Last night I finished reading A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. A few years ago, in college, one of our class assignments was to read The Kite Runner, which he also wrote (and which there is currently a film out based on this novel).

A Thousand Splendid Suns is extremely emotional. I can’t imagine that anyone would read this novel and not feel ANYTHING. I definitely cried at a few critical moments. This novel tells the story of two women growing up and facing extreme hardship and betrayals in Afghanistan over the past 30 or so years.

I sit and read this novel and think, “A few thousand miles, and that could be me.” Fate has granted me the life of an American citizen, and all the freedoms that come with that. I will never be forced into a marriage I do not want. My family will never be so poor that our stomaches ache with hunger pains and we fear for our lives. If I am assaulted, or beaten, or hurt in any way, I have the right to speak up for myself.

As a woman living in the world today, I recommend that all women, from every background and age, read this book. I recommend every man read this book. You’ll surely be touched by the amazing strength of these strong women.

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