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excellent choice for your book club Summary, no spoilers: This page-turner tells the story of Amir and Hassan, two young boys who grow up in Kabul in the early 1970's. Amir is the main character and narrator, and the son of Baba, a well to-do businessman. Hassan is the son of Ali, a servant to Baba. Hassan serves as Amir's servant also. The story is one of friendship and betrayal, and of class struggle and religious persecution. The themes are universal, but we also learn insights and values that are uniquely Afghani. The tale starts out in a prosperous, modern Kabul, but then takes us through the the destruction and takeover by the Soviets, up to the Taliban, and even past 9/11. This book would be terrific for book clubs, because not only is it entertaining and gripping, but it gives us an insight into an Afghanistan that few would have. I, for one, didn't realize what an modern and beautiful city Kabul was in the 1970's....I have been so used to seeing pictures of that war ravaged country it's hard to believe it wasn't always that way. My only criticism is that the story is a little too manipulative, and there is one "twist" that was too coincidental for my taste.....but I still recommend it highly.