so, what did i think of "the kite runner"?

Glad you asked. Well, at least one of you did.

(Spoiler alert! I will mention things that happened.)

I saw the movie several months ago, not even knowing about the book. Loved the movie. Loved it. It was well done, beautifully acted, powerful, compassionate, and intense.

BUT! -- if you've read the book, I would NOT recommend seeing the movie. You will likely be disappointed. Some of the story line is altered and some of it -- as you might guess -- is left out completely. Most of this commentary is about the book.

Although I loved the movie when I saw it, as I was reading the book, I wished I had not seen the movie. As in most cases, the book was so much richer and had more layers to it than the movie did. I loved the book, but wish it would have been an entirely fresh experience for me. I knew most of the story, so the impact was not as great as it would have been otherwise.

I appreciated many things about the book that I didn't get from the movie, like the Afghan perspective of the love for country, the celebrations of the Afghan people, the struggles as their country changed politically, and the perspective of Amir's character (and others) after the Taliban came in. I truly loved some of the characters in the book, particularly Amir's driver who helped him find Sohrab. The way that friendship developed was beautiful to me. The book gave a greater insight to the depth of Amir's personal struggles. The book, as the movie, had truly redemptive qualities and got that message out loud and clear.

At the end, I felt like the last parts of the story were rushed. After Sohrab attempted to take his own life, everything seemed to happen too quickly for me. Perhaps that's because that part of the story was not in the movie, so I wanted more. But it all seemed too rushed for me... seven months in just a few pages... arrive in America, Amir and his wife get involved doing non-profit work to help their people, the General has gone back to Afghanistan to serve, not much happens with Soraya's mother, they fly the kite, the end. Also I knew Amir was going to run the kite for Sohrab and yell, "A thousand times over for you!" The impact was lost in the book, but in the movie I cried my silly eyes out, and kept crying and crying and crying long after the credits were done.

Don't get me wrong... I loved the book. I just wanted more. :) Well written, powerful, difficult subject matter tastefully done. I was angry. I was heart broken. I was compelled to truly appreciate the culture and see the beauty in it. And I was reminded of the impact that evil has on innocence when no one steps in to protect it. That is what haunted Amir all those years, b/c he didn't stop the abuse to Hassan. I am reminded that we can be just as guilty because it's so easy to simply put on blinders. It's way too comfortable in this bubble.

One of my favorite quotes is from Edmund Burke. It challenges me and reminds me that I have a responsibility. ""All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."

Recently, we went to the Holocaust Memorial Museum in DC. One of the quotes I read is worth repeating. Tom even got it on a magnet and put it on our fridge:

"First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me."
~Pastor Martin Niemöller

So those are my thoughts, and I sure am anxious to hear yours. Please comment.

vintage

Tonight, we ordered out. Pan Asian goodness. We sat on the back porch and listened to vintage Larry Norman. Such good stuff. Being married to a Jesus hippie has benefits. Yeah, I may have discovered Larry Norman on my own, but I'm glad my Tom introduced me to him. And since we only have Larry on vinyl, it's time to load up the iPod. Tom is working on the playlist. Right now. He's holed up in the spare bedroom, and I hear music playing. Loudly. I don't think I will see my husband again before bedtime, and I don't blame him a bit.

Music. Love it. Love. It.

toss up!

I was torn between posting something about Strasburg's major league debut or my love for cast iron skillets.

Hmmmmm... 7 innings, 14 strike outs (a franchise record, mind you) and the win, or perfectly seasoned cast iron.

(biting my fist)

I can't choose. I'm hopelessly devoted to both.

with a very happy

Homemade fajitas with dirty rice. (Are fajitas without tortillas still fajitas?) Caramelized Vidalia onions are just plain magical. We ate on the back porch, and the dogs wouldn't leave us alone.

Can't blame 'em a bit. Supper was guh-oood.

Homework tonight, so I can watch Strasburg tomorrow night. So, with a very happy tummy and palate, case studies, here I come.

realizing

Realizing that I haven't posted anything in way too long, and realizing that I spend much of my time thinking about and preparing good food (at least my husband and I think so), I may just be giving short updates regarding my own zeal for food (mine or others').

Okay.

Early this morning: Had some artisan sourdough sitting on the butcher block looking like it wanted to be involved. Had some oranges in the fruit bowl wanting in the game, too. Result: French toast with orange zest added into the batter. Oh. And pure maple syrup. The only reason my husband didn't high five me was because he was licking his fingers.

It happens with syrup.

And, I truly don't mind sticky-fingered high fives.

Right now: Jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined. They are hanging out in the fridge getting acquainted with lime, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil and course ground black pepper.

Later: Girl meets grill. Friends coming to share. Happiness.