I wouldn't say this topped The Kite Runner, because that book stands out to me as the first work of literary fiction that "wowed" me to the point that I realized how awesome the experience of reading a book can be. But when I put it that way, that bar seems impossible to pass so anything that comes close must be pretty damn good, and And The Mountains Echoed is certainly up there. Something about Hosseini's writing and storytelling just really clicks with me. 
 The novel is once again set in Afghanistan and opens up with a really interesting folktale foreshadowing the heartbreaking sibling love between Abdullah and Pari. From there the story branches off to illuminate various people loosely or strongly connected to each other. My favorite stories were Nabi's (in the form of a letter written to Markos) and Markos and Thalia, but all had their merits. I was particularly touched by Idris's story, which illuminated just how easy it is to, in the moment, make grand promises and gestures out of genuine kindness and empathy, and then feel that desire to help and give wane as time passes and you're more removed from the situation. Most (including me) are guilty of this, and as much as Idris's choice was disappointing, I understood it. This, I think, is one of Hosseini's greatest strengths as a writer - he creates characters that are still lovable and relatable despite their flaws and questionable choices. 
 One gripe I had with this book was the resolution of Pari and Abdullah's story, but after reflecting on it, it was the most realistic outcome for how each of their lives branched off. 
 If you enjoyed Khaled Hosseini's other novels, don't miss this one!