The Kite Runner

Although this book is one of my favorites thus far, at one point, I almost stopped listening to it- because it made me so mad. I think once I got past the most heartbreaking (and emotion provoking points in the story), it just made you love the story even more. I definitely recommend.

I lost myself completely in this story. It's beautiful, gut-wrenching, and wonderfully written. The author's narration is terrific, it was nice to hear it read by someone with the correct accent for the mind of the main character..

As a father of three boys, reading this book impacted my thoughts and emotions like no other book has before. Amazingly heart wrenching and thought provoking. You must read this book.

Loved the book, I did not want it to end. It will tear your heart out and replace it with an unbelievable experience. After I read it, I wanted to look up more books like it.

This narration by the author Khaled Hosseini is so authentic and is read with such clarity. This is a great novel and it is enhanced by this narration. The pronunciation of the names in Farsi leads the listener in and brings the story to life.

This one is a real good read/listen. It keeps you engrossed in the story, and you don't know what's coming until you actually read/listen to it. It will definitely make you sad at points and you will get attached to the characters. I highly recommend it.

This book is so real. Throughout the book, you’ll find yourself so mad at the main character for his selfishness, but you’ll be reminded time and time again of how hard life is for immigrants and the struggles people face every day with things they don't talk about.

Great book. Very bleak and sad at times which always gets me interested. Appreciated the author reading it for the sake of pronunciations I know I would have completely missed reading in text.

Amazing story and narration!! Khaled has a captive voice and made it a much more sincere experience - I couldn’t stop listening!!

Great book. Makes you very emotional listening to it but well worth the listen. Amazing how life’s can differ and develop depending on where you are and how you live. Also very interesting insight on how different countries have different stories, activities and food or snacks that make a memorable childhood.

Narrator is great since he is the writer himself. I just don't know if I like the book that much that I could recommend to others. the story is interesting, however I would prefer more story of what happened in Afghanistan

Still my favorite book ever.

This was one of my all time favorite books. It is very well written and heartbreaking.

I will never forget this story my whole life. I was entangled, in love, in awe. Amir and Hassan and Sohrab will be forever in my dreams.

An amazing book, heartfelt themes common to all humanity. A great read/listen

This book was very well written! I had read all of his books and I didn’t think any of them could be topped! I’d recommend this a thousand times over! The author is incredible! He did an excellent job of narrating! A bit slow to start but give it a few. A must listen!!

I have taught this text a number of times at Year 11 and have always been impacted by the powerful and important story it tells of the plight of people in Afghanistan. This audio version is a new discovery for me and the it has moved me greatly. The author as the narrator gives the story such powerful authenticity - his accent and correct pronunciations have enriched my experience of this moving story tremendously. In many ways this is a brutal story, but it is also compassionate and extremely important in its teachings.

I did not like the book at first. The book starts out slowly but once you become engrossed in the story it is difficult to put the book down. It opened my eyes to the problems some people face daily just to survive. It made me appreciate the freedoms I enjoy daily and take for granted. I feel this is a must-read for everybody. Knowing there are children living in this fear will haunt me for a long time.

Excellent books and happy the author narrated it with accurate local pronunciations of names and places.

the story is captivating, the accent and persian word used by the author and narrator Khaled Hosseini give this audiobook a very personal touch. an insight into Afghanistan, the social and ethnic mosaic and the history.

One of the greatest and most heart touching books I have ever read. I enjoyed every second of it. I am about to read more of this author.

I loved this booK!!

Fascinating book that gripped my attention and wouldn't let go. The author really makes you feel like you are getting to know the characters on a deep level, and you end up really caring about them. The book was read by the author, which made it even more powerful. A few other reviewers are mentioning that his accent was difficult to understand, but I have no idea where that remark came from, because it was perfectly clear to me, and the pronunciation of a few non-English words scattered throughout the tale sounded beautiful. Overall this was a profound, thought-provoking book that was sometimes painful but always worthwhile. Highly recommended!

Confronting, gut wrenching, horrific, graphic but a wonderful read. An amazing book and I would highly recommend this to anyone but be warned it is all of the above.

