The Kite Runner

Author: Khaled Hosseini

First line: I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975.

Why you should read this book: Amir would do anything to earn the unconditional love of his respected but distant father, including the sacrifice of his servant and best friend, Hassan, a boy so faithful that he would eat dirt, and worse, for Amir. Their youthful bonds divided, Amir flees to America with his father when the Russians invade Afghanistan, while the less privileged Hassan stays behind in the war-torn country. Amir's story is one of terror and secrets, pain and guilt, along with the slim, glass-sharp thread of redemption that is offered to those who must make restitution for unspoken evil.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You've done things--terrible things--to those who loved and trusted you, and you have dreams--terrible dreams--and remorse that haunt you without relent.