Amir is being blackmailed by a student so he runs away to Rome. He then meets an interesting cast of characters that become like a family to him during his time of need. This was my first time reading this author and it wasn’t a bad book but I felt like it lacked direction. The story line just went on and on and on with no clear point. There was this whole build up to the incident that happens on the plane and I found that to be lackluster and flat. Amir at times was bland and lack personality. I really wanted to see him flourish while in Rome but I felt shortchanged. I was also hoping to learn more about the Muslim culture and how Amir being gay could be an issue. The parents were but weren't religious. The saving grace of the story for me was Soraya and Jahan.