Khaled Hosseini Says Refugees Are Essential to America

Writer Khaled Hosseini talks about leaving his career as a doctor to become a full-time writer, his novel Sea Prayer and how everyone can help refugees in their own communities.
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Khaled Hosseini Says Refugees Are Essential to America- Late Night with Seth Meyers
• Khaled Hosseini Says R...
Late Night with Seth Meyers
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[@fay439]

A thousand splendid suns still haunts me till this day. So powerful.

[@quenciequeen8145]

Same

[@amirza1985]

gave me depression

[@cuchelo1]

It broke me into a million pieces and then put me back together.

[@mirtagpa]

Wrecked me

[@ayaan56]

First Book ever to make me cry....

[@ibrahimchowdhury9779]

All of his books are emotional roller coasters, from start to finish. From "Kite Runner", to "A Thousand Splendid Suns", to "And The Mountains Echoed". Now "Sea Prayer". Hosseini will go down as the one of the greatest contemporary authors of our time. Beautiful storytelling and characters that provide clarity to the voices of the voiceless. I love him.

[@maryrosekent8223]

Ibrahim Chowdhury That’s a lot like how I feel about Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. So much depth and such beautiful writing.

[@readwithelahe]

Agreed. I only discovered him this year 😢

[@ibrahimchowdhury9779]

@@readwithelahe Love your “Read With Me” series for his books! 😊

[@girlenchanted]

One of my favourite authors. So cool so see him on TV.

[@greenheartt4150]

one of the best strong authors 😊❤

[@readwithelahe]

I was surprised and excited to see him on tv

[@carpediem3641]

"For you, a thousand times over." ❤️

[@pamjarman5494]

A Thousand Splendid Suns, is my all time favorite book. I recommend this highly!

[@Nileshpandey0907]

Could you pls tell about book

[@OrganicDolphin]

Nilesh Pandey it’s super depressing. But a phenomenal read.

[@SahlEbrahim]

@@OrganicDolphin a no for me then, plenty of things to make me feel bad already

[@l.2648]

To me it’s ‘And the Mountains Echoed’. He has such a beautiful way with words.

[@readwithelahe]

Is it as heartbreaking as the kite runner???

[@EzequielDeniz]

I love him! My favorite author. Met him 10 years ago at a talk at my University at San Jose State. Shook his hand and told him how much i loved The Kite Runner. He then signed it. I still have it here...next to me...in China.

[@quratdelulu]

You are Luckyyyy

[@خاطرهها-ذ7ج]

As an Afghan I am really thankful of Khaled Husseini who changed the perception of millions of people in the world about our country. Afghanistan is a nice country, I hope that one day peace will be established in Afghanistan so that you be able to travel and be guest of this lovely land.

[@notyourbusiness2687]

Hey buddy ..how are you? How is the situation there?

[@readwithelahe]

I’m grateful for him too. And reading the kite runner now after all that happened to Afg is even more heart breaking

[@shafiaajmal]

One of my favourite writer. I always thought “Kite Runner” was his life story.

[@bazi5646]

Shafia Khan Same! Many overlaps and similarities between the two

[@jasuke13]

Only in the first part, there are similarities. The second part is completely made up and untealistic.

[@theresemirandadds]

Afoldox

[@theresemirandadds]

@@bazi5646 r

[@filzahmahmood515]

Saaame. I was quiet disappointed to learn that it wasnt. It was just so real.

[@KaylaE1992]

To any of you who haven't read And The Mountains Echoed; do it. Beautiful, beautiful book.

[@aswati]

Yes I am reading it at the moment Wonderful.....

[@amulyanaik]

Tears streaming down already :')

[@loraz5343]

This man is so well-spoken and seems like a beautiful human being. I'm gonna go read those books. (Also, I loved the bit about his mum and the book at Costco, because I can imagine a number of our mums doing the same thing. So cute)

[@raphaelavelar10]

His books are beautifully written and extremely important, in this day and age. I read the Kite Runner for the first time when it came out and I was 19, and at the time it was probably the most moved I had felt by contemporary literature. A Thousand Splendid Suns still haunts me to this day. Heartbreakingly beautiful. Can't wait to read his new one. =)

[@bustarhymes6188]

He’s incredibly well-spoken in both english and persian, a real poet.

