The Kite Runner Post A #1

Vocab
Unatoned (1)- in a state where something hasn't been made up for
Atrophied (8)- wasted, withered, shriveled

Figurative Language
"A face like a Chinese doll chiseled from hardwood (3)."
Amir compares his friend Hassan's face to that of a Chinese doll's.

"[...] attention shifting to him like sunflowers turning to the sun (13)."
Whenever Amir's father enters a room, the attention suddenly switches to him, like sunflowers to the sun.

"[...] still the sounds of Baba's snoring-so much like a growling truck engine-penetrated the walls (13)." Apparently, Amir's father is a pretty accomplished snorer.

Quote

"How my mother managed to sleep in the same room as him is a mystery to me. It's on the long list of things I would have asked my mother had I ever met her (13)."
When I read this, I was once again reminded of the recurrent theme of death in Khaled Hosseni's novels. No one should have to experience their childhood without a parent, much less their mother. In addition to that, Amir seems to me like somewhat of a weak character. Whether that is a cause of his absence of a mother, I don't know yet.

Theme
Appreciate each and every little thing that you have, because one day, it will all be gone.
I haven't read much of the novel, but I already know that Amir never knew his mother, and it's a pretty safe assumption that she died in childbirth. It seems to me that all Amir has now is his best (and what it seems only) friend Hassan, and his father. It is good to enjoy things while they last, because you never miss them until they are gone.