Dear Readers:
I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. In the spirit of the season, I am thankful for all the support and encouragement that I have received from you over the past several years. In addition, I am thankful for your empathy and generous offers to aid the Afghan people. It’s really a great honor for me if these novels have helped make the hardships of the Afghan people feel real and not something academic and distant. Many many thanks to all of you who have offered to help, and to all of you for your support of these books.
I also want to thank my publisher, Riverhead, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA). They donated money on behalf of all the booksellers, librarians, and educators who supported The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, and built a primary school in Arababshirali, in northern Afghanistan. The school, which will benefit 270 students, will be a sanctuary of hope and happiness for many children. I was in northern Afghanistan last year and recall vividly that one of the main wishes of virtually everyone I met was for a local school. Afghan children are eager and hungry for education. They apply themselves very hard and take pride in their work. Many of them walk long distances and overcome many obstacles (not the least of which is threats from the Taliban) to learn to read and write and for the chance to contribute to their country. This school will be a godsend. It’s very humbling.
I have pasted below the official press release about the school. The quote from Mohammad Wazir, the head of Arababshirali's governing council, is particularly moving and speaks directly to the needs and desires of his people.
Secondly, A Thousand Splendid Suns is out on paperback on November 25th. I will be visiting New York to promote the book next week. If you fancy a laugh or two, I will be on The Colbert Report on December 1st. I approach the interview with equal measures of giddiness and anxiety. You never know what he has up his sleeve!
Finally, a word on the “Suns” film. A first draft of the script is done and the search is on for a director. When there are more updates, I will post them here.
Many thanks, once more. Have a happy and healthy Holiday season. Speak to you soon.
Khaled
For the First Time Ever, Penguin Group (USA) Has Built a School, Grades One Through Six, Honoring American Booksellers, Librarians, and Educators Who Supported Khaled Hosseini's #1 New York Times-Bestselling and Internationally Acclaimed Novels, The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns.
New York , New York , November 19, 2008 . . . Penguin Group (USA), a member of the Penguin Group, one of the world's largest English-language consumer trade book publishers, is proud to announce that it has built a primary school in Afghanistan, in partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the United States Association for UNHCR. The school is located in Arababshirali, roughly 150 miles from Kabul , in Kunduz Province. The school, which recently opened its doors to 270 students, grades one through six, is a tribute to American booksellers, librarians, and educators who supported Khaled Hosseini's #1 New York Times-bestselling and internationally acclaimed novels, The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, published by Riverhead Books, an award-winning and critically acclaimed imprint of Penguin Group (USA).
In 2001, while still a practicing internist, Khaled Hosseini began writing his first novel, The Kite Runner. Two years later, it was published in hardcover by Riverhead Books, and followed by a #1 New York Times-bestselling trade paperback edition a year later. It has since become a critically acclaimed international bestseller, published in forty-eight countries, with more than 6.75 million copies shipped to date in the U.S. market alone. It has also been credited with leading readers far and wide to a heightened consciousness about Afghanistan, its culture, and its people.
In 2006, Hosseini was honored by the UN Refugee Agency and named a U.S. envoy to the UNHCR. In this role, he traveled to war-torn villages in the northern region of his native Afghanistan in 2007. During this trip he witnessed firsthand the overwhelming desire of Afghan people to provide an education and a better future for their children. Now, in 2008, Penguin Group (USA) is proud to play a key role in turning that desire into a reality.
Susan Petersen Kennedy, President of Penguin Group ( USA ), commented: "Changing the world can sometimes start with a single act of kindness. Our hope is that this new school is one of those acts. We know that the children it serves will contribute to their world and ours, and we wanted to help provide a place where they can learn, grow, and dream. For us, education matters, books matter, and these children matter."
Mrs. Kennedy continued, "We are grateful to our author, Khaled Hosseini, and UNHCR for making this gift possible, and for inspiring us and enriching our view of the needs and struggles faced by families in Afghanistan . As an international publisher, Penguin Group is committed to making a difference in communities worldwide by embracing those differences that exist among us. It is often through the voices of our authors, such as Khaled Hosseini, and their books, that we discover the connections we have to each other."
Khaled Hosseini said, "Novels evoke universal human experiences. They are uniquely suited to create empathy and understanding between people of different cultural and religious backgrounds. Over the past few years, I have been humbled by the outpouring of empathy and compassion from my readers for the people of my homeland. It is a great honor to me when readers write me to say that they have found a personal connection to Afghanistan and the suffering of its people through my novels. To me, this school is the physical expression of that connection."
Ground was broken for the school earlier this year, and its construction provided much-needed employment for men in the village of Arababshirali . Now completed and open to students, the schoolhouse has six classrooms and is staffed by six teachers, four women and two men. Approximately 270 Afghan students, in grades one through six, now regularly attend classes. Despite anonymous threats demanding that they not be allowed to attend, girls make up a third of the enrollment. Before the school was completed, students were taught by teachers outside, often under shade trees or in tents that served as makeshift classrooms.