[@hidof9598]

@@raphaelavelar10 , try "The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto"

[@readwithelahe]

Which books did you end up reading?

[@saaraguhar1234]

As someone who's from Afghanistan was born and raised I must say that Khaled makes me proud and I wish him so much happiness.

[@readwithelahe]

I hope he writes something new soon

[@saniaasan]

I never imagined Khaled Hosseini to be so hot. 👀

[@saniaasan]

Let me also add that he sounds so eloquent, compassionate and intelligent! If only people like him were running the country...

[@quratdelulu]

Samee

[@NaynaBansal]

True

[@dieauferstehung]

w0re

[@Flanneryschickens]

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a book that I remembered a long time after reading it. I appreciate his advice on how to help out refugees in your own area.

[@christybirling3299]

Give this guy a Nobel Peace Prize.

[@readwithelahe]

I hope he writes another piece soon

[@alexisb.5490]

my favorite author ever...always makes me cry...

[@Alisofttoys]

He is one of my Favorite author...i just finished KITE RUNNER..... what an amazing experience to read....loved

[@maryrosekent8223]

Ali _Kite Runner_ was a beautiful book.

[@Alisofttoys]

@@maryrosekent8223 no doubt😊

[@lavip.9838]

Me too.. I finished it today.. can't wait to read the next one

[@sydneymarshall3204]

Kite Runner. Powerful book. Amazing.

[@popsily7783]

The Kite Runner is one of my absolute favorite books, it's truly a masterpiece. Khaled Hosseini is incredibly talented, and a phenomenal writer. "Bravo."

[@benzenecarson6296]

I see what you did there 😏

[@MT-ul7yl]

He is such a profoundly magnanimous, thoughtful, humble intellectual with such a fluent powerful way with words. Such an inspiration. Wish his preachings could reach every single human on this planet.

[@Karideplov]

i've been waiting for his new book. my favorite is a 1000 spledind suns. i've read it 4 times and always cry

[@charolinadutta2]

Me too.. Specially the letter of father.

[@lavip.9838]

Can't wait to read it as well.. I've read the kite runner and it made me cry

[@OldRaver]

The Kite Runners is my favourite book. Everyone in the West should read it. Brillant book that lays out before you the good and bad culture of Afghanistan and the impact the rise of the Taliban had. Love what he says about offering help to refugees. Far better for everyone to remember your kindness than your hatred and bullying.

[@Lionheart2323]

Im from and live in italy. Just curious why americans call people who come to their country immigrants and refugees. But americans who go to other parts of the world they call themselves ex pats. Americans here that i have met all call themselves ex pats. Not immigrants. I just dont understand the difference

[@Woodbug-b7t]

Perhaps Ex Patriots...Got out while the going was good?

[@Lionheart2323]

Perhaps. If thats the only distinction. But whos to say what good means? The way i look at it. Immigrants go to america. Or canada. Or europe. Or asia. To look for and get jobs. When an italian goes to america because they get a job there. They are called immigrants to america. When americans come to italy. For jobs. Because they dont have a job in america and come here to get a job. They are called ex pats. Just pointing out also that other americans have answered me this saying that is because america has no more jobs. But speaking just for italy now. Our unemployment rate is much higher and the economy here is much worse actually than america or canada or whatever. So that argument at least doesnt make sense to me

[@Maria-bk2iy]

Ex Pat implies that you are only there for a few years, that you intend to return. You have not renounced your U.S. citizenship. Immigrants and refugees are trying to become Americans and gain citizenship.

[@deborahverhoeven5663]

An expat (expatriot) is someone who lives abroad, but retains their citizenship to their original country-someone who generally goes back to their home country. An immigrant makes a permanent move to a new country. A refugee escapes their home country, to settle in a new one because of some conflict in the homeland. It’s usually a permanent move.

