for more than two-thirds of this book i was certain i would have to revise my five star book review rating system to differentiate this book from others. it was that good. then a few too many dramatic coincidences occurred and i thought it stretched the authentic, biographic feel of the novel. however, it finished strong and the washington post book world review on the back “parts of the kite runner are raw and excruciating to read, yet the book in its entirety is lovingly written” is spot on. from the author: nothing is wrong with cowardice as long as it comes with prudence. but when a coward stops remembering who he is… god help him.