Differing paths.

This was different from the previous books I have read of Picoult's, but I enjoyed it.  I was thinking it was going in a few different directions, but was ultimately pleased with the path it led the reader on.

There are philosophical discussions on the paths we choose, and take in our lives. The character development and various reveals are all quite good.  There is a quote I would love to use, but can't until the book is published. I also think though, that the quote is best read within the text, when it is said, so I guess I will simply say it is a quote that will truly stick with me. 

This will be published in September; put it on your TBR list now :-). 

Gifted story teller

And the Mountains Echoed once again proves Khaled Hosseini is a master story teller. This one is intriguing due to the set up, intertwining tales, whose characters revolve around each other, impacting some directly and others indirectly. It is not done in the fashion of Crash, or other such stories, rather it is done in a much more developed manner in my opinion.

At times we do wonder how a particular story or narrator is connected, and the years their stories are taking place make you wonder how as well, but the nuances are so subtle as to be extraordinary. This novel clearly shows how connected the world itself is, whether one is in a village in Afghanistan, Paris or LA. Wars' devastating impact is also clearly developed.

I loved all of the characters, but of course the two young children who start the story are the ones my heart longed for.

I took longer to finish this novel than most, simply because I had a variety of fears for the characters, wondering who would meet up, and when. I found the ending satisfying, very realistic, and well developed. Overall, this is somehow a charming novel, that demonstrates the craft of writing an excellent story.

My heart feels A Thousand Splendid Suns was his best, but all three of his novels are to be read and treasured.