Reader's Paradise discussion

“It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime."

Amir is the son of a wealthy Kabul merchant, a member of the ruling caste of Pashtuns. Hassan, his servant and constant companion, is a Hazara, a despised and impoverished caste. Their uncommon bond is torn by Amir's choice to abandon his friend amidst the increasing ethnic, religious, and political tensions of the dying years of the Afghan monarchy, wrenching them far apart. But so strong is the bond between the two boys that Amir journeys back to a distant world, to try to right past wrongs against the only true friend he ever had.

Who all are planning to read it?

Since I have already read it, I'll participate in discussion only :)

I will start it on 7th July or so

I'll start from tomorrow

I have already read it . Its a great book . Please do read it if you haven't read it !!

I will start in a day or two.

I have already read the book

I'll be reading Palash!! You got the book?

Sundara wrote: "I'll be reading Palash!! You got the book?"
I have ebook and as well as physical copy. do you want ebook?

I do have one but the spacing and alignment is terrible since it's a converted file. So could you mail me?

Sundara wrote: "I do have one but the spacing and alignment is terrible since it's a converted file. So could you mail me?"
Sure. Plz PM me your email id. Which format you want?

Finished first chapter. Narrator was reflecting on his past actions.

have started it, finished with 2 chapters...

Read it a decade back and loved it! Would have joined for a re-read had I not been busy. Will surely join in to discuss.

Finished chapter 6. They were having a kite running tournament.

Khaleed's writing is very heart touching. I cant help but feel sadness for Hazaras because of prejudices faced by them.

same for me Palash.

I finished 3 chapters. I liked his father. I loved his thoughts on sin.

I am on 7th chapters. I wasnt expecting this. It was too cruel.

Oh..I know what you are talking about. It was so bad. (view spoiler)[ He was very little. I felt very bad for him :( :( (hide spoiler)]

I finished 8th chapter.
(view spoiler)[ I feel very sad when Hassan served drinks to Assef. I just wish they never crossed paths again. Serving him was too much. How can Amir is letting this happen. He can tell everything to his father or Rahim Khan. They would do something or he could just confront everything to Hassan. That way both of them can help each other to get through this. I am not blaming Amir. I know he is just 13. You can not expect him to do what is right. He would just do what he thinks is safe for him. I just think he finds a way to get over this.
I am not liking Amir's father. I think he is very self centered. So what his son is not acting upto his expectations or have different hobbies. He has to understand he is motherless child. He should try to understant him not the other way round. Why is it so difficult for parents to love their children who dont turn out as they expected? (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ I couldnt stop my tears while reading that scene when Hassan and Amir go up to hill and Amir throws fruits at Hassan and asked him to throw it back. It shows love of both of them, Hassan's loyalty and Amir's suffering. I just cant imagine 13 year old boys goint through this pain. (hide spoiler)]

Aarti- (view spoiler)[That's why it tops the tearjerker list!! Well, embrace yourself, there's more to come!! About Amir's father- I kinda liked him. And every parent expects something from their children. It's not Baba's fault. And about what Amir done- Well, he's feeling kinda guilty for it. (hide spoiler)]

I'm about 3 chapters done.
This is my first book although I read A thousand splendid suns way earlier. When I was in school,I was unable to grasp the beauty of his writing and the issued dealt in KH's book. Now...oh my!! Already loving it...

I have heard that ATSS is more complex than AKR. I have a paperback of ATSS, too. Yet to read it.

@Sundara- I'm glad that you are liking it :)

Hello everyone! I have just finished reading this book. Although I did not like it much in the beginning, last 50 pages of the book makes it worth reading. Should I post the link of my review here ?

@Arpit
Yes man. I will read ATSS this year I guess.
Yup..it's a great book!!
When did you read it?

finished chapter 7

I can't believe that happened!!!
Aseef was also a kid, how could he do something like that!!

what do you all think of Aamir?

society everywhere is same, an oppressed and a suppressed group
there have always been some kind of divisions in class, status, cast, race, color etc.

Yeah. He was spoiled kid.
I didnt mind his reaction when he saw that. It was natural. but what he did to cover it later and how he was trying to run away from it was definitely wrong. I too wonder is he really his baba's son. That guy is really brave and fearless.

Hmmm......I haven't read past chapter 7, so cant say much about his behavior afterwards

@Aarti I agree. Amir was just a boy then and he knew it was wrong but didn't have the courage to stand up against wrong. But his baba was in a way ashamed of his son and Amir knew about it. It's not good for kids. Amir longed for his baba's love. And he could do anything to get his father's attention.

Finished Chapter 8. Assef reminds me of Ramsay from GoT. Why aren't his parents doing something about him?
I can understand Amir's actions but when he called Hassan coward when they were at the hill, at that moment I really hated him. And his father, I like everything about him except his indifference towards Amir. He should understand the fact that “Children aren’t coloring books. You cant fill them with your favorite colors.”

Assef's parents dont know anything about him, I guess. As it happens most of the time evil mind under coats. Have you seen Assef's behaviour at Amir's party? The way he talked with Amir's father. Baba wants a child like Assef. Bacause of Assef's others qualities he gets away with everything.
I think Amir would have told his father everything if he loved him or at least pretense of love and care.

About the thing on the hill, Amir just wants someone to punish him or hate him for his act. He doesnt want Hassan's love or loyalty cz he thinks he doesnt deserve it.

@Pooja- You can post your review here- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

@Arpit Done. Thank you !

Aarti wrote: "Assef's parents dont know anything about him, I guess. As it happens most of the time evil mind under coats. Have you seen Assef's behaviour at Amir's party? The way he talked with Amir's father. B..."

I think Assef parents are aware of his nature that's why they were looking frightened of their own son at Amir's party.
And Amir is making the incident more about himself than about Hassan. Hassan is the one who suffered most from that incident. But then again, he is only 13 year old. We cant expect much from him.

Maybe u r right Palash. I didnt think about his parent's behaviour at party.

Finished chapter 10. I am wondering, what is happening to Hassan and his father and where have they been all these years?
Where have you guys reached?

I am at 12 chapter with Hassan :)

Aarti wrote: "with Hassan :)"

I am glad to hear that.

Aarti wrote: "Assef's parents dont know anything about him, I guess. As it happens most of the time evil mind under coats. Have you seen Assef's behaviour at Amir's party? The way he talked with Amir's father. B..."

agreed

Amir's father may be a great person, but he is the worst parent!!
if he had loved Amir or understood him, things would have turned out differently :/

exactly Pranjali

I am on chapter 10
THIS IS ALL VERY SAD!!

I finished chapter 17. OMG!!! I am shocked. I wasnt expecting this.

I like Wahid and his family so much. Such people are hard to find these days.

Aarti- what's that shocked you? Spoiler please :)

(view spoiler)[ First, Hassan was dead then he is Amir's half brother and the worst- Sohrab sold to Assef. I just dont believe people can be this evil. The way they punish people in the way of God, that was inhumane.
For me Baba was perfect except for being parent. As a human being, the way he lived, his courage and all I liked it so much. But, when I think of him now I feel sad for him and at the same time little mad. How could he let go of Hassan? He should have kept him with him anyhow knowing he have to live the life of Hazara when he deserves better. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ I am just little confused about Sanabaur- Hassan's mother. If Ali is not father then it means he was never married to Sanabaur and she never left Ali and Hassan behind. Does it mean Baba made her leave?? (hide spoiler)]

Have you read ಆವರಣ Aavarana ? Hazara's condition in India during Shavaji Maharaj's is well written here.

Finished. I loved this book.

I am still on chapter 11.