Earth and Ashes by Atiq Rahimi

This is an excellent book that manages to portray powerful emotions.  Don't be fooled by its size - it might be a small book but it has a large story to tell.  The story takes place during the Russian occupation of Afghanistan.  It is a story of war, family, tradition, and home.  The main characters are an old man and his grandson who, when the book starts, are waiting for a ride.  What are they waiting for? Why are they waiting?  As Rahimi answers these questions, we learn something about generations of Afghan history and traditions.  It's well worth reading and you may want to watch the movie too!