Relationships and soccer

There's no doubt in my mind that The Kite Runner is an easier and more enjoyable book to read than Atlas Shrugged. For starters, the topic the book is based around is in my opinion, far more interesting.

Amir and Hassan's "friendship" seems like it's going to develop into an ongoing conflict, which I'm definitely looking forward to reading. The relationship that Baba and Ali have is also very confusing. I understand that Ali belongs to a different class system because of who birthed him, but he was raised with Baba, they grew up together. They are not related by blood, but they are brothers. Ali was adopted as a baby and has spent his whole childhood as well his adult life alongside Baba. It's messed up how Baba has never called Ali his friend and is closer with Rahim, when Ali has always been there for him.

I feel the same way about Amir and Hassan's relationship. Amir doesn't entirely consider Hassan a friend; he almost called him his servant out loud, in front of others. They are basically brothers too, being together since birth. I feel like Amir is learning wrong morals. He's at a super young age and someone who should be his equal is cleaning and cooking for him. It just seems wrong in my eyes.

However, the irony behind it is intriguing. Amir has it all, someone caring for his needs at all times, someone who protects him, defends him, he's surrounded by people who love him and a successful father. Nevertheless, he can't help but be jealous of Hassan. Hassan, who is illiterate and hasn't had the opportunity to learn seems to be happier. Hassan receives more attention and better care from Baba which anchors Amir's jealousy and anger towards his father. He wants to make his father proud, but can't figure out a way how when Hassan does it all the time.

The best part of the book so far though is how highly Baba talks about soccer. He considers it to be a real man's sport. I like how much attention Baba gives to soccer. I can relate to how he feels because no matter how much I want my little brother to play soccer, he always refuses to do so.