The Kite Runner

by Khaled Hosseini

Afghanistan prior to the Russian invasion was a pleasant country, especially for those of the upper classes. The Kite Runner is the story of Amir, a boy of privilege, and his best friend and servant, Hassan. In a series of flashbacks, Amir tells the story of how he betrayed Hassan, living with the guilt for years. When Russa invades his country, Amir and his father move to the United States and make a new life. Amir marries an Afghan girl "with a past," and soon thereafter, his father dies. Through an old friend, Amir learns that Hassan is dead and that he has a son. In an act of redemption, Amir travels to Afghanistan which has now been overtaken by the Taliban, and searches for his old friend's son.

In terrifying and sometimes brutal scenes, this is a story that cannot be forgotten, and cannot leave a reader unchanged. In light of the current political situation, with thousands of American troops serving in Afghanistan, The Kite Runner is a timely and significant story. Reviewed by Mrs. Sams

Twilight

by Stephenie Meyer

Very ordinary Bella has moved to Forks, Washington to live with her dad. She starts school at the local high school with the usual trepidation, but finds herself fascinated by a group of students who are loners and not like anyone she's ever met before. She is especially attracted to Edward, who is so handsome, he's beautiful, but she can't understand why he seems to be repulsed by her. What did Bella ever do to him? It's not long before Bella learns the truth about Edward and his family, and what she learns drastically changes her life, and Edward's, forever.

What an incredible read! Don't miss this book and its sequal, New Moon.

--review by Mrs. Sams