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I just finished Three Cups of Tea and felt inspired to write this review. Brief synopsis: Greg Mortenson, former climber of the world's highest peaks, becomes impassioned about helping the remote villages of Pakistan and Afghanistan build schools, educating both girls and boys in these Muslim countries. He is clueless at first on how to gain financial support but eventually learns. He builds first one school, then goes on to build others in a countries cannot get their resources martialled to support education. The reason I rated this book "good" rather than "excellent" is because I personally found it longer than it needed to be. The first half truly had me spellbound, but as the ending dragged along, I got impatient. Still, despite this problem (and maybe it's just me. . . ) this nonfiction tale truly offers a number of inspiring lessons. A western man who is open to the native culture can be accepted in Pakistan and make a difference. Here's a stupid thing to say, but it is a theme of this book: Despite widespread perceptions that Pakistan is full of Islamic radicals bent on destroying the West, most are just people like you and I, wanting to do the best for their families and especially their children. Education for these people is something they cannot take for granted, and because of that they cherish it all the more than many in the West. Thank you Greg Mortenson! I will be supporting the Central Asia Institute in hopes that they can continue to expand educational opportunities for children in South Asia.Read full review
This is a must-read for anyone who is either interested in making a difference in the world, or just loves a gripping adventure story. Greg Mortensen, a lifelong mountain climber and experienced traveler, set out to climb K2, the second-highest, and arguably most difficult mountain in the world. Mid-way up the mountain, his focus quickly changed from climbing K2 to helping save the life and evacuate a fellow climber who was rapidly deteriorating. On the way down the mountain after his friend was airlifted to safety, he happened upon a tiny village nestled high in the mountains perched on a cliff. He was offered three cups of tea, and incredible hospitality from this humble village, who struggled even to survive. The children of this village had only one teacher who traveled many miles traversing rugged mountain terrain each week just to spend a couple of days a week teaching with no school building or supplies. It was then that Mortensen became determined to raise funds and build this and other similar villages schools. This is the backdrop in which this incredible story takes place. The book is very-well written in gripping, compelling prose that paints a vivid picture of not only the amazing landscapes, but also the people, cultures, and human struggles they faced. Add "Three Cups of Tea" to your must-read list today!Read full review
This easy reading book shows how one person can truly make a difference in the world, while at the same time it shows the kind of dedication and passion that THIS person has to the new life he found waiting for him. It also shows the tremendous unselfishness and hospitality toward others that the back country Pakistanis gave to this man. What an incredible testimony to the power of people from different cultures uniting toward a goal. I finished the book realizing that it holds the key to America's success - which we've seen demonstrated over our earlier history - and how today we have become lost in a morass of ideology and "campaigns" and military strategies. Greg Mortenson's direct approach to providing education, especially to females, IS the key to restoring America's security in Pakistan, Afghanistan and the world. For educated people - especially those who bear children and wish to give them hope in that next generation - will overcome the tyranny of those who twist muslim beliefs for their own purposes, and those who hold their people back from achieving their own potential. His book will convince you. This book is excellent preparation for understanding what's going on in Pakistan and Afganistan. You simply must read it.Read full review
A very helpful story about what individuals (and NGOs) can do to undergird the growth of another country's educational infrastructure. Greg Mortenson has energy and commitment that we could wish we all had. One person can do a lot more than a treaty or government action--and has a wonderful place in uniting our fractured world. We still need all approaches--diplomatic, treaty and personal touches. Bombing is not the way. When Americans bomb villages that I now feel I know and love, it causes me pain. Not everyone can do what Greg does and he has a wonderful family who support him and see the bigger purpose of a dedicated life. We must use all approaches to really love people we don't know much about. Thanks for such a book. Barbara Libby
Asalaamu alaikum, or peace to you.. I really appreciate the efforts of Greg Mortenson and his organization, and hope that this note finds him and his family in good health and prosperity. May God keep him and those who do this good work safe from harm. I appreciate all who read this book and learn that religions are basically a form of belief and value system but can be dangerous if taken out of context and practiced in an extreme manner. This happens in all religions, not just Islam. Education is an important tool in eradicating the ignorance bred by illiteracy: I have seen seeds of what ignorance can do even here in America. And it is not practiced in a mosque. We need to ignore the elements of extremism in this country as well. Daily on talk radio and some religious programs intolerance hate and paranoia are preached from pulpits and on the airwaves. Fear breeds ignorance, seek knowledge of facts, and learn. Please support Gregs efforts to educate those in poverty and strive to stifle the extreme elements here are well. Read this book and pass it on. You wont regret it.Read full review
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