Mohammad Wazir, the head of Arababshirali's governing council, said, "We are very, very grateful to all the people in America who gave us our school. We will do our best to make sure that all of our children grow up to read and love books. The year has been difficult, but building the school has given us hope that things will get better and that our children will take pride in being home. The villagers worked for three months to build the school, and we will make sure it stands for the children of our children. It is for all of us. We are thankful."
According to Michael Coburn, Associate Director, USA for UNHCR, "With hundreds of children at primary-school age in the village, there was no school structure available for them to learn. In fact, the children attended classes either outdoors or in a destroyed primary school. The new primary school is an absolute blessing. UNHCR can now ensure the children have a proper shelter, infrastructure, and resources to receive an education, which is the essential tool to help build a better future for the children of Afghanistan . The whole village is extremely grateful."
Geoffrey Kloske, Vice President and Publisher, Riverhead Books, added, "Khaled Hosseini's books have brought the lives and concerns of the Afghan people vividly to life to American readers, booksellers, librarians, educators, and reviewers. We wanted to acknowledge and pay tribute to as many of these people as we could with our gift to UNHCR. We are sincerely grateful to Khaled Hosseini for inspiring us to turn our attention to a community in need halfway around the world. We are honored to be working so closely with Khaled and UNHCR to provide a more fertile learning environment for the children of Afghanistan , who may very well become our leaders of tomorrow."
More than 350 booksellers, librarians, and educators across the United States were recognized for their support of Hosseini's #1 New York Times-bestselling first novel, The Kite Runner, with personalized donation certificates that read "Some novels make a world of difference," each signed by Hosseini.
Comments (16)
HI!
I just wanted to say that your books rock! I live in Sweden and I have read 'The Kite Runner' and it's great. I'm also going to read 'A Thousand Splendid Suns'. Bye!
Posted by asmmaa | November 29, 2008 3:37 PM
Posted on November 29, 2008 15:37
Khaled, it's really remarkable of you to do this for your country...I can't express how happy that makes me, considering I'm away from my own country too and always feel like doing something for the upliftment of the people...Kudos to you
Also, REALLY excited about seeing you on Colbert Report! I haven't forgotten your "rendezvous" with Stephen at the CSpan Book event...Can't wait for you to nail him again...
Posted by Devashree | November 29, 2008 3:52 PM
Posted on November 29, 2008 15:52
I am reading "A Thousand Splendid Suns"..
I think, I have found almost whatever I needed ..As a middle eastern woman, all the scenes have special meanings for me..I bought the book last night, I couldn't stop reading till today...
And I remembered all Afghan people around me during 30 years, My mom's friend, who comes to our home in Qom frequently, she used to be a rich woman from a respectable family till she had to escape to mountains and give birth to her kid in a cave and at last she could escape to Iran...she found a bride for her son last month
And the other man, Javad, He was an apartment security in Tehran..he used to live here with his wife and two cute children...till Iran government decided to send them back to Afghanistan...He was the only one whom I could trust, while I used to live alone in that apartment..I remember that One night my fiance betrayed me,beat me and broke my heart...I went to the yard area and cried till I fell fainted..he was the only neighbor who came and tried to help me..Don't worry, you'll find a better life, he told..
I have many more stories from my Afghan friends...
I just wanted to thank you for writing the book..There are many more books needed to make people in the world understand what a war can do with people..specially women and children..
Wish you and all afghan people, happiness, peace and success...
Regards
Maryam Javidi
Posted by maryam | November 30, 2008 6:13 AM
Posted on November 30, 2008 06:13
Dear Mr. Hosseini,
I have read both your books, the first about three years ago and the second last year. These are the best stories I've ever read from a modern author, and I still think about the characters and the Afghan people daily.
It is a blessing to read about all the courageous people who are working to take the new primary school in Afghanistan from dream to reality. You and these folks are in my prayers. I pray for the safety of everyone involved in this project, especially the precious children.
Thank you again for being a voice for the people of Afghanistan and for others suffering from oppression and injustice.
Emily French
Pennsylvania, USA
Posted by Emily French | November 30, 2008 9:10 AM
Posted on November 30, 2008 09:10
School is a very good beginning. I hope that in some years these efforts prove beneficial not only to Afghanistan but also to the whole world..... I pray that this beginning be the end of the terror outfits which are thriving there on the soil of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Posted by Prankur | November 30, 2008 11:14 PM
Posted on November 30, 2008 23:14
Mr. Hosseini,
I would like to let you know that no other book has shaped my life as much as 'The Kite Runner' has. I am a high school teacher, and I have taught this book for the last 3 years. I can truly say that I have watched my students' perspective of the world change as a result of the discussions we have had in class.
