'The Kite Runner' and 'I'm Not Scared'

At the end of last term, Hamish Law in III form, as part of his Junior Certificate preparation, wrote a book report on two recent novels: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (which V form are about to start in class) and I'm Not Scared by Niccolo Ammaniti.

Hamish writes: I chose these books because they both depict a confusing yet intriguing situation of two different children who are leading ordinary lives and then it all goes disastrously wrong. They both portray completely different lives to that which we lead, one in 1970s Afghanistan and the other in an isolated hamlet in the hot, dry south of Italy in 1978. Both books illustrate the actions of innocent, young boys who become caught up in a horrible yet realistic situation.

I really enjoyed both of these books, particularly The Kite Runner, and would highly recommend these to anybody. Adults and children would be enthralled by both books even though the main characters are children. The Kite Runner is perfect for those wishing to educate themselves on Afghanistan and the rifts between different ethnic groups. I’m Not Scared shows the life of an innocent young boy getting caught up in the confusing world of adults and the evil of money. They were two harrowing books which I’ll never forget.

Read Hamish's full report here (he also recently won the Junior English Prize).