Great book! I will most likely read this again!

Just finished this book ,I didnt want it to end , The Kite Runner really got to me, made me cry, and pops into my mind frequently.

I like it very much

I enjoyed listening to this book. The narration was excellent ... the names were pronounced smoothly and correctly, the story compelling. I caught a glimmer into an Afghanistan and Afghanistan class structure and culture that no longer exists but once was.

I did not care for the narrator to the point that I couldn't listen. Which is a shame because I do love the book.

The audio for this book was amazing ! I just wish there were more characterization while the author was reading, it was just monotone.

I've read all the reviews by other readers and don't know what more that can be said,. This story is so compelling it's hard to stop reading. The author as the narrator was the perfect choice to bring the reader into the complex culture he writes about. I couldn't help feeling as though the story was actually his story. All of the details and nuances he describes takes you in as an observer. Excellent listen!!

Redemption, forgiveness, fate... A beautiful tale capturing the essence and transient spirit of an embattled yet rich culture.

A very worthwhile book! This book was heart wrenching yet tender. I was quite sick about the wickedness displayed by some of the characters yet a got through those parts of the story and ultimately learned a lot about Afghan culture and its history . Read it!!!

I have read the book and watched the movie - but listening to it was a whole new experience. Loved every part of it.

I loved this book. The narration by the author was a plus.

This story, while sad, was ultimately triumphant, opening up the Afghan culture to understanding and enriching my life. The book gave me a connection to a way of life I knew nothing about previously. I am looking forward to reading other books by this author.

This is a great book. It gives you a glimpse into life in Afghanistan and both the warm and terrible experiences of two little boys. Wonderful to hear it read by the author with the right accent and pronunciation of words. Would definitely recommend.

Really enjoyed this book and miss the characters already, since I have finished! A very touching story.

This is a very good book. It gives a picture of both pre- and post- Taliban Afghanistan from an Afghan's perspective. Very insightful. Great story.

I DIDNT KNOW IF I WOULD LIKE THIS BOOK. ANOTHER COUNTRY,ANOTHER CULTURE I DIDNT WANT TO WASTE MY TIME. i AM GLAD I DID. THIS BOOK WOKE ME UP AS TO THE HARDSHIPS AND LIFE OF THESE PEOPLE IN THIS HOSTILE COUNTRY. IT WAS SO MOVING AND THE WRITER / READER WAS SO SUPERB. HIS LANGUAGE ADDED SO MUCH TO THIS BOOK. IT IS SO SAD HOWEVER, IT ALSO SHOWS THAT ALL PEOPLE ARE TRULY THE SAME. WE HAVE TO FACE THE ENEMY NO MATTER WHO OR WHAT IT REALLY IS.

not enjoyable! Sent it back early!! Sorry I spent time with it.

I hated the reader which was the author. I tried to listen to his reading but after 2 hours I had to turn off the CD and send it back.

Wow, what a book... Very touching. Definitely takes your emotions for a ride.

What a wonderful book! I thoroughly enjoyed the book itself, and the author/reader was superb! I would highly recommend this book to anyone!

this book had me screaming mad at the author. i guess that means he did a great job of sucking me into the story. a sad story, but powerful

Hosseini has written a modern tragedy. It unfolds slowly but remains compelling. The classic tale of friendship, betrayal, and a family gone horribly wrong plays out against a backdrop of Afghan and Afghan-American history that is important for Americans today to understand. Highly recommended.

It's hard to add more, there are so many excellent reviews already. So I'll just say I was sorry to see the story end. I hope to read more from this author.

This book starts out a bit slow, but really becomes very interesting. I loved how the story really took me to a different culture, so completely different from my background. I could see how this book would be quite boring to some, but it truly captured my interest.

Outstanding Book! One of the best I have listened to in a LONG time!

This was really really great. Incredibly heavy, depressing, touching, and wonderful. It was wonderfully read and made my daily 2 hour comute fly. However, it is haunting and well read sections have stayed with me. Overall, a masterpiece. I immediately put his other book on my rental shelf, but moved it down a few spaces, after some lighter fare.

