the kite runner

this weekend i read The Kite Runner. someone gave it to me for christmas a couple of years ago but it looked potentially boring so i never got around to reading it til now. it's not boring, and it's a really good book, but it has parts that are so traumatic and upsetting that it was really difficult to read straight through. i had to put the book down and look out the train window and try to remind myself that the world isn't all evil and sadness. fortunately i finished it this afternoon when i was at home, alone in my room, so i could cry freely and get it all out.

the book does offer an inspiring lesson of redemption, courage and love. i suppose it's hard to appreciate those noble possibilities of human existence unless you first witness the cruelty and cowardice that brings them into relief.

you should read it only if you have a strong stomach for tragedy.