Book Review

I've finished quite a few books lately and two are worthy of review.

FIRST
The Gift of Pain by Philip Yancey and Dr. Paul Brand
Have you ever read one of those books where you want to read every other paragraph out loud to whomever happens to be in the room? Where the whole time you're reading it you think, "Oh, I wish this, and this, and this person would read this!?!?" or "Why isn't this required reading for every college student on the planet?" This is one of those books. It's non-fiction but reads as easily as a novel (which is rare). My friend Ginger let me borrow her copy and I'm glad I did. Now Doug is reading it and he likes it too. Two thumbs way up!

SECOND
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Takes place in Afghanistan and the Bay area. One area I know little about, one I know lots about. I'll admit, I checked this out a few months ago, started it, got to a pivotal but extremely disturbing scene, and stopped reading.

Then was told by 20(ish) people (Diane) that it's the best book ever and I MUST finish it. So I checked it out again and finished it this time. I have to say, I have mixed emotions! Don't get me wrong, it's an excellent book with excellent writing. But it's also really sad and really depressing at times.

So I'm in an argument with myself about whether or not I like it and I can't decide. Because I don't like sad stories, but some sad stories need to be told and sometimes I need to hear them to be shaken out of my complacency. So I'm withholding judgement. You'll have to read it and tell me what you think. In the mean time, I will recommend The Story of My Life: An Afghan Girl on the Other Side of the Sky by Farah Amedi without reservation.

Happy Reading!