Reading both of your books motivated me to become a voracious reader of Middle Eastern literature. As a result, I have decided to pursue a law degree with a concentration in international human rights. Thank you for your efforts in helping the less fortunate, and thank you for inspiring me to do more.
Posted by Cody | December 2, 2008 12:28 AM
Posted on December 2, 2008 00:28
Hi,Mr.Hosseini~
I'm an undergraduate from Beijing, China.
I just want to say thank you because your book give me a revelation, that literature is an art.
'The Kite Runner' is the first book which had changed my view of life. The night I finally finished reading it, I thought about human beings' life and world for the first time in my life. I just want to say, thank you.
And I'd also like to share the result of my meditation because it's inspired by you.
By your book,'The Kite Runner', I realize that although there are different countries, cultures, races and religions,
in the deep, as I see it,
we are all of the same blood.
In the deep, as I see it,
we are family.
Jeesie Yan
Beijing, China
Posted by Jessie Yan | December 5, 2008 1:50 AM
Posted on December 5, 2008 01:50
I read your both books. Both made me cry for different reasons.
Maybe will mail you later, if I get your mail.i am from Bengal ,India....there is a special bond
between Afghanistan and us.
write ..it is quite mighty.....
peace n light.
Posted by priya | December 5, 2008 4:20 AM
Posted on December 5, 2008 04:20
Hi Khaled,
It's wonderful to see that so much good has come out of your books. Your fantastic books have indeed made "world of difference."
I am both an avid fan and fellow fiction author. We have something else in common, our literary agency. I'm also represented by the Elaine Koster Literary Agency (by Elaine's associate Stephanie Lehmann).
Please keep writing those wonderful books. I'm looking forward to some great reads in the near future.
Posted by Shobhan Bantwal | December 10, 2008 7:30 AM
Posted on December 10, 2008 07:30
Mr. Khaled, I'm a Brazilian boy and my English is very bad. But I finished "The Kite Runner" now, and I had very emotion with your book. Congratulations and thank you. Viva Afeganistão!
Eduardo, Porto Alegre
Posted by Eduardo | December 17, 2008 9:39 PM
Posted on December 17, 2008 21:39
Dear Khaled,
After reading 'A Thousand Splendid Suns', I also read it to my ten year old daughter. She loved it all the way and wants me to read 'The Kite Runner' to her as well. But more so after reading your books we want to do something for the Afghan woman and children. So what can we do?? I love it that this school has been build, but I do not like that so many people forget about your people. So please what can we do??
With all our love Monique, our oldest daughter Tanika and her sisters Elke (9) and Jaylin (almost 6) and not to forget their father Nick.
Posted by Monique Lankhaar | December 18, 2008 6:12 AM
Posted on December 18, 2008 06:12
Congratulations on the new school. I saw you on the episode of the Colbert Report. It was great! Good job! I hope to see you on more shows.
Posted by Mubina | December 22, 2008 12:19 AM
Posted on December 22, 2008 00:19
Dear Khaled jo,
I am a journalist from Tajikistan working with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
I just have finished reading your amazing book "A Thousand Splendid Suns" that we will be discussed at our Book Club soon. Thousands thanks to you for writing such a marvelous and powerful book. As a someone from the region I am very proud of you.
Sorry for writing this letter as a comment to your blog. I have a few questions but do not know how to ask.
I wish you all the best.
Salim
Posted by Salimjon Aioubov | December 28, 2008 2:31 AM
Posted on December 28, 2008 02:31
Mr Hosseini:
I am not sure if you read my comment or not. I don't know who you are and I am sure that never in my life can I see you. I just want to say my thanks deep from my spirit. Mr Hosseini when I read your novel really felt that I am an Afghan. I understand how much pain suffered your nation. I cried for Hassan, I don't know why but cried. When I finished the book I really felt nice. I must apologize because my English is not well as you. I wrote this comment to say " thank you for this good feeling" love you
Posted by saeed | January 1, 2009 3:15 AM
Posted on January 1, 2009 03:15
I am so happy that more children can get education and a better place to study in. I give my best wishes to them.
I am looking forward more surprises in a new year. 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' will be my most anticipated film!
Thank you Mr. Hosseini for giving me such great books to share with my families and my friends. I find I start to think about life and the world more deeply after reading your novels! Thank you!
Betty,15
from China
Posted by Betty Zhou | January 1, 2009 9:13 AM
Posted on January 1, 2009 09:13
I'm a Chinese college student,and I really appreciate your books. Before, I nearly know nothing about the country , it really touched me.
Posted by noemie | January 2, 2009 10:37 AM
Posted on January 2, 2009 10:37