I spent a rather lonely three weeks here before the gang arrived Sunday, but one bright spot is that I've been able to read more than I have in the last five years. This morning I finished the fifth book I've read since leaving SLC. I've read:
Harry Potter #6
Harry Potter #7
Twilight
Fishers of Men
The Kite Runner
I just thought I would give my recommendation to these books, all of which I've enjoyed, but in particular I recommend the last one. It has parts that are very difficult to read - violent, cruel and agonizing. But if you can get through all of those things, the message, I thought was remarkably made. The morale of the story, well stated by Rahim Khan is:
"And that, I believe is, what true redemption is, Amir jan, when guilt leads to good."
I thought this was one of the most shocking and poignant tales of redemption I've ever read outside of the Christian context, perhaps along the lines of Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment". I don't know if you could truly understand full redemption without understanding overwhelming pain and guilt. Amir Jan's experience of guilt and redemption will not likely leave me soon.
If you want a book that may haunt you, but teach you, I think it's a great read.
Next up: South African tourist books.
9 comments:
Well put. I can't tell you how hard it was for me to read the Kite Runner; I am so glad I accomplished it and would also recommend it to anyone. Sounds like I should read Crime and Punishment, too. How was Fishers of Men?
I liked Fishers of Men for the following reason. I've always felt that I don't understand the cultural context of the NT (e.g., how all the disparate groups - Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, etc. - relate. The story is so-so. I think I got enough of his storytelling in TW&TG. This feels too similar in tone, especially considering that they are set 1800 years apart. I just hope the context I'm getting is relatively good - I believe it is. I'll definitely pick up the other two in the series when I get back to the States.
And I recommend Dostoevsky. I'm currently starting (for the third attempt) Brothers Karamazov.
Quite a few people in my family have read Hosseini's second novel A Thousand Splendid Suns and although I have yet to start it those who have read it have liked it better than Kite Runner. A book that a lot in my family, including me this time have also read is Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron. Maybe one of my favorite books I've read this year; it's a mystery about a particular author and how all of his books are being destroyed. That description doesn't do it justice...it's a great read. Anyway, when I saw Kite Runner on your blog it just got me thinking. Glad your family made it safely!
Great book selection I read half way through the Kite Runner and there was a part that was so dark I had to stop reading it, but all my friends and my book club say I must finish it, I also heard his second book is fantastic. I second Amy and agree that Shadow of the wind is a really great book! I do think it is brave of you to read Twilight, Tyler is too proud or not really interested in vampires. Well I have just finished reading #5 of Harry Potter for the second time and have just started #6 & I am dying to get to book #7, that is staring at me from the desk calling my name, so while Will is still asleep I must get through six so I can finish the end of my adventure with Harry Potter. I really do hate when good things come to an end. I will look into reading Dostoevsky. I am behind in my reading my next book is Eclipse followed by The memory keepers daughter so thanks for the tip I am always looking for new books to read.
John,
When I read you booklist I though I was on my wifes blog for a second. Twilight ? Whats in your netflix que The Notebook ?
thanks for your review of Kite Runner. My sister read it and told me not to do so because of the emotional valley I am in right now. I will set it aside for the time being. Crime and Punishment was read over 40 years ago! That is hard for me to swallow and I should dust it off again. I have enjoyed more light hearted fair and must say it is because of you. I just finished Twilight and I would not have touched it if you had not picked it up and given it a read even though Amanda raved about it (and now I know why.) Also, Harry Potter #7 I had to read 6 to get to 7 but did so because of you. ( However, I will not be reading Fishers of Men...I could not take all of Work and the Glory..and I love history of any sort! Just not a good read for me.) Please keep reading and recommending, your opinion matters to this grey head. Love Mom Gayle
your wife is a pathetic reader. Thelast book I finished was the May issue of "Simple" magazine; does that count at all? I am in Harry Potter #6 right now, and feel I will never finish as the kids need to have school sometime before we leave Africa. In order to read a few pages yesterday I took my book into the bathroom. Literally one paragraph in the kids began calling my name; and coming in to see when I would be finished with my business! I can't even read while disguising my selfish pleasure as personal need for relief-crazy times I tell ya!
Ty - I figured I had to read Twilight since all the ladies had been raving about it. Trying to show my sensitive side. I'd regret it if it wasn't readable in an afternoon - the font is like 18 point. Recommended if it wins you points with your wife. Otherwise, definitely worth skipping.
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