Not a word passes between us, not because we have nothing to say, but because we don't have to say anything

For a novelist, it’s kind of an onerous burden to represent an entire culture. That said, I’m in a unique position to speak on behalf of Afghanistan on certain issues that I feel are important, particularly the issue of Afghan refugees.

Children aren't coloring books. You don't get to fill them with your favorite colors.

But if you have a book that needs urgent reading,' she said, 'then Hakim is your man.

It is now your duty to hone that talent, because a person who wastes his God-given talents is a donkey.

In early 1999, I was watching TV, when I came across a story on Afghanistan. It was a story about the Taliban and the restrictions they were imposing on the Afghan people, most notably women. At some point in the story, there was a casual reference to them having banned the game of kite fighting. This detail struck a personal chord with me, as I had grown up in Kabul flying kite with my friends.

some stories don't need telling