Shooting Kabul

For my Pukhtun and a half, Farid and Zakaria

I'd like to thank all the people without whose guidance and support this book would not be a reality. First, my elementary school librarians, Carolyn Hackworth and Becky Murray, who taught me the mysteries of the Dewey decimal system and instilled a passion for the written word. To the teachers at Jubail Academy, who always told me I could be whatever I wanted, especially Jo Cochran, who sparked the desire to string words into stories in her Novel Writing Club—your encouragement was the spark every student needs. Also,
gracias
to Dan Yurkovich, whose photo club taught me all about enlargers and zoom lenses. Thanks to my critique partners, Doug Marshall and Alexis Whaley, who whipped my manuscript into shape and cheered me on. Much gratitude and appreciation to Michael Bourret, my astute and savvy agent at Dystel and Goderich Literary Agency, and the über-talented team at Simon &Schuster, orchestrated by my clever and insightful editor, Alexandra Penfold. Much admiration to Yan Nascimbene, who distilled the essence of
Shooting Kabul
within his extraordinary artwork. And last but not least, to my parents, Mon, and sisters—Shahla and Farah—and my inspiring and rambunctious nieces and nephews, Omar, Hasan, Noor, Mariam, and Ali.

Getaway

Lost

Asylum

Arrival

Reunion

Paradise

Brookhaven

Spotted

Colors

Stowaway

Failure