Dear Readers:
Thank you for letters of support and encouragement. As ever, I cherish and appreciate them immensely.
Well it appears that The Khaled Hosseini Foundation is up and running. We had our first public event to raise funds for the foundation on April 25th. My good friends Michael and Carolyn Bealmear, whom I have known through Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) fundraising, arranged a fundraising evening for us at the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church. Roughly 600 people showed up for the evening, which consisted of an onstage discussion of refugee issues between me and Marc Breslaw, Executive Director of USA for UNHCR. Our conversation focused primarily on the reintegration challenges faced by the millions of Afghan refugees who have returned home, nearly five million of them with assistance from UNHCR.
We spoke at some length about the need for shelters for homeless returnees. As way of background: At the cost of 1,500 dollars per, UNHCR provides returnees with a shelter package, which includes tools, wooden beams, a door, two window frames, and nails to build a two room house where a family can live. Local labor and often the returnees themselves build the shelter. Construction is supervised by UNHCR staff to assure quality standards. UNHCR has provided shelters to more than 1.2 million people, or more than 180,000 families since 2002.
I have chosen to focus the efforts of my foundation toward UNHCR’s shelter program in Afghanistan for two reasons:
1- The need is great. The returnees themselves told me so repeatedly during my 2007 visit to northern Afghanistan. They often ranked it as their number one concern. Without shelter, it is impossible for them to focus on the myriad other problems they face, especially education for the children. In addition, average low temperatures in Afghanistan during the winter fall to 25 degrees Fahrenheit from November through March and with January lows of 19 degrees. This can be absolutely deadly for children, the disabled, the sick, and the elderly, who die of exposure living in tents or some makeshift underground shelter.
2- The difference UNHCR’s shelters can make is tremendous. Not only, of course, in protecting refugees from the environment, but also in alleviating the cultural sense of shame and humiliation that being homeless carries with it in Afghanistan. There is a saying in Afghanistan , ”go hungry if you must, but may you never be homeless”. The shelters give people a sense of belonging, a sense of security, it elevates morale and self-esteem, and it frees the returnees to turn their attention to some of their other pressing needs.
For the evening, we raised approximately $14,000, which my foundation will match, bringing the total to $28,000. A good start indeed. We are very encouraged. Our ultimate dream, of course, is to make sure that every returning refugee in Afghanistan has a place he or she can call home. I am very grateful to the Bealmears for their help. My thanks go, as well, to Peter Whitelock and John Weems from LOPC for their hospitality and generosity.
On other news and bits:
The new novel is coming along. I will stay mum about it, other than to say that is progressing and that I am so far very pleased with it.
Sony/Columbia are renewing the option for the A Thousand Splendid Suns movie. The search continues for financing and a director. When I know more, I will be sure to blog.
The San Jose Rep finished its successful run with The Kite Runner play. The play sold out almost every night and received standing ovations at every performance. The Rep extended the play’s run by one week due to popular demand. Matthew Spangler, the playwright, and David Ira Goldstein, the director, and the entire cast did a fantastic job. I took my parents to the show and they were very moved and impressed. The production moves to Arizona this fall.
Plans are underway with my Italian publisher, Piemme, to turn The Kite Runner into a graphic novel. As a lifelong lover of comics, I am very excited about seeing this story in comic book format. The search is on for an artist.
That’s it for now. As always, thank you for checking in and for your loyal support.
Until next time,
Khaled
Hi Khaled
First of all, all the very best for your efforts regarding The Khaled Hosseini Foundation. I pray to the Almighty that the foundation actually reaches the needy and stands up to its purpose of providing for the homeless returnees.
After all these years, I happened to get hold of 'The Kite Runner', day before yesterday. I finished reading it yesterday itself. It's AMAZING!...won't say much...lest I shall not be able to convey the message...that it was indeed Amazing!! I simply was spell bound to see the way you closely touched each and every aspect of Amir's life, beautifully bringing out his relation with Hassan, Baba, Rahim Khan and Soroya. The genuine fears that he experienced brought him out as the true Hero of the novel.
