. I've read both of your books and I want to thank you, I know you might have heard these words a thousand times before, but your books and your style of writing have change my life in a certain way, I have experimented a mix of unexplainable emotions with every paragraph of your books. The way you write is just amazing, since I read your books I've been thinking a lot of becoming a writer. I know it may sound threshed and immature but I'd love to have a word with you someday. It's just a dream. I would really like to go to Afghanistan someday too.
Anyways, I'm a big fan of yours and I thank you and congratulate you for your great job!
andres gonzalez, Ecuador.
Dear Mr. Hosseini,
Your book "The Kite Runner" being very impressive, it is by far surpassed by "A Thousand Splendid Suns" in the way you depict the daily life of thousands of women in not only Afghanistan, but in many paternal societies, their lives concentrated in the despair of two women.
"A Thousand Splendid Suns" has shaken me to the very core. Thank you for putting into word so eloquently what I have felt countless times.
Gabrielle
Hi Mr. Hosseini, my brother. I read the Turkish translation of 'The Kite Runner' in tears and I will start reading 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'. How can a novel state the conditions of a nation this effectively? Thank you very much for making me feel once more about my brothers and sisters in Afghanistan. Mr. Hosseini, I am a lecturer at one of the universities in Turkey teaching English. I really would like to develop personal contact with you and guest you here in Turkey.
Dear Mr. Hosseini,
Your books have altered my perception of Afghanistan, from war zones associated with Taliban to where I gained a new insight. Wars in the middle east seemed so distant to me before, but now it suddenly get in my heart. Thanks for the change you brought to many. I too hope Afghanistan will be a better place.
Thomas,
17 Hong Kong
I have just finished reading "A Thousand Splendid Suns". If anything, it was even better than "The Kite Runner", which I also loved. These two books are the best I have read in recent years. I don't understand why you haven't won every major fiction award in the world! I anxiously await your next novel.
Thank you Khaled, for your novels and the insight you give. I wanted you to know that 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' penetrated my soul, in ways that I could not imagine before. I must say that each time I went to sleep after reading a chapter or two, I dreamt about pieces of what I read—my personal sign of an excellent worthwhile book. I hope that you win many awards for your work. Although, I am appreciative of the simple life that I live here in Detroit, MI., after reading the book, I am much more thankful. Thank you again Khaled!
I was riveted listening to 'The Kite Runner'. I am ordering the next book. Also, passing this on to my friends and family.
While it was so difficult at times to listen to- The dark side needs to integrate someplace within us. Then it becomes part of us. We will know without a doubt what we need to do when inhumanity confronts us.
What a story, and I loved the voice of the author- there was something real and innocent- something pure.
Thank you..
Hey I want to know if this is the real Khaled Hosseini? If this is, I am an Afghan girl who was raised in America. I have never seen Afghanistan. All I wanted to say is that your book really forced me in touch with my culture and people and really helped me. I grew a maturity and passion that I will no doubt use for Afghanistan.
Dear Khaled, I've just finished 'A Thousand Splendid Suns', I found it hard to put down, reading it I could see in my mine's eye how in Afghanistan, these women lived, as you wrote with so much detail. I've read 'The Kite Runner' to, again it was hard to put down, I just had to find what came next. You are such a gifted writer. Please write more,we only hear about war and Taliban from Afghanistan, we should know about the people who have to live and suffer there. We take our freedom so much for granted. Thank you and keep them coming please.
From Pauline Smith.
Dear Hosseine,
I am 41 years guy from Jaipur India, I lead trip to various parts of India for clients come from USA, who travel to India When I heard first time about your book "The Kite Runner" I just thought, this is book about kites and festival, which even we celebrate in my home town Jaipur. But after reading this it changed my view about Afghanistan and its people. Today I finished your second book “A Thousand Splendid Suns”. I found this book even stronger, but the best part of this book is this raises hope for the future when people can think to return back to their homeland. But sure there is lot to be done for your home country in the field of education, medical services and infrastructure development.
But defiantly people from Afghanistan have zeal to do so and we all must pray for bright future of kids there
Best wishes
Devender Singh Rathore-Jaipur India
Dear Khaled Hosseini
Congratulations for your two books, specially the first one 'The Kite Runner', it is one of the most beatiful books I've ever read and has become my favourtie book :) 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' is also very beautiful, but perhaps I liked your first novel more because I couldn't thing about a story like that, congratulations (one more time)
I am looking forward to your next book!!
A hug from Spain
Hi Hosseini,
"A Thousand Splendid Suns". It was really a wonderful piece, depicts the present reality. I simply adored the way you described the picture motion. A character like Mariam can be easily found in the streets of Afghanistan. Lets pray to god for the betterment of the Afghan people.