[@Lionheart2323]

Ok thank you guys. I get it now 🙂

[@almabrooks5177]

I had to tell my mom what was going on in the Kite Runner just to get it off my chest cause it haunted me so much. Such an incredible book!!

[@indrajeetshinde7872]

I had only two friends who were passionate about reading. Both of them sparked my interest to read. One at the very beginning and one restored it last year. I read 3 books of Khaled Hosseini in the very first lockdown of covid in 2020. And since I had no one to talk to it about I told every single, smallest detail and all of the bittersweet moments to my mom. She did a great job listening. I felt relieved and happy that I shared it. She's started reading The Kite Runner a day ago and i asked her what was the point to read it since i told her almost the whole story. She says she doesn't remember a thing.

[@CGamez-re3hu]

I'm not a book reader but when I read A Thousand Splendid Suns in High School I became so emotionally invested in the story and it has been the only book that I have read more than once. Very powerful, do yourself a favor and read this book.

[@tulip2278]

Such an amazing author! He's smart & mind-blowing! He's accurate choosing his words which shows how educated he is...

[@sukhmanjotkaurdhaliwal5449]

I broke and was rebuilt while reading 'the thousand splendid suns' its such a powerful book!! I really want to grow up and be able to help the people lost in wars and histories unmemorable .....

[@arifakhlaqi5355]

one of my fav author. His books has made me feel emotions that I was not aware of it. God bless

[@rasoli3254]

Khuda negah daret! An inspiration to many afghans and other refugees around the globe. Thank you khaled

[@kianooshfaizi-g3q]

Khalid Hussaini!!!!! can't put it into words how much respect I have for this man. He has shown the world the real face of Afghans and has proved it that Afghans are different from what you think of. Love you man................

[@ishikasingh5909]

Your books made me cry and taught me empathy. Thank you for writing about the plight of all Afghani people, I will remember the pain I feel for them as long as I live.

[@neevijain4692]

I don't know why but The Kite Runner hits me hard , but a thousand splendid suns flows with toughness and beauty !!! Love them both ❤️

[@iliyasn2760]

I was in the middle chapters of thousand splendid suns and I stopped reading it. Didn't have courage to go back to read remaining chapters. I just cried and cried and cried.

[@rimjhimkushwaha8418]

Same. For me the novel ended with Mariam.

[@Enayat_Akbari]

Best of luck dear khaled hosseini Im so glad you are saporting refugees And I love to read your books

[@ahmeteren8168]

His writing skills are amazing. He should continue writing.

[@samrinaafiya]

Just completed the thousand splendid suns. Such great story telling. A beautiful Tragedy. Khaled Hosseini is very articulate in his speech and writing.

[@Ash-lq9cr]

The kite Runner ❣ Thanks for giving it to us

[@koran_4e271]

Love this writer ❤️❤️❤️ I really love his books ... He got me to reading books .. never used to read when I was in high school, but then I found his book a thousand splendid suns and since then I been reading and can’t Waite to read Sea prayer

[@riothebigboy7874]

A thousand splendid suns! My god. This one is so powerful. It still hurts me! Thank you Mr. Khaled Hosseini for this amazing journey!🤍

[@liongirl2578]

Proud of you you’re such legends and proud of our country Afghanistan 🇦🇫 khaled hossion hands off 💪🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@sumaiyasharique3762]

My dream is to meet Khaled Hosseini and tell him that his books are soo outstanding.

[@olivadelrosario1807]

The Kite Runner is a classic. I met him at San Diego Comic Con when he was signing copies of The Kite Runner graphic novel. Very nice man.

[@prochetasur5452]

kite runner is the best book i have read in the last 16 years... Khaled Hussaini has got magic in his pain.

