The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is a powerful book that deals with betrayals, tested friendships, and restoration. Set in Kabul in the 1970s, Hosseini writes about the friendship of Amir and Hassan. Amir, who is the narrator of the story, is the son of a wealthy businessman. Hassan is Amir’s father’s servant’s son. The two are inseparable, since Amir’s father is always preoccupied and he has no mother. The two have grown up together and spend a lot of time together, despite their opposite social classes. One of their favorite past times is flying kites, which is an honored activity in Kabul. Their friendship is tested when Hassan is chasing after a kite after they won the kite running competition. As Amir shows compassion as he searches for Hassan, he shows his betrayal when he does not rescue Hassan when he needs Amir the most. As Amir and his father, Baba, flee to America because of the rise of the Taliban, Hassan and his father must fend for themselves. Amir is haunted by his mistake and lives a good life with a good marriage, but he also lives a life full of regret.

When Amir goes back to search for Hassan, he tries to restore their relationship; the best relationship Amir has ever had with anyone in his life. This book is full of plot twists and it plays with the reader’s emotions, going from joy to tears in the matter of a chapter. This book would be best suited for young adults because of the rich political views and the vivid descriptions of mature scenarios. Hosseini creates an engaging story that reminds us about the challenges average Afghans face back then, and even today.