Kite Runner

     I've just read a third of Kite Runner, a historical fiction novel by Kheled Hosseini set in the late 1900s. It's about a boy who committed sins when he was a young boy and how he redeems himself when he grows up. This novel is by far one of the best I've ever rea; I couldn't seem to actually put it down after I began reading. It interested me how Amir, the main character, acted throughout the story so far.
     First of all, Amir acts like an immature person when he tells Hassan to reflect the sun in to other people's houses and when he teases Hassan bout words he doesn't know. These acts clearly show his immaturity and how much he only wants to have fun. This immaturity might also have contributed to the way Hassan got treated by the 3 teenagers who raped him.
     Second of all, Amir is a coward who runs away, even when his closest friend is in trouble.Hassan might not have been treated the way he was or would have fought back more if he had also confronted the bullies. Instead, he ran away, partly because he was afraid he would be next, partly because he disgusted. Amir doesn't seem to have the strength to protect himself and his friends from others.
     Finally, Amir is very selfish and doesn't appreciate other's gifts and sacrifices. There were hundreds of guests over at his birthday party, and he obtained gifts from every one of them. He put every gift in a corner of his room in a pile, never even using them. I understood when he threw Assef's gift away, but it's disrespectful when he throws other guests' gifts away. Also, Amir never tried to rebuild his relationship with Hassan. He would avoid Hassan and schedule his day to come into contact with Hassan as little as possible. I was thinking he would redeem himself for not helping Hassan in the alley by helpiung his with some housework and giving his some gifts Hassan could use; he could have taught Hassan to read and write, which would have instantly rebuild their relationship. He did none of these, and this really shocked me.
     Throughtout the story of his childhood, Amir commits sins that could have easily been avoided. Amir is used to living the high life in a mansion; he's spoiled. He never had to go out into the world and try to find work and earn money before. He'd never lost a friend before, since Hassan was his only friend. This is what leads him to redeem his sins, wich is probably what the rest of the novel will be about.