I really had no expectations when I was given this as a reading assignment. That being said I was floored by the emotional wall of pain being brought down in this story. It's powerful and engaging and I think Dr. Hosseini does an excellent job at convying to the reader the struggle of the main character who's only crime is not standing up for himself or Hassan when it was most needed for him. 
 I remember after we read the book we watched the movie in class and by the end of it I will never forget looking at some of my fellow male classmates and seeing nearly all of us fighting to hold back tears. It's a good book, but be warned it goes straight for your emotions.