Looking forward to read 'A thousand Splendid Sun's and your upcoming book as well.
May God give you the wisdom to continue writing and thus making a difference in the true sense of the term.
All the Best, Khaled!!
Warm Regards
Priyanka
Hello Khaled,
I stay in India and would like to know if you can stage 'The Kite Runner' play in India. I am sure it will run to packed houses here in Mumbai too, for several weeks.
Am reading 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' right now and I think it’ll make a great movie. Also, let me know how I can contribute to your cause from here.
All the best for your new novel. Needless to say that it is eagerly awaited.
Regards
Dear Khaled,
Thanks for your newsletter.
I wanted to know when do you plan to release your new novel? I am eagerly waiting for the good news !!
Warm Regards,
Your ardent fan,
Ritu
Dear Mr. Hosseini,
My sister sent me a copy of 'The Kite Runner' for my birthday last year. It sat on a shelf until two weeks ago when it began to accompany me on the number 1 line between Chateau de Vincennes and Bastille. I finished it late last night as I could no longer put it in my bag until my next metro ride.
There is a lot to be said as lives cross. Your story not only brought me to a previous unknown land, Kabul, it also brought me back to my birthplace, Fremont. The last time I was at Lake Elizabeth was in 1975 for the 4th of July fireworks. As Amir was flying his yellow kite, I was back to hiding in the wooden play structure with sand under foot and swimming in the lagoon. What was Lake Elizabeth doing in this story of Kabul?!
Perhaps it's not just two Afghans who can find how they are related.
With prayers that your writing will continue to open hearts,
Peggy
SCU '87
Hello Hosseini, I'm Brazilian and I read your books, I loved them and I appreciate you. Kisses from Brazil.
Good to hear that you are working on a third novel. Can't wait to read it.
Hello Khaled
Here's wishing you all success in your endeavors with you shelter program in Afghanistan. We hope & pray that peace returns to your country soon.
Very excited to read about your next book. I can't wait for it and for the movie of Splendid Suns. I never thought 'The Kite Runner' as a movie would do justice to the book. But it kept intact the spirit of the book.
God Bless
Thanks for the update, Khaled! Sounds pretty exciting...glad the foundation is off to a good start..
Please continue to keep us posted & congrats on all your success- you most certainly deserve it.
: ]
-lizzy
Hello Khaled Hosseini, tonight, I finished reading of "A Thousand Splendid Suns". Last weekend, it was done for "The Kite Runner". I have to say THANK YOU for bringing wonderful stories to me. Best wishes for you and your family. God bless you.
I am Daphne, from Shanghai, Chian.
13 May, 2009
Mr. Khaled Hosseini,
Your inspirational books have touched my heart. Thank you for your positive, hopeful messages of personal redemption in a melancholy world. You show how our similarities outweigh our differences.
Today I posted a review of 'The Kite Runner', one of the selections on the U.S. Navy's Professional Reading Program.
I hope it meets with your approval. Best of luck with your projects and your forthcoming novel, sir.
Sincerely,
bill doughty
I have read both your books and I hope there will soon be another. They are very haunting and totally unforgettable. I feel so sad for women in Afghanistan but aren't there at least some men like yourself who are compassionate and care for their wives and daughters? Today the news said the Taliban are inching their way back into Afghanistan. Who can stop them? The world needs to rise up and stop this kind of cruelty. I know your books are fiction but they are really true in how life is in Afghanistan aren't they? Can't we start bringing these women and their children to this country and let Afghanistan men do without any wives or daughters for awhile? Maybe that would make them appreciate what they had. I know, pipe dream. Thank you for your books that make people aware of the conditions there. I cry when I read them and I am reading 'The Kite Runner' over again. I have loaned out 'A Thousand Splendid Suns', but when I get it back, I want to read it again too. I have rarely read a book twice. Except the Bible. Are there any religions in Afghanistan other than Islam? Are there any Jehovahs Witnesses?
