The Kite Runner

Thanks to all of you who joined us for our discussion of The Road last Thursday night. We had a great time, with very spirited discussion. When our discussion and thoughts are as passionate and interesting as they were the other night, that's a good sign you've engaged a great piece of writing.

This month Codex is looking to another recent novel. One with political, social, and religious tones throughout. The Kite Runner has been on best seller lists throughout the past year around the world. Right now, you can find a paperback copy in almost every Starbucks in the country.

The book has also been made into a feature motion picture, picking up many nominations during this current award season.

To describe it, here's what the New York Times Book Review says:

This powerful first novel...tells a story of fierce cruelty and fierce yet redeeming love. Both transform the life of Amir, Hhaled Hosseini's privileged young narrator, who comes of age during the last peaceful days of the monarchy, just before his country's revolution and its invasion by Russian forces. But political events, even as dramatic as the ones that are presented in The Kite Runner, are only a part of this story. In The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini gives us a vivid and engaging story that reminds us how long his people have been struggling to triumph over the forces of violence- forces that continue to threaten them even today.

When we decided to read The Kite Runner this next month, we all expressed an interest in learning more about Islamic culture. In these days, it is incredibly important to gain insight and perspective in our world. The Kite Runner gives us a glimpse into a world so vastly different than our own. And from all accounts, it's a page turner!

Our next scheduled Codex meeting will be Thursday night, February 21st. Time and Location TBA.

As always, we encourage your input and discussion, as well as your recommendations for reading over the next few months. Look for the first discussion question for The Kite Runner to be posted later this week.

Happy reading!