Kite Runner: More than halfway through

So far, I have been enjoying Kite Runner and I must say, I was right to say it is quite intense. Now, I'm not sure if I want to see the movie because of some of the most poignant scenes I know have include. It's tough to read and will be even harder to watch.
I've gotten a bit upset at myself for not knowing enough about world history, specifically that of the Middle East. Obviously, what is going on in the book right now is related to the war and what is currently going on in the Middle East with Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Sunni and Shiats, (sorry for any misspellings). But like any child of history, I want to learn more and I want to know why. Growing up, my family and I lived in a very diverse apartment complex. My father frequently got mistaken for an Iraqi and had to convince other Iraqi and Iranians that he was in fact Mexican. Over those 5 years living at the apartments I came across thee Iraqi families, one Iranian and an Egyptian, so some of the language in the book is surprisingly familiar. Many families used to speak of the wealth they had and about having escaped. I was too young then, 5-9 years old, to really understand what they spoke of. Now reading this book, I realized their story is just one of many Middle Eastern families that immigrated to the US, reduced to gas attendants or quickie mart store owners. Huge generalizations, yes, I know, but all these memories are flooding back into my thoughts with a new layer of understanding and a re-newed want for learning about a history that is not my own.
And as for running? Well, I haven't started up yet, but I plan on running the 5k on Halloween with my nephew.