Kite Runner: Chapter 22 - 25

During this last section of the book we reach the climax, when Amir fights against Assef. He finally is able to let go of his guilt and find redemption. Even though he gets badly injured, Amir shows he has changed by not running away and facing Assef. It's interesting to note that Amir's beating mirrored Assef's story, and how both felt a relief as they were being hit. Although the novel didn't have your typical fairytale ending, I found it to be realistic yet very hopeful. When Amir takes Sohrab to America, Sohrab stops talking and interacting with people. A glimmer of hope is seen in the last chapter, when Amir runs the kite for Sohrab. He sees him smile for just a little bit, which signifies that Sohrab will be able to heal and recover from his traumatic experience. The story really goes full circle at the end. Amir runs the kite and says "For you, a thousand times over" to Sohrab, just as how Hassan did for Amir many years ago. This marks the end of Amir's guilt and possibly the beginning of a new life for Sohrab.

The Kite Runner: Chapter 18 - 21

I thought it was interesting how Farid comments on Amir's life. Although he lived in Afghanistan, Amir always had a privileged life. Farid calls the ragged old man they see "the real Afghanistan." This chapter really highlights the destruction and corruption caused by the Taliban, as well as the Russians previously. I really liked the part where Amir gives Wahid's family his watch and leaves them some money. It shows the change in him, and how he has grown from his selfishness and is atoning for his actions.

Kite Runner: Chapter 14 - 17

It was really sad to find out that both Hassan and his wife were murdered. I was really hoping that Amir could find Hassan again and that they could make amends and be friends again. Although Hassan is dead, Amir still has a chance to redeem himself. If he goes to get Sohrab, he can finally let go of his guilt and it will prove he can stand up for himself and be strong, just as his Baba wanted him to be. This is not just important for Amir, but for Hassan, Rahim Khan, and Sohrab.

The Kite Runner: Chapter 10 - 13

In this section, many changes occur. Amir and Baba travel with other Afghans to Pakistan because at this time Russia has control of Afghanistan. Later, Amir and Baba move to California. The move to America is different for Amir and Baba. In Afghanistan, Baba was rich and well- respected. In the U.S., he works in a gas station and has trouble adjusting to life in America. Meanwhile, to Amir, America represents a place to start a new life and forget his past and what happened with Hassan. In these chapters, Amir and Baba become much closer. As Amir gets older, he matures from a selfish boy dependent on his father to an independent and happily married man. Baba is able to feel proud of his son before he dies. While Amir's life is going well, with his marriage and his writing, he still can't forget about Hassan. He still thinks about him, such as when he gets his first novel published.

The Kite Runner: Chapter 6 - 9

Amir's actions in these chapters made me mad. Although he had the chance to feel triumphant and gain Baba's love and respect, Amir's selfishness hinders his success. While Hassan is being raped, Amir stands by and does nothing. He thinks only of himself and how he can please his father. Also when Amir sees the look on Hassan's face as he is being raped, he remembers seeing it on the lamb during Eid Al-Adhsa. The lamb represents Hassan's innocence and the mullah who kills the lamb represents how Amir sacrificed Hassan to get the kite. Amir shows further selfishness when he tries to frame Hassan for stealing his watch and money. Although Amir's loyalty is weak, Hassan is faithful and shows him genuine love, even when Amir treats him terribly.

The Kite Runner Chapter 1 - 5

My first post! Hooray! So for the first few chapters of The Kite Runner we meet our main characters. Amir is the narrator and reflects on his childhood as an adult living in the United States. The relationship between he and his dad, Baba, is not very close. While Amir looks up to and strongly admires Baba, he feels that he can't live up to the expectations of his father, as he is terrible at sports and prefers reading and writing. In addition, he feels guilt over his mother's death, who died giving birth. As for his servant Hassan, the two of them are like brothers despite their differences. While Amir is a rich Pashtun, Hassan is a poor Hazara. Unfortunately Amir can be very jealous and selfish. He often has to feel superior to Hassan and gets jealous anytime Baba compliments Hassan. The ending of chapter five unfortunately foreshadows that something bad will happen to Hassan :(