Mr. Khaled
Hope, peace, happiness returns to your country, to all the Afghan Families but in particular and specially to all their children.
I am from Ensenada Mexico, wishing you the best of the best.
God bless and Hoping that GOD can protect all the children around the world.
Dear Khaled,
I recently finished your second book "A Thousand Splendid Suns" and the story haunts me still...
This story of friendship, courage and enduring love is so beautiful, so real. It is a story that transcends superficial barriers of nationality, race or religion and truly anyone who has loved and been loved can relate.
I feel so much, think so much, about the people of Afghanistan and indeed refugees all around the world. This book has left a profound mark in my heart and I want you to know that I will not let that go to waste...
May you be inspired to write more; to share your insight into the human soul. Wishing you countless blessings.
With gratitude,
Alicja
Until I read your two novels, I knew very little about Afghanistan. I have just finished 'A Thousand Splendid Suns', and I can't help crying. Just like Laila, be sure that I will never forget Mariam. Thank you Mr Hosseini. No need to say that I'm looking forward to your third book.
Hi,
I don't know how to express my feelings when I finished reading the book ,perhaps I really don't know what happened to the world ,I can't see it ,what I can see is my own world .
I am lucky I know its meaning ,I remembered once my grandma told me something about her life ,during that time they had no freedom and no equal rights with men and they couldn't go to school .Just wait ,just wait ,perhaps they can see the future ,but most of them should sacrise their happiness .
as time goes by ,i find what i see is a new world at least I find we have the equal right with men in my country although not all the things are perfect ,I am grateful for the life .
I hope the world will be beautiful ,and also want the women can have a good future ,not only wait ,not only tolerate the reality .
thank you I don't know how to say it when my English is good enough I will really express my feelings .
you must know the truth ,and some memories are in our heart ,we won't forget it ,that is the life .
Dear Mr. Hosseini,
I am deeply touched by the condition of people, in-particularly, women and children, the real struggle to live and survive.
I have often heard of the plight of the people of Afghanistan but have never given a serious thought. And now that I am aware of the condition which is a milange of emotions through your books,Ii really feel deep down my low to do my part in helping the displaced people of Afghanistan.
I am a great fan of yours and really admire your work. All the very best for your future endeavors.
Kind Regards,
Vivek Kr. Bishnoi
Khaled iIve read your both books, and I liked more 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'( I've cried a lot with mariam!)
I'm Brazilian and I wanna know if you intend to write more books for us!
thanks!
Hi Khaled,
I read your books- first "A Thousands Splendid Suns"- I saw your book in the bookseller's shop and I couldn't stop think ing about it, so next day I bought it-wonderful.
Later I bought "The Kite Runner" and I love it. I watched "The Kite Runner" movie yesterday.And today again :)
Thanks to you I know more about Afghan culture and Afghan people and I'm glad that Afghan children could learn in the school.
Iwona ,Poland
Dear Khaled,
I have just finished reading 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' and like so many others, I found myself unable to lay it down until I had read every word.
I experienced both the depths at the darkest hours, and also the re-emergence of innate spirit, if and when the light finally appeared at the end of the tumultuous tunnel for the characters.
The heart-wrenching story of Mariam is all the more emotive in the realization that there are so many 'Mariams' in this World.
I am now going to get a copy of 'The Kite Runner' and also eagerly anticipate your forthcoming new book.
Afghanistan was only a place on the map to me before I read 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' I'm ashamed to say, but I am now putting the Internet to much better use in my quest for more information on that wonderful, much maligned country.
I wish your Foundation every success in helping the people of Afghanistan regain their birthright and providing this generation of children with a brighter future.
Thank you,
Barbara (Scotland)
Mr. Hosseini
I cannot begin to express how much your books have touched me. They are at once heartbreaking, haunting, and hopeful. Thank you so much for your novels, and thank you for doing such good work with the UNHCR. I wish you all the best with your endeavors, and I am eagerly awaiting your third novel.
Sobaika Mirza