KHALED HOSSENI

[rapa]

Excellent interview with Khaled Hosseni in this week-end NYT .  Our member, Ursula, is attending a bookie event this week-end with Hosseni in Phoenix.

I found much in Hosseni's interview with which I can relate.  He reads actual books, not electronically, reads at night, is medically oriented, doesn't care for fantasy or science fiction and his next read is  MAYA'S NOTEBOOK by Isabel Allende which I recently finished. Here, enjoy the interview:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/09/books/review/khaled-hosseini-by-t...

[Carci]

Lucky Ursula!  I read & loved his 2 previous books and am #1 on the wait list for his new book at the library. :)

[Ursula]

Book signings are always a fun experience, even when they are not what you expected.  Two years ago I had a wonderful experience meeting a very personable Louise Penny; yesterday's event with Khaled Hosseini was a different story....not an unpleasant experience, just different.  First off, there was such a tremendous response that the event was moved from the bookstore to the auditorium of a local high school; then because of the sheer number of people, we lined up and he signed his name only....no dedications, nothing personal, and no time for conversation.  Getting hugged by Louise Penny after I told her I was a member of Bookoholics has set the bar high, and will probably never happen again.

That said, let me tell you that KH is a charming man and gave a wonderful interview and Q&A.  He talked about his foundation that is working to provide shelter to the many homeless refugees in Afghanistan and provide healthcare and opportunities to the women and children.  Here's a link in case you want more information, or wish to donate: http://khaledhosseinifoundation.org/.

I liked his sense of humor as illustrated in 2 personal stories he shared: he decided to quit medicine (he is an MD, in case you didn't know) when he discovered he was an answer on Jeopardy; and his mother only began to take his writing seriously when she discovered Costco was selling copies of The Kite Runner.  The last question from the audience was from a young man, who shared that he was required to read The Kite Runner for his high school English class and he was blown away.  His question to KH was, "How does it feel to be so awesome?"  The author was touched and even a bit embarrassed, but I think it might have made his day!!

I had a great weekend with my niece and her fellow in Phoenix, even with the 5-hour drive at both ends.  Before I left, she asked me which author I would be taking her to meet next.  Since Phoenix has 2 independent bookstores, which both host book signings, I'm sure this won't be the last trip, or the last author.  Nice to have such a wonderful way to stay in touch with the younger generation!