was the Kite Runner good, or was the Kite Runner good

[BritTex]

I am sure that this book has been discussed here many times but I have just finished reading it and had to post something.

What a book

I would not only recommend this book to anyone but insist that everyone read it. It was fabulous, so moving, so real, such a gifted storyteller, he made me laugh and cry (a lot). I could not put it down and read it in 2 days. I cannot wait to get my hands on his next book - A thousand splendid suns.

Oh, it's a fabulous book The film is out soon as well.

I have seen the adverts for the film, but to be honest I am going to wait a while to see the film as I am afraid that they will ruin it

I loved it too.

Can't wait to see the film and read his second book.

I am reading The Bookseller of Kabul atm,not as fab as I was expecting but still an eye opener.

What a mess that country is in.

I thought it was very compelling, read it in 3 days. Really liked the beginning, but wasn't convinced by the second half... I loved the description of Kabul in the 70s.

Absolutely 100% fantastic, wonderfully written, absorbing book.

I am tempted with the film, noticed it was a 12A so considering taking DS1 who will be 9 in a matter of a few days, although I just wonder about the rape scene.

I finished reading it last night, a fantastic book, harrowing......I couldnt put it down. I read a thousand splendid suns first, I couldnt put this book down although be prepared for a heartbreaking story.I am ashamed to say that I didnt pay much interest in Afganistan in the past, and I am shocked by the destruction, poverty and the disgusting treatment of people in particular children and women.Both books are heartbreaking but very well written.

read it for book group - everyone rated it highly, me not so keen,can see that it was good though.

I too loved the first half, but really felt that some of the later plot twists were ridiculous and that his editor should have had a firmer hand. I felt a bit let down after such a fantastic start!

I was the only one who had any criticisms of the book at our book club, however. I will definitely read the second book as I am very forgiving.

Patsy

patsycline-I do agree that the 2nd half of the book seemed somewhat contrived.
I reveled in it though and enjoyed it immensely.

oooh, I started this a couple of days ago and plan to finish it tonight

a fantastic read - really moving in parts and so insightful

looking forward to seeing the film

patsy, that's good to know - I have a bit of a reputation for being a stern critic !

I agree about the second half of the book being contrived, but to be homnest I was so shocked by the first half I was glad of it! Does that make me shallow??!!

I have started A thousand Splendid Suns and let me tell you it promises to be even more amazing so far! Does that sentence even make sense?

loved it

It is one of my favourite books-so much so that I am not sure that I want to see the film in case it doesn't live up to expectations.

I did feel guilty about being critical of it when I was listening to the lovely Khaled Hosseini on 'Open Book' over Christmas. Link here: www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/openbook/openbook_20071223.shtml Hosseini wrote the 'Kite Runner' whilst working as a doctor and got up at 5am every day to write. God, how I hate multi-talented, hardworking individuals...

just bought this book today and his second one! really looking forward to reading them. always try and avoid films of books, they never portray things the way i picture them!

a good friend said this was the best book she has ever read...

Oh dear I thought it was formulaic, very contrived at the end, too long and if you want to know about life in Afghansatan read some good reportage.

Yes it was readable but didn't deserve the brilliant reviews that it received.

I have also just finished reading this and read it, like many others, in 2 days as I was so spellbound by it.

I agree that some of the plot in the second half was bordering on contrived and silly, but notwithstanding that, the relationships depicted are brilliantly rendered, and the evocation of life pre and post Taliban in Afghasistan is very absorbing as well as educational. The final 2 pages made me cry and cry.

Just finished reading it as well, absolutely fabulous, couldn't put it down, and so very sad it had me in tears.
Looking forward to the film.

I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but like some other posters I thought the ending unrealistic. IMO it should have ended earlier, before the boys reached adulthood.

I loved it, I loved the way it was written and the description of his childhood. The 2nd part about finding the child was a bit too simplistic and stereotyped but the description of Taliban era Afghanistan was heart rending. On the whole I'd say it was an excellent read and I can't wait to get my hands on his other book.

Great read, but am strangely not tempted by the film.

Well, since others have been brave enough...

I didn't like it. I actually thought it was pretty sloppily-written. The subject matter was definitely interesting but I found the protagonist unsympathetic and the writing added nothing to the story.

Loved it, and a Thousand Splendid Suns also. The latter stopped me sleeping actually. Devastating in parts.