The Kite Runner was an exceptional book, so when I had a second chance to hear the audio book I jumped @ the chance. This is an A-1 number one book. Gives you a chance to hear how others outside the US have life experiences. I enjoyed this story.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Very moving, very. I liked that the writer read the book. It helps in that I couldn't have pronounced the native words. It is a heavy book in that the subject matter is war, the relationship between a father and son and intensity of guilt that one can sometimes carry due to childhood choices. Very good book

This book starts out a little slow but unfolds into something really tremendous!

Angels and Demons was the first Audiobook I'd ever listened to. I ordered it based on a friend telling me how much better it was than the Da Vinci code. (a book I later read) From start to finish, I cannot say why this book sold less than the Da Vinci code. It's an amazing book, with some speeches in it that move you to tears, and a story that will make you crash into the car in front of you. When you sit in your car 20 minutes longer than you have to. You've found a good auidobook.

This is a terrific book. Don't get lost in the characters initially. It builds & is really intriguing. Took it on a long trip with 2 co-workers (3 different personality types) & we all were enthralled.

This book started out slow, and the main character had no balls: made you hate him for a while, also you wonder how people can hate others like they do in the middle East, Make us southerns look like choir boys, but it comes together in the last few chapters and makes for a good book. kite runners, that was interesting to find out what it was all about.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS. IT STARTED OUT A LITTLE SLOW, BUT LOVED HEARING THE BOOK RATHER THAN READING AS I FEEL THAT THE ACCENT OF THE AUTHOR REALLY GAVE A BETTER FEEL FOR THE BOOK. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MUST READ AND AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING MORE OF THIS AUTHOR

Great book. Difficult at times but very well written and enlightening. I especially enjoyed hearing the story read by the author. Highly recommended.

This was so not my type of audiobook, but after all of the hype, I had to try it. Well, the hype proved true. I absolutely loved this and felt sad when it was over. I recommend this to anyone. Go outside of the genre you usually enjoy. It will be worth it!

This book was on my son's reading list during his senior year in high school. His reaction has brought me to it. The story as read by the author was rich, sad and beautiful. I rarely dispense a "five" star rating but if there was a best of the best, this would be a nominee. Simply an outstanding experience. Bravo.

One of the best stories I've heard in years. The storyteller was amazing and I couldn't wait to hear every word of this tale. The loyalty of Hassan gripped my heart and inspired me. Amir was fortunate to have such a true friend and the story made me count my blessings as well.

Due to the author's clarity and descriptive writing I was able to bring this book to life through colorful visuals. His accent did not interfere with understanding but indeed added to the enjoyment and reality of what Hosseini lived and dared to dream. He is of another culture that was difficult to comprehend and accept. But I was continually and easily taken to the point of respecting the latter for that is what makes us all unique. Bravo Khaled Hosseini! You are a brave and honorable gentleman.

I loved the story. Narrator was hard to understand at times.

I loved this book! It made me realize that we're all the same no matter what country we live in. I highly recomend this book to every one! Can't wait to read "A Thousand Splendid Suns"!!!

This is easily one of the best books that I have listened to since I started with audio books. The narrator (who is also the author) is fascinating and believable. His deadpanned delivery makes the heartbreaking passages almost unbearable to listen to. I will not forget this book very soon, and the mental image of Hassan's smiling face will stay with me a very long time.

Mr. Hosseini has the power to break my heart, make me weep and then give me hope. He is an amazing story teller. Weeks after listening to The Kite Runner, I'm still thinking about it.

OMG! So informative, hope more people will give it a chance and read and learn. I now have a better understanding of Afganistan culture .

