A Thousand Splendid Suns
Registered by 
lunacia
of Fredrikstad, Østfold fylke Norway on 9/12/2008
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
lunacia of Fredrikstad, Østfold fylke Norway on 9/12/2008 This Book is Currently in the Wild!
13 journalers for this copy...
Mariam is only fifteen when she is sent to Kabul to marry Rasheed. Nearly two decades later, a friendship grows between Mariam and a local teenager, Laila, as strong as the ties between mother and daughter. When the Taliban take over, life becomes a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear. Yet love can move a person to act in unexpected ways, and lead them to overcome the most daunting obstacles with a startling heroism.
I read this book when I visited Sweden in January this year. I started reading it on my train ride down to Gothenburg, and managed to read it to the end before I was back in Oslo a couple of days later!
I was quite excited about it, as I had read The Kite Runner by the same author earlier. To be honest: I liked this book much better! And that with me actually enjoying the first book a lot!
I have written about it in my blog here, but be aware that it is written in Norwegian. ;-)
I was quite excited about it, as I had read The Kite Runner by the same author earlier. To be honest: I liked this book much better! And that with me actually enjoying the first book a lot!
I have written about it in my blog here, but be aware that it is written in Norwegian. ;-)
INTERNATIONAL BOOKRING *CLOSED*
The rules for this bookring are as follows:
* make a journal entry when you get the book
* read the book within a month - if delayed make sure to let us know why!
* when you've read the book, make a journal entry telling us wat you thought about the book
* then send it to the next person on the list
* when sending the book, make sure to make a controlled release!
Participants:
* lunacia (Norway)
* kalise (Austria)
* hawksgirl (USA)
* k2005 (United Kingdom)
* OnlyLiana (United Kingdom)
* yayajanuary (Indonesia)
* Guinneth (USA)
* shpriz1 (USA)
* Sherlockfan (New Zealand)
* deepdowne (United Arab Emirates)
* bookmaniac70 (Bulgaria)
* Caroley (United Kingdom)
* lunacia (Norway)
Journal Entry 4 by lunacia at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, September 16, 2008
lunacia at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (9/16/2008 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The book was sent off to kalise today.
Enjoy!
The book was sent off to kalise today.
Enjoy!
Journal Entry 5 by kalise from St. Florian bei Linz, Oberösterreich Austria on Monday, September 29, 2008
Yippey! The book arrived here in Austria! I will read it immediately and pass it on. Can't wait to get started! Thank you, lunacia, for sharing this book!
Oct 2, 2008
I'm blown away by the emotional intensity of this book. I was going to take my time and read it slowly, savouring every line and phrase, but ended up gobbling it up rather greedily in one afternoon. I hope I won't regret it because I think I missed some details. Wow. This is a tremendously gripping, haunting and heart-breaking story. It's definitely as good as The Kite Runner, but The Kite Runner remains my favorite of the two. Gosh I feel weepy now. I think I'll read a light-hearted comedy next ;)
I sent a PM to hawksgirl for her address.
Oct 2, 2008
I'm blown away by the emotional intensity of this book. I was going to take my time and read it slowly, savouring every line and phrase, but ended up gobbling it up rather greedily in one afternoon. I hope I won't regret it because I think I missed some details. Wow. This is a tremendously gripping, haunting and heart-breaking story. It's definitely as good as The Kite Runner, but The Kite Runner remains my favorite of the two. Gosh I feel weepy now. I think I'll read a light-hearted comedy next ;)
I sent a PM to hawksgirl for her address.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The book is on its way to hawksgirl. Enjoy!
The book is on its way to hawksgirl. Enjoy!
I'm glad I got this book on Thursday; I was out of town all weekend and had something to read on the train. Amazing book. Had me on pins and needles, I started to tear up a couple of times. This book is absolutely moving and incredibly well-written. I loved how the atmosphere changed when Laila and Mariam realzed that they need not be enemies. They each saw how life in Afghanistan had mistreated the other woman and not just herself. They started to work together and support each other. I can't wait to see how it ends! Thank you so much for letting me read it.
Wow, the ending was amazing too. I was really upset about Mariam, but the ending for Laila just seemed so fitting. The fact that after all that had happened, she was needed to help repair the damage felt ironic and sort of thumbing her nose at the system, but still realistic.
Journal Entry 9 by hawksgirl at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, October 16, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (10/16/2008 UTC) at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES: Off to k2005 in the UK.
i received the book last week but was unable to journal it because of internet connection problems, sorry! i finished it today and have sent a pm to OnlyLiana for her details. it was a fantastic book, i think i enjoyed it more than The Kite Runner. it made me cry several times, he really makes you care for the characters and feel the injustice of their lives.
