Book Review: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So far 'The Kite Runner' was the best book written by Khaled Hosseini. He is such a classy story letter. His writing has always bawled away my mind.
I loved reading this book even more than I enjoyed his earlier two books, Thousand Splendid Suns and And The Mountains Echoed.
The Kite Runner is the story of two characters, Amir and Hassan, set in Afghanistan.
Amir and Hassan are best friends and two inseparable souls. Amir is the only legal heir of Agha Sahab whereas Hassan is the son of Ali, their oldest and faithful servant.
Hassan lives in the backyard of Amir's residence.
Both of them have fed from the same woman, as their mothers had passed away.
Amir and Hassan play together and run for kites. Though Hassan was illiterate, Shia, Hazara, Amir always found the best companion in him and would read out stories for him ;sometimes stories were real and some he maked up, but Hassan enjoyed every story. Amir aspired to be a writer and he became one.
Hassan can sacrifice his life for Amir and can do anything for him a thousand times over but Amir found himself weak for doing that.
Both of them read stories while sitting under the shades of the Pomegranate tree and watch till the sun set in.
A kite tournament brought tremendous twists and turns changing their lives altogether. An unfortunate event takes place with Hassan but Amir could not help him, he did not have the courage to help him. Circumstances make Hassan and his father depart from Agha Sahab's residence and move out to another village. Hence, Amir and Hassan become separated.
After a sudden turmoil takes place in Afghanistan, Amir and his father shift to the U.S. where they continue with their lives. Amir meets Soraya, the love of life, and both of them eventually tie the knot.
After so many years, Amir gets a call from Rahim Khan, one of the oldest and closest friend of his father from Afghanistan. He requests Amir to pay a visit to Afghanistan.
On his request, Amir flies to his homeland and is flabbergasted after seeing the current situation of that place. It was not the same country where he and Hassan grew up together. Everything was devastated since the Taliban had stepped into the country.
After meeting with Rahim Kkhan, lots of untold truths and secrets came out which makes life more miserable for Amir.
There was only one chance left for him to repent for his earlier mistakes and take out the guilt that had been residing in him for so many years. He decides to grab the last chance so that he can prove his loyalty towards his best friend, Hassan.
Each and every chapter was intriguing and I was so much engrossed while reading this book that it kept me longing for it till I finished at last.
I would really like to meet Mr. Khaled Hosseini one day and ask him how does he manage to bring out such lively tragic stories out of his mind?
All in all, it is the best book that I've read in a long while.

Happy reading,
Sara Naveed :)



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My Writing Process – Blog Tour-- Sara Naveed

Writing has been always my favourite past time. It is the best thing that I can do. I've always believed that writing has been one of my greatest assets. 
As I saw all of the authors writing down their Monday blogs, I couldn't help writing my own. 
Here are the four questions that are asked mostly;

1. What am I working on?
Currently, I am not working on any novel. I have just finished writing my first book and I am still busy with its editing. I have a couple of stories in my mind and I just can't wait to pen down my thoughts to MS Word. 
So right now, I am busy editing my first novel.


2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?
Whenever I think to write something, it is always about romance. I'm not a very romantic person. Of course I can't say that about myself because only my partner can judge my romantic side better than anyone else. But when it comes to writing, I guess I'm better off as a romantic fiction writer. I love romance fiction books. I love this genre. 
When I write down romantic scenes, I assume myself in that scene. I assume how would I respond if I come across a similar romantic situation? So it comes of quite easy if I imagine myself into that particular scene. 
I try to put real emotions into my writing when it comes to romance. I do not try to fake it. I try my level best to describe each and every little detail while writing a romantic scene. A reader can easily relate him/herself while reading it.

3. Why do I write what I do?
I write romance simply because I love this genre. In fact, when it comes to reading, I would always pick up a romantic story instead of YA or fantasy books.
Romance is all about how individuals feel for their opposite sex. There is no life without romance. If there is no romance in your life, you are really missing out something big in your life. You have to experience it once. 

