I was told bedtime stories by my father or my grandmother. Books, I mostly read on my own in bed.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the importance of familial relationships and the joy of reading independently.
In this quote, Khaled Hosseini reflects on his childhood experiences of being told bedtime stories by his father and grandmother, demonstrating the nurturing aspect of family and the bonds created through storytelling. He contrasts this with his independent reading, emphasizing the personal exploration and growth that comes from engaging with books on one's own, which fosters a deep love for literature and learning.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of family traditions, this quote can illustrate the value of storytelling.
You're gutless. It's how you were made. And that's not such a bad thing because your saving grace is that you've never lied to yourself about it. Not about that. Nothing wrong with cowardice as long as it comes with prudence. But when a coward stops remembering who he is... God help him.
There was brotherhood between people who had fed from the same breast, a kinship that even time could not break. - Amir
I don't outline at all; I don't find it useful, and I don't like the way it boxes me in. I like the element of surprise and spontaneity, of letting the story find its own way.
And that's the thing about people who mean everything they say. They think everyone else does too.
Perspective [is] a luxury when your head [is] constantly buzzing with a swarm of demons.
The desert weed lives on, but the flower of spring blooms and wilts.
My mother was very proud of her Indian heritage and taught us, me and my sister Maya, to share in the pride about our culture. We used to go back to India every couple of years.
I decided in my life that I would do nothing that did not reflect positively on my father's life.
When you’ve had children, your body changes; there’s history to it. I like the evolution of that history; I’m fortunate to be with somebody who likes the evolution of that history. I think it’s important to not eradicate it. I look at someone’s face and I see the work before I see the person... You’re certainly not staving off the inevitable. And if you’re doing it out of fear, that fear’s still going to be seen through your eyes. The windows to your soul, they say.
I describe family values as responsibility towards others, increase of tolerance, compromise, support, flexibility. And essentially the things I call the silent song of life-the continuous process of mutual accommodation without which life is impossible.
It made me realize again how complicated being a mother is. You have 50 million heartbreaking moments, and 100 million beautiful, joyous ones.
I love my children and I love my wife with all my heart. And I would die, die gladly, if that would make a better life for them.
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