[@eceacs8427]

The best writer that I've ever read. I wish i could meet him and i would like to have him autograph my books (his books) 💓

[@sandrae2398]

so grateful for this man's work! Sea prayer meant so much to me

[@HIZLI_VE_OFKELI]

The first book I read was a thousand amazing suns, a lot of emotions. I highly recommend books by a book writer

[@bismafida4069]

I love you Seth and Khaled. Favorite people on Earth. 💛💯👑

[@KikeNavarrete68]

And the mountains echoed is one of my favorites books

[@yavuzlife8311]

Wow, I just saw this and realized how his speaking is as brilliant and impressive as his writing.

[@viola7052]

I love this man's books so much, I read Kite Runner and A thousand Splendid Suns in high school and fell in love, so happy he released a new book

[@khadijaqureshi2119]

I love you Khaled Hosseini. I just hope u write more novels.

[@aditid3820]

He's a wonderful speaker.

[@ThomasPanto]

Life has been the TEACHER for a half billion years . These religions, nations, armies and invisible borders MUST LEARN FROM LIFE. . . not the other way around .

[@aliu87]

Kitapları güzel etkileyici ve sürükleyici. Günde bir kitap okursun ve rahatça bitirebilirsin.

[@fahimerahimi4370]

Proud of you Khaled Hosseini 🙏🏻

[@adsads994]

“For you, a thousand times over” this lines gets me every time 😢

[@enx2083]

It's easy to forget in modern life that dignity is a luxury for many and those that have it usually aren't persistent upon spreading it.

[@maryrosekent8223]

enx Thank you!

[@premaryaljr.5386]

For you, a thousand times over

[@Marina-pe1gx]

Woahh I loved the Kite Runner but didn't expect him to be such a cool guy. Nice

[@skoolisdumfood]

My favorite Author, And the Mountains Echoed was so captivating and so sad but he makes you still love the story like in A Thousand Splendid Suns and The Kite Runner. Just amazing

[@tyunlimited]

I don’t read very often. But Kite Runner is definitely my favorite book. After reading both traditional Chinese and English version of Kite Runner, I order two more books written by him. So excited to be reading them though most likely it will be sad stories.

[@FutureCommentary1]

Hmm... Reminds me that I have a couple of his books on my to do list

[@anishaanil2624]

I still can't get over from that amir and hassan as well as sohrab from kite runner😢❤️

[@fathimafarahna2633]

Currently reading A thousand splendid sons. Im heartbroken, speechless. Finished 61% so far. Dont know what 39% holds. Im scared, terrified n pained. As well hoping for a ray of hope.

[@biscope7029]

He touched my mind like the winter

[@lunalea1250]

Love KH, love all his books, "The Kite Runner" is a fav, I recommend it to EVERYONE, I attended a SE Asian Film Festival in UK & introduced him to the attendees...☮💜📚

[@gay4vivi294]

he’s so charming!!!

[@heheboiii6285]

I just ordered a copy of Kite runner.Kudos to Mr.Hosseini!

[@adityabose2043]

Indeed his writings and thinking should deserve the Nobel Prize.

[@annehayden8455]

Khaled Hosseini His books are alive they transport me to Afganistan I’m very fussy with what I read but his books I read over and over

[@rax816]

Proving that some refugees are lovely guys.. this interview would so confuse a MagaMoron!

[@brendanbloomberg3283]

No refugee here, an elitist who was born in the top 1% in Afghanistan. This interview didn't confuse me but obviously the word 'refugee' confuses you.

[@sahifa19]

@@brendanbloomberg3283 1) a refugee can come from any socio-economic background. 2) just because someone is a doctor or writer, doesn't mean they're elitist... then again it's possible that you think any and all well-educated people are elitist

[@brendanbloomberg3283]

His family sought political asylum from France where his father worked. And I don't.

[@brendanbloomberg3283]

I already knew this, thank you? Refugee and someone who has a claim to asylum are different. Thanks for the pointless history lesson though.

[@lightbearer7652]

Brandon Sea-ILL did you watch the interview? 3:18 " we tend to talk, i think, about refugees in very unhelpful ways, as sort of this MONOLITHIC community of NEEDY PEOPLE" - Khaled Hosseini

[@cybrfriends5089]

Kite Runner was amazing

[@shamjadshan3864]

Hassan is smiling at me every night ; what a writer he is

[@tasleem5677]

I cry every time I read the kite runner. Yet I go back to reading it every couple of years.