I believe you would come with many more pieces. Anxiously, awaiting for the next novel to be released.
Dear Khaled Hosseini,
With your books, 'The Kite Runner' & 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' you have brought out the soul of Afghanistan in your words. Your words added magic to the all magical land.
You have brought many people like me closer to what Afghanistan actually is, rather than being a hot topic in debate or a top story in news articles. I would say that my view about Afghanistan has changed a lot after reading your books.
I loved both the books, both bear with them the soul of Afghanistan and you have kept alive the spark of love you have for your land.
- Nidhi Sharma (India)
Dear Mr. Hosseini,
Your book, 'The Kite Runner', was by far one of the best books I have ever read. I could relate to it on so many different levels. Its was the only book I have ever read that made me cry, hate, and love like the characters in the book did. I felt like I was there in Kabul by the pomegranate tree with Hassan and Amir. I felt a love for the country and longing to be there as if it were my homeland. For a book to do that, a simple collection of words, is an amazing thing. That makes you a great author and today i am on my way to pick up 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'. I hope someday soon you are inspired to write a third novel even better than the ones you have already gave the world the privilege of enjoying.
Sincerely,
Alyssa from Southern Maryland.
Wow. I've just finished 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' after not being able to put it down from the beginning! What a masterpiece! No other book has been able to keep me so riveted from the first sentence, all the way through to the last. Even after finishing it, I can't stop thinking about it! I'm thoroughly impressed with your talent to engage the reader so intensely, not to mention that it's from the perspective of women! Truly inspiring! I also read 'The Kite Runner' and thought it was fantastic, but something about 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' just spoke to me in a deep way like no other book has ever done. Thank you for this gift! I look forward to a next one, hopefully soon? :-)
Dear Khaled Hosseini
My Name is Marcela, I'm from Brazil and I Don't Speak English. This is Sad, because I want tell you, how much loved your Book "A Thousand Splendid Suns".
I could tell you many ways, but... I can't.
I'm Crying Here... hahaha sorry.
Congratulations Mr. Hosseini.
Marcela, Espirito Santo - Brazil.
Dear Khaled Hosseini,
When I first started reading 'The Kite Runner' it started out very slow. I didn't want to continue the book but as I kept reading it got more interesting. I want to know why the the bad things always happened to Hassan and he was the one who always stood up for himself and for Ali? Why did Hassan have to get molested by Assef and Ali didn't do anything to help him? What really killed me was when Hassan ended up dying it made me want to cry. What I did like about the book is because you never knew what was going to happen next it was like a mystery. I am glad I read this book and I would recommend it to other people to read as well!!
Chassity Benjamin
Dear Mr. Hosseini,
Can you give us some information about your next work, please?
I'm from Italy, from Caserta near Naples. I've read both your books and I'm looking forward to reading your next!!! I wait.....thank you!
Dear Hosseini,
I've read both of your books and they are really touching and much impressive..since your book , I am reading a lot about Afghanistan and their rich culture and heritage.And also looking forward for more from you.
In the midst of dark forest
I just witnessed the first snow the spring melted,
In the midst of vast ocean
I just witnessed the first bird hail from land
Is it the first light of the dawn?
Is it the first bloom of a reviving Wilt tree?
Is it the first stage of my resurrection?
There is always a way to be good again
To pay back the selfless love
To say bye to the guilty nightmares.
To redeem my sins of disloyalty
To wipe out the stains of cowardice.
The smile,lop-sided,slightly curved
The curve which can set everything right
Hardly there ..But there..
Some kinship even time cannot break..
Some bonds even distance cannot separate
The one between people who are fed from the same breast.
Yes.For you,a thousand times over..
-Inspired by your book 'The Kite Runner'.
-Prathiba,TamilNadu ,India
You have become one of my favorite writers of all time! I love 'The Kite Runner' and now I'm going to read your second book!
They are so good and we have a taste of your own Afghan culture too.
Dear Hosseini,
We are from Turkey and recently finished your books. (The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns) It was great opportunity to understand Afghan people.
Thanks.
Oznur & Halil Ibrahim
Truly powerful! I am taken aback by your stories and your perspective.. I really had no idea what your people have had to endure. I read your book in 2 days, could not put it down. You have great talent to not only capture ones attention, but capture their soul. thank you ..
Was very skeptical before I read the book...I found myself sobbing in between...
I could read this book a thousand times over..
Amazing is all I can further add....
Not sure if I would want to read your second book though.