Possibly the best novel I've read all year. I was thrilled that this unabridged edition was narrated by the author himself. I was especially grateful for the albeit brief glimpse at the Afghan culture. I'm excited to start on his new book, "A Thousand Splendid Suns"

I'm very undecided about whether I liked this story or not. The main character through most of the book is a dispicible person. He knows he is a bad person, but does that make it ok? not for me. I hated him through the entire story, and kept thinking "Come on, do the right thing!" But he never did. Did it make me feel better when he went looking for the little boy, who just happened to be enslaved to the very man who raped the boys father? (which seemed a little coincidental to me, a little too neat), but no, it didn't make me feel any better about him. As a grown man he never really learned to do the right thing. He stays the selfish person he always was, because he doesn't even think about taking the boy home with him until the possibility of taking him to an orphanage that doesn't exist comes into play. I don't know, the whole book left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I guess I really didn't like it.

a great listen, riveting, almost as good as reading the unabridged book.

This is one of the best stories that I have ever heard. It is read by the author which only made it more enjoyable to listen to. I was drawn in right away and could really feel for these characters. It is very moving and at one part I actually had tears rolling down my cheeks as i sat in my driveway listening to it in my car well after I'd already gotten home. I cannot say enough good things about it. A must-read in my opinion. I can't wait to read his other novel.

This was an excellent and intense book. It was a real eye opener about life outside the United States.

In my opinion, this book is as close to the perfect novel as it gets. Initially I was disappointed to learn that it was narrated by the author, but soon realized that Khaled's reading actually enhanced the total listening experience. I highly recommend this book-on-CD to anyone.

Vividly written and spoken by the author. I was able to visualize every word and found it to be so easy to listen to.

I am embarrassed to say that I tried to read this book twice and put it down after fifty pages...just couldn't get into it. The audio version, though, read by the author was spellbinding. The book poses several ethical dilemas that would make for great conversation at a book club. This is the book that hooked me on audio.

This was an amzing book, especially for being the auhor's first novel. I loved his use of foreshadowing and flashback. I have new insight into the history of Afghanistan. I also loved that the author was the reader. The story is dark, and needs to be that way. I would have liked it better with a little less darkness. But that's just a personal preference.

A beautifully written and read book. The author did an amazing job. Kept me sitting in my car listening after I had arrived at my destinations more than once.

Great book--couldn't stop listening to it. It left me wondering how much was pure fiction and how much really took place!

This is one of the best book I have ever read. The story hooks you in in the beginning but at the end, you realize it's you who can't let go. I guarantee the charters you come across in the book will stay with you for a long, long time. It's an amazing piece of work and I highly recommend it. The fact the book is read by the author with authentic Farsi pronounciation is an absolute plus. Bravo, Mr. Hosseini. I bid you long and very fruitful writing career.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book - truth is surely stranger than fiction - look forward to more by Mr. Hosseini.

Wonderful book, enjoyed listening to the unabridged version, well-narrated, beautifully complete story that goes full circle.

Wow. This book was very well written. What I liked the most was the history of Afghanistan that was written into the storyline.

I can’t give enough kudos to this book. It is a beautiful novel and a strong lesson in perspective. If one is VERY comfortable in a prejudice skin, one might avoid this listen. But if your mind is open just a little bit, then let this book pry it wide. And having the author read the story is the only way to go. All the pronunciations are perfect and fluent and it gives the listener uncommon freedom with an uncommon language.

Well written and profound. I couldn't stop listening but it was more in the hopes that some happiness would arise. If your not in the mood to be depressed I don't recommend this book.

The Kite Runner is destined to be a modern classic. The descriptions of the culture of Afghanistan, which I knew almost nothing about, were vivid and enlightening. The narration is wonderful as well. All too often, having the author read the book is a really bad idea. However, Dr. Hosseini's voice, accent, and inflection added layers of depth to the book. The story does start slowly, but give it time. I'm glad I did!

Captivating, beautifully told story of love, friendship, death, pain and redemption. It will or at least should prove to be a modern literature classic. The Kite Runner also opens our eyes and minds to a culture and area of the world we know little about but are vitally interested in.

I enjoyed this story very much, though it started out very slow. Stick with it...it's well worth it.

