Even after The Kite Runner was published I continued to practice for another eighteen months. But I had always had a love of writing and a compulsion to do it.

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.

Air grew heavy, damp, almost solid. I was breathing bricks.

I think the scale of the conflict [in Afghanistan] has dramatically changed in 2003. You're now facing a much more motivated, well-supported enemy. I don't see any quick end to this thing.

the past held only this wisdom: that love was a damaging mistake, and its accomplice, hope, a treacherous illusion

about clichés. Avoid them like the plague.

People learned to live with the most unimaginable things.