I would first like to congratulate you on starting a new elementary school in northern Afghanistan. Its amazing that all those little boys and girls who had nothing will now be able to read your book just as I did. After reading 'The Kite Runner', my eyes have been opened to what has really happened in Afghanistan in the past 50 years. Your book has also taught me the importance in my friends and how they will always be there for me, and no matter how angry or upset I may be I should be there for them. I would love to hear from you and your thoughts on how writing the book has changed your life, because I sure know reading it has left an impact on mine. keep your kite on a string. Mike and Chris
Dear Mr. Hosseini,
Living in North America, we can sometimes feel distanced and unaware of what is happening to our fellow human beings on the other side of the world. Media coverage is often focused on events happening in our country, rendering us, as a whole, uneducated. Your books have provided adults and children alike with the information that had been previously missing. As students, your book acts as a tool for us to not only improve our academic ability and literary skills, but also provides us with a new understanding and empathy for those experiencing the hardships in Afghanistan. Reading 'The Kite Runner' in our grade 12 English class has opened our eyes and has helped us to see that there is much that can be done and we are capable of following in your guidance.
After reading about the school that you have been working closely with The UN to construct and establish, we have been inspired to do something ourselves. In the future, pursuing employment with The United Nations in order to help those who cannot help themselves is the direction we wish to head. Seeing the difference your books and work have made shows us it is possible to change the world for the better.
As the final assignment in our Kite Runner study, we hope you will take the time to read our letter and honour us with a response. We would like your thoughts on actions we can take from our home to help the country you left long ago. Thank you again for sharing your stories with the world and we eagerly await another book.
Thank you,
Kaila McKeon & Taylor Bratton
Dear Khaled Hosseini,
We are two students from Ontario, Canada who have read The Kite Runner. We both loved the book and feel deep connections to the characters.
Although Canada and Afghanistan are worlds apart, reading The Kite Runner has shed light onto Afghan culture and opened our eyes to what the people have had to endure throughout the years. We find it amazing that after living in the United States for over 20 years, you still have influence and work to benefit Afghanistan. The fact that you have worked to help build a school increases our respect to you and your work. As females, we are excited to see that 4 out of the 6 teachers are women and 1/3 of students are girls. We see this as a big step towards a bright future for Afghanistan.
It must take great courage to go back to where you grew up and see how war has affected your village. We want to thank and congratulate you on your novels and dedication to your culture. You have inspired us to make change throughout our lives and community.
Thank you sincerely,
Cydney and Rebecca
Mr. Hosseini,
Your novel, "The Kite Runner" has sparked a great amount of discussion within our Grade 12 English class. After reading the book individually as well as discussing it in great depth, some obvious and conversational points have risen. Many of our discussions have brought up the question of whether Asef's motives are based on homosexual desires or the need for power. We are curious as to what your intentions are with Asef's character and if this was another aspect of Afghan culture in the novel that you tried to bring awareness to. Overall, "The Kite Runner" opened our eyes to a whole other world different to our's here in Canada. We would appreciate your response and be thrilled to hear your opinion.
sincerely your avid readers and fans
Dear Khalid,
I am very delighted to read both your books 'The Kite Runner' and 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'.
I am a 25 year old Hazara girl and I was born in Kabul and lived there till 1994 and moved to Pakistan Karachi before Taliban captured Afghanistan. Year 2002 I moved to Canada, recently graduated with a degree in Business Administration and am working for an organization as Marketing Specialist.
Couple weeks ago our company president gave me both your books to read; I cried and couldn’t stop myself to read 'The Kite Runner', what a great human being you are! And what an amazing book you have written.
Every life tells a story, being an Afghan girl I faced so much problems and troubles, some day I will put together my story.
PS. I would wish to see a picture of Sohrab, I am really interested to see how he looks like?
Thank you.
Geeti
i am truly out of my depth....huge fan.... love ur work technique - impeccable , thought process - outstanding just keep up the good work kudos!!!!
Amazing books! I can't wait to see what's next! Once I started reading both of the books I just couldn't stop until I have finished it! Truly loved both of them! It's impossible not to take at least one life lesson from the books! It made me think a lot about my own life and to be glad for all the people who I have been blessed with in my life.
Thanks for sharing this gift of yours of touching people's soul through words,
Karine
I watched the movie 'The Kite Runner'. Before it finished I knew I had to read the book. Luckily, my sister had a copy and highly recommended it. She's a ferocious reader and ranked your writing style as one of the best. I wholeheartedly agree. I'm sure she'll have your second book and I'm looking forward to reading more about the Afghan people.
I'll look on this site to find a place to donate $$ for your charity work (especially since I didn't pay for the book).
Sincerely,
Michaela: 52 Year old female. Long Beach, CA