Khaled Hosseini
- Born:
- March 4, 1965, Kabul, Afghanistan
- Nationality:
- Afghan-American
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Physician, Humanitarian
Early Life and Education
- Relocated to Iran in 1976, then to the United States in 1980 seeking political asylum.
- Graduated from Independence High School in San Jose, California, in 1984.
- Earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Santa Clara University in 1988.
- Obtained an M.D. from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine in 1993.
- Completed his residency in internal medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in 1996.
Career and Major Achievements
- Practiced medicine until 2004, after the success of his first novel.
- Appointed as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in 2006.
- Founded The Khaled Hosseini Foundation, providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.
- Dedicated much of his time to advocacy and humanitarian work.
- The discussion surrounding the popular "kite runner biography" prompted exploration of Afghan history and culture among many readers.
Notable Works
| Title | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Kite Runner | 2003 | Novel |
| A Thousand Splendid Suns | 2007 | Novel |
| And the Mountains Echoed | 2013 | Novel |
| Sea Prayer | 2018 | Illustrated Book |
Legacy and Impact
Khaled Hosseini's novels have achieved international acclaim for their powerful portrayals of Afghanistan and its people. His work has brought attention to the country's history, culture, and social issues, influencing readers globally. Through his writing and humanitarian efforts, he has left a significant mark on contemporary literature and advocacy.