The Kite Runner
By: Khaled Hosseini

Main Setting:
The setting in the beginning of the book is in San Francisco, California in 2001. Throughout the story the author is telling us a memory from his young age. The memories take place in Afghanistan in 1975.

Main Characters:
Amir:
Amir is a young boy and is part of the Pashtun tribe. He is 12 years old and lives with is father in San Francisco. His mother died five days after he was born from complications during childbirth. His best friend is Rahim Hassan. He feels deprived of a emotional connection with his father. Amir thinks that his father wishes he were more like him, and that he blames Amir for his mother's death.

Rahim Hassan:
Rahim Hassan is Amir's best friend. He has been a servant and is loyal to Amir and his family. He is always been kind, forgiving and good natured to people. While Amir trys to get an education, Hassan stays and helps Amir's father around the house.

Baba:
Baba is Amir's father. His major concern is that Amir has no courage for himself and will not be able to take care of himself throughout his life. He always trys to set an example for Amir to follow.

Plot Events:
Neither Amir or Hassan had a mother. Amir's mother died a few days after child birth, and Hassan's mother ran away after he was born. On page 7, a soldier makes fun of Hassan and says that he slept with his mother. This makes both boys angry and shows how much they miss their mothers. They never had the experience of a mother's love.

When Baba was younger, he won the kite-fighting tournament. Amir enter in the competition but never won. Amir feels that if he wins the tournament and brings home the kite, then he will please Baba and make him proud. Only then will Baba forgive Amir for killing his wife and Amir's mother.

In chapter 3 of the story, Amir tells a story about his father's accomplishments. Baba had opened an orphanage, and then later became the most successful businessman in the city. Baba has become very successful and has lots of advice to give to Amir.

Main Conflict:
The main conflict in the book is between Baba and Amir. Baba is very successful and he wants Amir to be just like him. Amir is quiet and wants to make his father proud. Baba also blames Amir for killing his wife during childbirth. This is Person vs. Person conflict.

Book Type:
This book is a drama. The story is dramatic and has many twists and turns.
The book did not remind the group of any other books.