[@fatimah3426]

What a legend

[@sarahk07]

His books portray the life of an afghan beautifully. As a woman from afghanistan I personally found A Thousand Splendid Suns hauntingly beautiful.

[@OnlineGermanSchool-pw3vp]

the Top Novelist and author. god bless you

[@deedragongirl]

So proud that my mom have the book and we had seen the film before!!

[@angelam5649]

I’m currently reading The Kite Runner in my english class and I *love* it

[@utubefreshie]

Oooh...so he's the writer of the Kite Runner! Such a lovely man! So glad mainstream late night shows feature authors like this and not just vacuous celebrities. Really (and to borrow an otherwise annoying slogan here...lol) the ONLY way to make America "great again" is to educate America. So yeah, carry on.

[@mhqwr]

While reading A thousand splendid suns i must have shed a thousand tears.. Minimum..

[@loloramos1534]

A thousand of splendid suns such a sad and powerful book . I feel sad for Afghan people specially women and children who is going to live under Taliban control again. ☹️🥺

[@theguys2402]

An admirer of his work❤️

[@opoouser6890]

My favourite writer,my God,cnt belev i m seeing him...i m freaking out...Ohh God

[@SK-jh4ue]

he is to handsome in this age...incredible

[@bubblykoi]

currently reading the kite runner so far for my banned book class and oh my goodness it's really powerful. it's so emotional that I literally cried four times on an event that felt so impactful to me and his way of writing just made me want to keep going but for now I stopped bc it is making me really emotionally distressed, hurt but I will pick it up again. I'm glad I'm discovering his book and I'm glad I took banned books as a class bc of this reason I'm learning about his book, making it my favorite book, making me want to buy the actual copy and as well making me cry!! I haven't had a book that made me cry this hard but also enjoying the book. I will forever now find more books from him and enjoy reading them.

[@whileiamriding6992]

A thousand splendid suns changed my perception with life...

[@zua240]

Same 👌

[@turk_ssiken]

Greetings to everyone from Turkey, the kite runner is a great book

[@sahifa19]

For some reason many people commenting here are conflating refugees with illegal immigrants. The two are different. Refugees in most cases arrive after undergoing a legal application and extensive vetting process. So whatever your feelings may be on the issue of illegal immigration, keep in mind that refugees do not necessarily fall under that category.

[@m.entera3196]

In America there are no laws (i.e., misdemeanor or felony) on the books making immigrants "illegal". You are simply "undocumented", and can be deported. Not prosecuted under a law. The only laws on the subject are for employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers.

[@sahifa19]

@@m.entera3196 You're absolutely right. I'm merely quoting Trump though, who does refer to undocumented immigrants as illegal immigrants. Case in point: his awful tweet from the morning of June 19, 2018.

[@m.entera3196]

Also, the WHO, UNESCO, IMF, and other international organizations said that currently one in ten humans on earth are refugees. From war and violence, then environmental change that has ruined livelihoods, and economic/monetary collapse.

[@mumthazanwar8382]

My favourite writer...read all the three...but kite runner is my favourite...I gave a second and third read to all book...

[@NishanaAzad]

Your books are awesome...thousand splendid suns is really good... touching one

[@pujadas3942]

One of my favourite novelist 🥰

[@queenannewatch8839]

So handsome...another intelligent, caring, George Clooney type...the world needs more.

[@manugulati1105]

Great guy

[@farida6638]

He writes beautifully.

[@Aleyna902]

One of my favourite authors ❤

[@Faraibr]

Best author of Afghanistan 🇦🇫 ❤

[@mikenew3125]

The got me through the yeldas

[@SDH910]

Just finished " The Kite Runner " 5 mins ago !

[@BS-ww4pb]

Love him love him love him love his books love his beautiful soul love love love

[@EstiMaryantiIpaenim]

Love both of you