A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is an amazing story of courage and friendship. Spanning decades filled with hardship and war in Afghanistan, Hosseini tells the heartbreaking story of two women, Mariam and Laila, brought together by marriage to the same husband, who form a bond of friendship that endures unthinkable suffering and tyranny. Their incredible tenacity, patience, humor and heart in the face of a bleak life that offers little hope for the future is a great testimony to the power of the human spirit.

The story also sheds light on the Afghan people and culture in a way that can’t be achieved through a history book. I was brought to tears more than once while reading this wonderful book, and when I finished, I found myself thinking about Mariam and Laila and missing these wonderfully written characters. Don’t miss this one – it’s a great read!