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

I wanted to write about Afghanistan before the Soviet war because that is largely a forgotten period in modern Afghan history.

Laila remembered Mammy telling Babi once that she had married a man who had no convictions. Mammy didn't understand. She didn't understand that if she looked into a mirror, she would find the one unfailing conviction of his life looking right back at her.

You say their stories, it is gift they give you.

I may not agree with all or even most of the tribal traditions, but it seems ti me that, out there, people live more authentic lives. They have a sturdiness about them. A refreshing humility. Hospitality too. And resilience. A sense of pride.

But better to get hurt by the truth than comforted with a lie.

By then The Kite Runner had become quite successful and I found myself in a position that I had always dreamed of my whole life, which was to write for a living.