Khaled Hosseini October 17, 2008

Khaled Hosseini, a refugee from Afghanistan who now lives in the Bay Area, rocketed to literary fame in 2003 with the publication of his first novel, 'The Kite Runner.' The best-selling book is an epic tale of fathers, sons, friendship and betrayal that author Isabel Allende calls "a wonderful work...one of those unforgettable stories that stay with you for years." The book is a genuine grass-roots phenomenon -- without national publicity or Oprah's endorsement, it became a huge hit thanks to passionate readers and booksellers.