Journal Entry 11 by k2005 at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Saturday, November 1, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (11/1/2008 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
on its way to OnlyLiana, hope you enjoy it!
on its way to OnlyLiana, hope you enjoy it!
Journal Entry 12 by OnlyLiana from Sheffield, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Monday, November 3, 2008
Arrived safetly this morning. I've nearly finished my current book so will start reading this in the next few days.
Journal Entry 13 by OnlyLiana from Sheffield, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 11, 2008
This was a really enjoyable book. Such a tragic tale but it was a joy to read. I haven't read the Kite Runner yet but i'll definately be picking it up when I get the chance. Just PMed yayajanuary for her address and will forward it on sometime this week.
Journal Entry 14 by OnlyLiana at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, November 20, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (11/20/2008 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Posting onto yayajanuary this afternoon.
Posting onto yayajanuary this afternoon.
Thanks Liana :)
Please bear with me as I'm really a slow reader but I will mail it to the next person in line :)
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This book is really moved me to tears...
After The Kite Runner, Khaled is again brilliantly wrote this book. He is one of the few authors who really paid attention to details. I love Mariam, Laila and Azizah. You know what, I 'm speechless how to describe how much I'm into this book.
Mariam's sacrifice to Laila..Laila devotion to Mariam..Tariq's love..Rasheed's obessions, Jalil's arrogance.
Did I say I was moved to tears by this book?
Please bear with me as I'm really a slow reader but I will mail it to the next person in line :)
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This book is really moved me to tears...
After The Kite Runner, Khaled is again brilliantly wrote this book. He is one of the few authors who really paid attention to details. I love Mariam, Laila and Azizah. You know what, I 'm speechless how to describe how much I'm into this book.
Mariam's sacrifice to Laila..Laila devotion to Mariam..Tariq's love..Rasheed's obessions, Jalil's arrogance.
Did I say I was moved to tears by this book?
Journal Entry 16 by yayajanuary at surface mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Monday, January 19, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (1/19/2009 UTC) at surface mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Send to Jennifer the next person in line :)
Send to Jennifer the next person in line :)
This arrived safely today - thanks, yaya! :)
I *loved* The Kite Runner and am very much looking forward to reading Hosseini's second effort.
I *loved* The Kite Runner and am very much looking forward to reading Hosseini's second effort.
Well, I am perhaps a third through this and unfortunately, life circumstances mean that I just can't read it right now. I'm having a bit of a health crisis and I don't think this is the right reading material for me at this time. I do hope to try again with it eventually. Thank you very much for sharing it, lunacia.
I'm awaiting shpriz1's address and will get the book moving again asap.
I'm awaiting shpriz1's address and will get the book moving again asap.
Journal Entry 19 by Guinneth at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (2/24/2009 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed to shpriz1 today. Del. conf.# 0308 2690 0001 7695 8020
Mailed to shpriz1 today. Del. conf.# 0308 2690 0001 7695 8020
I received the book today. However, I couldn't wait for the ring and I read it already. So, I will be passing it on to Sherlockfan right away.
I absolutely LOVED this book. At first, I wasn't sure about it. I loved "Kite Runner" and, of course, I was comparing those books. I have to give it to him. He did a great job. This book is just as good, if not even better.
I absolutely LOVED this book. At first, I wasn't sure about it. I loved "Kite Runner" and, of course, I was comparing those books. I have to give it to him. He did a great job. This book is just as good, if not even better.
Journal Entry 21 by Sherlockfan from Upper Hutt, Wellington Province New Zealand on Friday, March 6, 2009
Thanks very much to those who have gone before. The book has arrived here in New Zealand and I'm very pleased to receive it. I have one urgent book to read first and then I will be right on to it. Been wishing for this for a long time now so am really delighted to have the chance to see what everyone has been raving about.
Journal Entry 22 by Sherlockfan from Upper Hutt, Wellington Province New Zealand on Friday, March 13, 2009
I've finished this and will be posting it on today.
What a truly moving and yet enjoyable book, and what a great writer Khaled is. I'm often tempted to skip any boring descriptive passages in my eagerness to follow the plot. This book I've read word for word and was thoroughly rapt from beginning to end.
How lucky we women are to be living at this time in this country where women have so much more opportunity and equality. The lives of women in Afghanistan and Pakistan are too awful to contemplate from a position of safety. My skin crawled with each successive beating.
I loved Mariam and Laila, their courage and determination, their response to each other and their devotion to their families. The arrogance and brutality of most of the men in the story are beyond the belief of Westerners.
I feel privileged to have been part of this bookcircle. Thanks to lunacia for starting it and to the others for keeping it moving, really quite quickly.
Do lets hope that the author can deliver another book to equal this one and "The Kite Runner".
