I'm wondering if anyone's read past Chapter 5 and 6 that was last discussed myself...

Since there's been no comments since then, I'd like to go ahead with the discussion of Chapters 7 and 8...If anyone wants to discuss beyond that, let me know?

Short summary first though...Maybe that will help everyone refresh their thoughts and help to decide where we proceed in the discussion from there?

Chapter 1, we get a brief introduction of who the key characters will be through the phonecall between Amir and Rahim...Amir, Hassan, Baba, Rahim, and Ali. The hint of ghosts being brought out of the closet with that brief phone call.

Chapter 2, we are introduced to childhood memories of Amir. Especially the strong, yet complicated, relationship between Amir and Hassan.

Chapter 3 shows the conflicting emotions Amir has of his father...That of hero worship yet a feeling he doesn't measure up to his father's expectations. There's also a brief show of his taking his fears and frustrations out on the one he can depend on to accept him...Hassan.

Chapter 4 explains how Ali and Hassan came into the lives of Amir and Baba. It also shows the social rift that is between Amir and Hassan publically. That of Amir being privelaged and Hassan being the servant. Even with the brother-like commraderi between the two, you can see that Amir struggles trying to keep the private relationship/interaction between them seperate from the public expectations.

You also see a selfish and casual abuse by Amir, towards Hassan...Fed by part because of the society they are raised in, as well as by Amir's feelings fostered by his jealousy of Baba's treatment of Hassan. In Amir's mind, Hassan is more like the son Baba expected/desired in mentality/emotionally.

Chapter 5 is an introduction to what is to come...Slowly, the war that has been building up in the region, comes close to home in Kabul....War time has started, yet Baba and Ali try to keep the world normal for Amir and Hassan.

You also get an introduction to a villian in their lives...Assef. The nemisis for Amir and Hassan.

Baba also gives Hassan a wonderful birthday gift. Surgery to correct his harelip...Giving him a smile that would quickly disappear in what would happen that winter.

Chapter 6 disscusses the upcoming winter kite tournamont. The event that would change the lives of Amir and Hassan forever.