I truly enjoyed reading this book. It has an amazing plot. The story is emotionally hard to hear, and I did have to struggle not to cry on many occasions, but that's what makes it so good. I'd say it's the best book I have read in this genre. The narrator (the book is read by author) did a wonderful job as well. After reading this book, I was motivated to read more about Afganistan and its culture, Taliban, and Islam. The only negative thing I noticed is how obvious and prominent the Chekhov's rule is in this book. "If there is a gun in the opening scene, it better go off eventually." Although some cross-references are great ("For you, a thousand times over!"), some are just too obvious and not too believable. Overall, a solid 5-star book. Highly recommended, absolute must-read.

A gripping novel. Weakens a bit as the book draws to an end, but still a worthwhile read.

This book was a find! I loved it. I think it is one of my all time favorites. At first I had trouble getting into it, but after 20 minutes or so, I was hooked. It is a view of the world we in the USA don't know or see. However, the story touches your humanity. Excellent story telling AND you are a better person after experiencing it. I wish it had never ended.

Although fiction, Kite Runner gave me historical and cultural insights into Afghanistan that put today's struggles into perspective. Plus it was an entertaining tale that kept my interest right to the end. The author reading the story added authenticity and made it seem like listening to a first hand account of the events. Good story and easy listening.

Though it did start a little slow in the beginning, it was worth it. One of the best books I've read (or listened to) this whole year. Highly recommended.

Hosseini's narrative starts a little slowly, however, the development of the narrator's relationship with his dedicated and loyal friend, Hassan, is integral to the extended metaphors throughout the book. It is through the revealing of Hassan's paradoxical humility towards the narrator and his strength against the the outside events that interrupt their seemingly idyllic life, that the reader develops a love/hate relationship with the narrator. We sympathize with his innocent, misguided choices, but at the same time the reader often feels compelled to smack him. This section of the novel can be seen, as the entire novel, as an unfolding--a blossoming of a narrative that is something bigger than itself, something of which the author may not have intended, but which plants a seed in us, making the reader keep with it, eager to find out if the narrator will learn the error of his ways with Hassan.

I found myself tranfixed by this tale. I wasn't particularly taken by the plot, though it was good. The characters were predictable, if likeable. But as I listened to disk after disk, I kept wondering what kept me listening. I think somehow I felt like I was getting an education on the world events of my time because the reader sounded "Afgan." As indicting as that could be, it made me keep reading. Good enough, though a little long.

This book was amazing. It was very touching and I found myself tearing up quite a bit, but not b/c of deep sadness, but just very touching human moments. Definitely read this.

Excellent book, I was the last person in my office to read this book and I'm so glad I did.

Exciting book, though it started out a little slow--glad I stuck through it, and found good lessons in it. Number one, we all have something that we have to face, and can become stronger once we face it. Number two, to not do good when you have the opportunity can reap hard consequences! I hope a movie is made of this book. Very interesting to read about the culture of Afghanistan, and how life can change drastically.

A very different book from what I expected. Very graphic at times and certain areas seemed to drag on, but a very good "read" overall. There are twists that keep you guessing and it gives a different view of Afgans.

This is a fast moving, riveting account of the country that has represented the hotbed of terrorism and anarchy for most of the Western world. I found I had to keep listening,(usually audiobooks entertain me on my car commute,but I took it home and listened), and many times wondered if this were a true story.The tragedy and redemption in this wonderful tale spun by Khaled Hosseini helps us to understand the layers of tradition and prejudice that only true love can overcome. I loved the story--hope to see it on the big screen one day.

This book was recommended to me, when I started it. I couldn't believe anyone would enjoy such a book. I stuck with it and learned so much about the lead charachter and the country he came from. Very unique and interesting story. Makes you feel fortunate that you live in the US.

Good story. I gained an understanding of the writer's country. The audio book made the story more real because the names and places were pronounced properly. The book seems autobiographical at the beginning, but the way the story comes together in the end is more fictional.

