"There are a lot of children in Afghanistan, but little childhood." 
 Notes from reading: 
 > compelling; narration has a storytelling-esque vibe that's delightful 
 > narrator's young age and voice reminds me of To Kill A Mockingbird, however, with a touvh more melodrama (which is to be expected of an adolescent boy with daddy-issues) but adds to the addictive nature of the novel without seeming forced and overly-sentimental 
 > incredibly believable yet charming dialogue (including believably curt responses; no ridiculous raging monologues that was to be expected from such a dark novel) 
 > featured a feminist tone which was as refreshing as it was unexpected 
 A real eye-opener to the world of Afghanistan. A novel on how corruption is one of the world's most frightening gremlins; hiding behind corners and seeping into the lives of many, ever so silently. Some absolutely beautiful descriptions of life and love. It's an instant teller for a good writer when an incident or feeling has been phrased in a way that you've been trying to put across your entire life. Don't avoid it. It'll send your heart down a paper-shredder. 
 "She said, 'I'm so afraid.' And I said, 'why?', and she said, 'Because I'm so profoundly happy, Dr. Rasul. Happiness like this is frightening.' I asked her why and she said, 'They only let you be this happy if they're preparing to take something from you."