Book Twenty Six

It's actually a good thing that I tried to identify the difference between a good 'story' and a good 'book' here (see the Comments section). Because if Book Twenty Five is the best story I've read since being here, then Book Twenty Six has to be the best book I've read. Ok, I know I always seem to rave about the latest book that I've read, but bear with me on this.

Book Twenty Six is the first book that I've read here that I couldn't get out my head. I found myself thinking about it at the most random times. I found myself staring at it in a bookshop, even though I had my own copy. I found myself talking about it to my work colleagues about it (who does that, except English teachers?). In fact one guy even called up his missus and asked her to buy him a copy that day because she was out shopping. He hasn't read for years and he is loving Book Twenty Six. And I found myself talking to H about it in a really passionate way. Weird eh! When people asked what it's about I told them it was about a boy growing up in Afghanistan before Russia invaded, and America after. It doesn't sound very exciting but this book will knock you for six if you haven't read it.

It's disturbing. It's harrowing. It's beautiful. It's brilliant. It's a work of bleedin' genius, that's what it is. It paints a picture and you are there, every step of the way.

And it is the only book I have read which actually made me feel sick. Not even 'American Psycho' could do that!

It has definitely left a lasting impression – my only concern now is where do I possibly go from here?

I've noticed that Housseni has released a new book but I think I should leave it well alone for the moment. What if it is not as good? I don’t want it to risk ruining the brilliance of 'The Kite Runner'. Has anyone out there read both of them? I've read reviews of the new book and it does sound very, very good, but maybe it's just too soon!

Thanks to Mike and Ella for mentioning this book when you were over here.

This reading thing is great!