Hosseini visits SJSU as part of series

By: Samie Hartley

Posted: 3/7/07

Khaled Hosseini, author of "The Kite Runner" will be on campus tonight to discuss his award-winning novel as part of the Margaret and Jim Jimenez Lecture series.

"The Kite Runner" was the book selected by the Campus Reading Program as the academic reading for the 2006-2007 school year at San Jose State University, and a play based on the novel is currently in production at the University Theatre.

Hosseini will read from his novel tonight at the Barrett Ballroom in the Student Union at 7:30 p.m. Following the reading, there will be a book signing.

"The Kite Runner" is a novel that takes place in Afghanistan and is about a privileged boy, Amir, and his friendship with his servant Hassan. The story follows the challenges Amir faces as he grows up in a country on the verge of war.

Kari Giroux, a graduate student in creative writing, said the story revolves around the theme of redemption.

"'The Kite Runner' is a beautifully crafted story that revolves around a remarkable," Giroux said, "but complicated friendship between two boys growing up in Afghanistan before the Soviet invasion.

"The story is also about the protagonist Amir's desperate yearning for his father's love and acceptance. The drastic choices he makes in his attempts to secure this love are sometimes shocking and heart-breaking with devastating consequences."

Erica Goss, a graduate student in the creative writing program, said she enjoyed the novel.

"I thought it was fast-paced, interesting and taught me something about a place I previously knew nothing about," Goss said.

She said she would recommend the book because it "takes off from the first page," and the characters are memorable, but she didn't like the lack of female characters.

Steven Cossey, a junior majoring in English, said he plans on attending Hosseini's presentation.

"Being an aspiring author myself, I have many questions having to do with process, structure, plot elements, choices involving character vices and virtues, descriptions, etc.," Cossey said. "Aside from all of that, however, I'm most interested in what inspires him."

Mitch Berman, director of the Center for Literary Arts, said the event should "afford students and faculty a great deal of insight into how he created" the novel.

"'The Kite Runner' is one of the best-selling and best-known novels of the last decade," Berman said. "It was at the No. 1 spot for months on end."

Hosseini is scheduled to make other appearances on campus on Thursday.

Berman will lead Hosseini in a discussion tomorrow at noon in the University Room.

He said he will talk with the author for about a half hour and then the audience will have the opportunity to engage in a question and answer session with the author, who is a San Jose resident, and there will be a book signing.

"It's a smaller event with more of an intimate feeling," Berman said.

Lisa De Leeuw, a graduate student majoring in English literature, said she plans on attending both events.

"I enjoy the author readings and question-and-answer sessions that the Center for Literary Arts provides San Jose State," De Leeuw said. "I've been to at least 10 readings in the past and have never been disappointed. I look forward to hearing Hosseini's own voice enriching his text. The story is never half as good until you have heard the author reading it to you."

De Leeuw said she enjoyed the book and recommends other students to read it.

"After completing my degree, I hope to teach high school English," De Leeuw said. "I think that 'The Kite Runner' is a book that high school and college students can relate to. Amir's secret reminds me of what it is like growing up and not being able to find anyone to talk to who will believe what you have to say."

Micaela Youmans, a senior majoring in English, said she also recommends the book.

"I hate to use canned reviewer expressions like 'it was a compelling read,' but, well, it just was," Youmans said. "It's beautifully written, and the story itself haunts you for days."

Hosseini is scheduled to conclude his visit at SJSU by attending the final performance of the theater adaptation of his novel at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Matthew Spangler, assistant professor of communications and performance studies and the director of the play, said Hosseini is scheduled to take part in a question-and-answer session following the show.

Spangler said the play has been well-received by audiences since its opening last month.

"Several of the shows have sold out, and every audience so far has given the actors a standing ovation at the end of the performance," Spangler said. "I couldn't have imagined a more positive response, which I think is a tribute to the power of this novel and the committed, heart-felt performances from the actors."

Linda Lappin, a graduate student majoring in poetry, said she saw the play last week.

"I think they did a marvelous job," Lappin said. "Using the adult Amir to narrate the story, interspersed with scenes acted out on a bare stage allows the audience to connect with the characters visually the way only a play or movie can do. … Plus, I think the actors performing the really ugly scenes were so brave."