What a truly moving and yet enjoyable book, and what a great writer Khaled is. I'm often tempted to skip any boring descriptive passages in my eagerness to follow the plot. This book I've read word for word and was thoroughly rapt from beginning to end.
How lucky we women are to be living at this time in this country where women have so much more opportunity and equality. The lives of women in Afghanistan and Pakistan are too awful to contemplate from a position of safety. My skin crawled with each successive beating.
I loved Mariam and Laila, their courage and determination, their response to each other and their devotion to their families. The arrogance and brutality of most of the men in the story are beyond the belief of Westerners.
I feel privileged to have been part of this bookcircle. Thanks to lunacia for starting it and to the others for keeping it moving, really quite quickly.
Do lets hope that the author can deliver another book to equal this one and "The Kite Runner".
Received the book today in mail. Thanks Sherlockfan and Lunacia!
Enjoyed reading the book, though I liked his first book 'The Kite Runner' more.
Have messaged for address 'bookmaniac70' who is next in the list.
I'm afraid the book stayed with me a bit too longer, as I had other bookrings/rays with me to finish. My sincere apologies to all!
Have messaged for address 'bookmaniac70' who is next in the list.
I'm afraid the book stayed with me a bit too longer, as I had other bookrings/rays with me to finish. My sincere apologies to all!
The book is on its way to bookmaniac70. Enjoy!
The book arrived surprisingly fast:-)).Thank you, deepdowne! I have been waiting to read this book for a long time and am starting immediately:-)).
Very sad and moving book, quite a realistic and cruel depiction of Afghanistan crisis. The novel is especially dedicated to the sufferings of Afghan women. It was interesting and saddening to follow how the lives of two young women meet at the home of one man whom they both were forced to marry. It was a very tragic moment when Mariam sacrificed her life to give Laila and her children a future.
After saying all this,I have to admit that IMO this novel cannot compare to "The Kite Runner". "The Kite Runner" was indeed a masterpiece,and this book was simply very good.
After saying all this,I have to admit that IMO this novel cannot compare to "The Kite Runner". "The Kite Runner" was indeed a masterpiece,and this book was simply very good.
Journal Entry 28 by bookmaniac70 at Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, June 20, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (6/19/2009 UTC) at Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to Caroley.
Sent to Caroley.
This just popped through my letterbox. I have one and a half books to read before it but should get to it soon. I'll update this post once I start reading.
Thanks for sending it Bookmaniac70 and thanks for starting the ring Lunacia.
04/07/09 - started reading
Thanks for sending it Bookmaniac70 and thanks for starting the ring Lunacia.
04/07/09 - started reading
Oh this was just as good as The Kite Runner! What an amazing book. I loved the whole story of the two women separately and the way the relationship between them developed.
You could see that it was never going to end well, but still it managed to feel uplifting and very moving over the last few chapters.
I have Lunacia's address and the book is ready to post so it'll be making its way home very soon. Thank you so much for sharing it :)
You could see that it was never going to end well, but still it managed to feel uplifting and very moving over the last few chapters.
I have Lunacia's address and the book is ready to post so it'll be making its way home very soon. Thank you so much for sharing it :)
Released 14 yrs ago (7/8/2009 UTC) at Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Posted to Lunacia
Posted to Lunacia
The book is back with me!
Journal Entry 33 by lunacia at OsloS-OBCZ in Oslo Sentrum, Oslo fylke Norway on Sunday, April 11, 2010
lunacia at OsloS-OBCZ in Oslo Sentrum, Oslo fylke Norway on Sunday, April 11, 2010
Released 14 yrs ago (4/12/2010 UTC) at OsloS-OBCZ in Oslo Sentrum, Oslo fylke Norway
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
I will bring this to the meet up tomorrow, and unless somebody takes it home, I will live it on the bookcrossing shelf.
I will bring this to the meet up tomorrow, and unless somebody takes it home, I will live it on the bookcrossing shelf.
It turned out there were two copies of this book on the OBCZ-shelf. Therefore I took this with me and will release it later as part of the Scandinavian 52 books in 52 countries during 2010 challenge.
I have read the book already and liked it, but it is not one of my all time favorits.
I have read the book already and liked it, but it is not one of my all time favorits.
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
A colleague is bringing this book to Tirana to release it on my behalf. He will leave it in the lobby of his hotel.
THIS BOOK IS RELEASED AS PART OF THE SCANDINAVIAN CHALLENGE TO RELEASE 52 BOOKS IN 52 COUNTRIES DURING 2010
A colleague is bringing this book to Tirana to release it on my behalf. He will leave it in the lobby of his hotel.
THIS BOOK IS RELEASED AS PART OF THE SCANDINAVIAN CHALLENGE TO RELEASE 52 BOOKS IN 52 COUNTRIES DURING 2010
