If you've read The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini's first book, maybe you've read A Thousand Splendid Suns, his latest book, too. I just finished it myself. Wow. WOW!
The novel is set in Afghanistan, Hosseini's homeland, and it follows the lives of two women and their families for decades up to the present day. The tale itself is fiction, but of course there's a lot of real history woven into the story. This book provides a very real look at what life was and is like in Afghanistan. It's not an easy read, emotionally, (though Hosseini's writing is beautiful); it is sad, devastating, and yet it is moving and inspirational. It will leave its mark on you. I counted my blessings a million times while reading this book. Those of us living in free countries are so damned lucky. We've got it made. We really do.
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On a related note, I thought I'd give a plug today for My ABCs, a program coordinated by Manhattanville College's My Soldier program. Here's the e-mail I received that led my family & me to sign up to donate school supplies for use in Afghanistan and Iraq:
Manhattanville My ABC's offers Americans an opportunity to support humanitarian missions that help children in war torn countries.
What: My ABC's, offers Americans at home the opportunity to support humanitarian missions and the efforts of armed service personnel that are involved in providing aid to and rebuilding schools for children in conflict zones. By sending a My ABC's care package, civilians contribute to the morale and quality of life for these children. Participants are encouraged, but not required to include a self-addressed envelope if they want a reply. What hopefully results is a mutually beneficial relationship that allows civilians to get to know their soldiers and the community they serve well so that letters and future care packages can be personalized.
Why: My ABC's program was designed in response to the many letters and emails received from soldiers participating in My Soldier who said the most rewarding part of being deployed was taking part in humanitarian missions that rebuilt schools and created new learning centers. Schools in conflict areas are lacking in supplies that are very difficult for locals to gain access to. Therefore soldiers are asking for specific donations of learning tools and school supplies that are needed to provide proper instruction.
How: Civilians who are interested in registering for My ABC's should visit www.mysoldier.com and read the instructions on how they can receive an Information Packet that contains instructions, guidelines and a wish list of the most requested items. By registering civilians agree to prepare a care package with school supplies. There is no minimum amount required but it is requested that items be new or like new. The information packet also assigns each participant a Point of Contact (military personnel) who is working to rebuild schools or local community centers in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Who: To participate individually, or with a group sign up at www.mysoldier.com Educators are encouraged to use My ABC in a classroom setting, and may add supplemental details including information on a country's history, cultural heritage, and geography. The website features information for teachers including lesson plans and directions on ordering classroom kits. Commenting on the importance of My ABC's, President of Manhattanville College, Richard Berman said, "Education is the focal point of rebuilding a peaceful sustainable community. It is the key to developing individual freedom and economic stability."
I read the Kite Runner, an astounding book. I want to Housseini's second book too.
Posted by: Barbara | Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 10:43 PM
Loved the Thousand Splendid Suns too! He's a fabulous writer :)
Posted by: Anita | Friday, September 14, 2007 at 06:07 PM
I read Kite Runner and love it. I bought Thousand Splendid Suns but haven't read it yet.
Posted by: raehan | Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 05:47 PM