A Thousand Splendid Suns

Amanda and Angela had nice posts as usual. I agree with them both fully. I am not in the mood to write a nice collective prose format of my thoughts, so I will add my thoughts in outline format.

• A timeline is a nice suggestion. Here's one that was last updated 2005, but it gets you through most of the book, and the website has some other nice information: http://www.afghan-web.com/history/chron/index4.html
• I, too, am very grateful for the many blessings in my life, including my ability to be the blunt person I am known for. Even if I remained mute, I am sure I'd get killed for my facial expressions!
• I REALLY enjoyed this book, especially the development of the bond between Mariam and Laila. 2 women in any situation will eventually realize that we are all sisters. However, it was very difficult to continue to read about the hardships (to say the least) they endured. At one point, I wanted to keep reading because I knew it just had to end at some point. I almost cheered out loud when it did happen (if you've read the book, you know the point I am referencing). Only that bond of sisterhood and motherhood allowed them to endure.
• "One could not count the moons that shimmer on [their] roof[s], or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind [their] walls." Together they lived the darkest part of their lives, darker than most people can imagine, but it was "shimmered" by their bond with each other and the children. But they were both full of hope, determination for what's right, and above all, love, that they knew deep down in the brightness of tomorrow.
• Point for discussion: Could you do for a friend what Mariam did for Laila? Could you allow a friend to do for you what Mariam did for Laila?