THIS BOOK WAS EXCELLENT TO SAY THE LEAST. THE AUTHOR DID A GREAT JOB BRINGING THIS STORY TO LIFE. IT MAKES YOU DIG INSIDE YOURSELF AND THINK ABOUT WHAT KIND OF PERSON AND FRIEND YOU REALLY ARE. IT ALSO GIVES AN APPRECIATION OF THE STRUGGLES AND SENSE OF RICH CULTURE OF THE PEOPLE LIVING IN THAT COUNTRY. THIS WAS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE LISTENED TO IN QUITE A WHILE.

Heartwarming tale. The beginning was very rich and complex. However, towards the end he was painting a black and white picture of his country and people which robbed the book of its worth.

The Kiterunner was one of my favorite audio books. The author did a great job of familiarizing me with Afghanistan, the way of life during the differnent periods of time. I laughed and I cried. I would recommened this book to everyone.

The story is overall very engaging and informative, however there are some events that are totally unbelievable, and distract from the overall quality of the book. I did learn a great deal about Afghanistan and feel I know the country significantly better than before.

Without question, Kite Runner is the best book I have read in years. I only wish that I could have everyone I know read this book. Do yourself a favor and rent as soon as possible.

Very good book, especially for Americans who know little of Afganistan. Puts a whole new light on things that have happened since 9-11.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Engrossing. Touching. Honest, but not raw. The posted description is completely accurate: "The Kite Runner is a novel about friendship and betrayal, and about the price of loyalty. It is about the bonds between fathers and sons, and the power of fathers over sons..." A must read!

Twenty minutes into it I was hooked...just plain hooked.

At first, I really enjoyed the book. As it progressed, however, I thought the author got too "preachy" by having his characters write letters to each others which were thinly veiled mediums for expressing his point of view. This annoyance was followed by a series of unbelievable coincidences which were insulting to the reader. However, I did enjoy learning about Islamic customs and the Middle East. Many native words were used and the language was very lyrical.

Based on the description, we were not sure whether this would hold our interest, but it was wonderful. The author has a wonderful voice and read with such expression, I felt we got more out of it than we ever would have by reading it.

I had heard great things about this novel, yet found it a bit disturbing and difficult to "get into" early on. However, by disc 3 I was totally hooked and found the story gripping. More than once, I sat in my car because I just couldn't turn off the story. EXCELLENT story, great voice, interesting backdrop of modern day Afganistan and it's recent politics.

Wow! At first I wondered what all the hype was about. As I got more into the story, I found myself entranced in the life of Amir. He presented himself and those around him so openly that I really felt his joys and his many pains.

I had read some of the reviewers claim this book to be "haunting" and "captivating". It was all that and more. I have not listened to or read a book this moving in years. Wow!!

What a wonderful story! This book is so moving. My husband and I enjoyed listening to every moment of this audio book. Sometimes I would sit in the parking lot or in the garage, not able to stop listening. With the interesting characters along with the history of Aghanistan, the book will keep you enchanted.

This is one of the best books I've ever read or listened to. So powerful. So moving. Such heart. Such humanity. Don't feel like you have to "be in the mood." It's great story telling. If you can't rent it, buy it. You won't regret it.

This is one of the best books I've ever read or listened to. It is rich in human pathos, written with a clear, unaffected voice. Powerful. Moving. The author is a literary genius. If you can't rent it, buy the unabridged version. It's worth every penny.

I enjoyed the book but thought it was not as good as all the hype. It was interesting from the author's point of view.

I just finished listening to all 5 CDs in one sitting and absolutely loved it. I'm crying, it was really touching!

Absolutely gripping! I couldn't get out of the car during some of this book. I had to turn it off occasionally just to catch my breath or wipe the tears from my eyes. The story seems very real at both the political and personal levels. I hope for a sequel so that I can be assured that Hassan's son will truly overcome his horrible past.

This book is outstanding! It was interesting from a cultural and political perspective, but also fasinating on a personal level. I usually read "romance novels," i.e., anything that doesn't make me think too much, and I still LOVED this book!! It was very deep and moving. I highly recommend it.

I loved this book. I was instantly drawn in to the characters and their way of life. It was wonderfully written, and I never expected the "twist" towards the end. I was sad to hear it end.