In many parts of the world, a man's accusing finger always finds a woman. But I think we need women to solve the problems that men create.

Kabul is... a thousand tragedies per square mile.

Probably the single most commen response I get from my readesr, be it through e-mails or letters, is that they did not know much, or at times, they're quite frank, they didn't care much about Afghanistan. But they pay attention more after reading these novels, and at times it has triggered this humaitarian spirt: some have donated money or at time times, people have joined humatiarian organizations that work in Afghanistan.

If there was a God, he'd guide the winds, let them blow for me so that, with a tug of my string, I'd cut loose my pain, my longing.

In Kabul, hot running water had been like fathers, a rare commodity.

You changed the subject." "From what?" "The empty-headed girls who think you're sexy." "You know." "Know what?" "That I only have eyes for you.

I wished I could be alone in my room, with my books, away from these people.