In the past, when I’ve been assigned a book to read in my English classes, nine times out of of ten, I don’t read the book. They’ve either been boring, not something I’m interested in, or I just can’t find the time to sit down and actually read. Many students can agree that we rely heavily on SparkNotes or Cliff Notes chapter summaries to help us just barely get by and pass the quizzes over the books. But this all changed when I read “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini.

“The Kite Runner” is a coming of age story that takes place in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, as it becomes overtaken by the Taliban. Amir, the son of a wealthy businessman, grows up alongside his best friend Hassan, the son of their house servant. Amir’s family had an advantage because of the fact that they were Pashtuns, which was seen as the superior social class, while Hassan’s family were Hazarna – the lower social class that was eventually sought out by the Taliban.

This difference between social classes creates tension between the two boys, and causes Amir to question his friendship with Hassan. Amir’s father also favors Hassan over Amir, which causes him to be insecure and jealous. Despite their differences, Hassan remains loyal to Amir no matter the circumstances. Their friendship becomes challenged when Amir abandons Hassan at his lowest point and generated a life-altering experience for the both of them. Amir internalizes this guilt and carries that burden of betrayal with him into his new life in America after fleeing from Kabul to escape the war. Years later, Amir is summoned back to Afghanistan for a chance for redemption and make things good again with not only Hassan, but for himself too.

“The Kite Runner” is not for the faint of heart. When first published, it sparked controversy amongst the Afghan community with it racial and religious extremism. The novel also includes descriptions of graphic violence, suicide, sexual assault, murder, homosexuality, rape, and drugs. However, after reading the first chapter together as a class, I was instantly hooked. I found myself even reading ahead of the reading schedule. The novel left me enraged, confused, and thrilled at different points. “The Kite Runner” takes you on an emotional journey with the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.