4. How does my writing process work?
Writing comes very easily to me. I do not have to sit back and think hard about what to write next in a novel. I know my characters from inside out. Once I have thought or developed a scene in my mind, it is easy to describe it in words.
You just need a good story to begin your writing. Once you've found a fantastic story, it doesn't really take much effort to write it down. 
I feel the dialogues between the characters should be very written. They describe your characters well.
I tend to enjoy books more that have less descriptions and more dialogues. That is why I have put more dialogue deliveries in my book than long, boring descriptions. They certainly put me off.

My Book Review for 'The Contract' by Zeenat Mahal

The Contract by Zeenat Mahal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

'The Contract' was an amazing book to read; really enjoyed it.
I finished reading it within 3 hours because it only consisted of 95 pages.
It is very well written novel. The story was interesting too. I really liked Hussain's character and could easily imagine how well mannered he would be. In fact, all the characters were lovable and could be easily related to.
It was really nice to see Shahira and Hussain falling for each other as both of them had seen a horrible past in their lives. Beginning their relationship as a business contract, they eventually get to know each other more with the passage of time and fall in love later.
Zeenat Mahal is a terrific writer. I can't wait to start reading her next book, 'Haveli' now. I wish her all the best for her future endeavors.
I would definitely recommend others to read this book :)

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Synopsis (Updated)

Twenty year old, (Girl's name), has everything she could ever ask for in life; an elite family, a high profile status, a bunch of good friends and a childhood sweetheart. Being childish, stubborn, imperious, extravagant and a bit impulsive at making important decisions pertaining to her life is what perfectly describes her personality. She takes life easily and can get anything she desires. To her, life is a bed of roses. It is only when she meets, (Guy's name), her mentor and finance professor at university, her perspective of life completely changes. He looks quite young for his age as every girl at the university thinks he is attractive, seductive, intellectual and rather intimidating. This charming man is every girl’s fantasy and she also finds it hard to resist him.  But is he fascinated by her? Little did she know how one little interaction could bring about so many twists and turns in her life. Don't miss this romantic tragedy.

My Review for 'Butterfly Season'

Butterfly Season by Natasha Ahmed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For you, Natasha Ahmed would be an author. But for me, she's an inspiration.
'Butterfly Season' is a beautiful novel. It tells us about the freedom that we Asian women, desire for. I loved Rumi's character. Any Pakistani girl, leading the same situations as her, could easily relate to Rumi.
Ahad and Rumi shared a great rapport and their love story was cute. It looked real to me.
The problems faced by most of the unmarried girls is very well explained in this novel. Parents, relatives and the society starts to get mad when a girl crosses 20. They just want the girl to get married and settle down in her life.
Most of the parents in our society have the same thinking like Rumi's parents.
I liked Juveria's concerns for her sister as well. They were well explained. The way she reacted over Rumi's love affair/night stand with Ahad was genuine. Any sister would react in exactly the same fashion.
It was a good read. I finished this novel in one go; read it within two hours.
I would highly recommend to consider reading this book.
Loved it.

Happy Reading,
Sara Naveed :)

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My Review for 'Eleanor and Park'

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eleanor and Park. . . is a good read.
Reading young adult romance is always pleasurable and this book was indeed a sweet love affair.
I found this book more interesting than 'The Fault In Our Stars' because I like the books that contain more dialogues rather than long descriptions.
The love story between Eleanor and Park was sweet, youthful and innocent.
The only thing I could not understand was that why did the author choose to pen down a story belonging to an ancient time. The characters could belong to the new era as well. 
Moreover, I was not expecting the ending to be like this; Eleanor sending an I Love You note to Park. She finally uttered those three words that she'd never said to him before. The author could have dragged the end and make it look more beautiful. 

Nonetheless, while reading 'Eleanor and Park', you will experience young romance all over again. Whoever had a childhood crush/love, will definitely relate to this particular love story. 
More or less, I would still want you guys to read it for once! 

Happy reading,
Sara Naveed. 
Happy reading,
Sara Naveed.

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