Product Description: The astonishing, uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his humanitarian campaign to use education to combat terrorism in the Taliban’s backyard
Anyone who despairs of the individual’s power to change lives has to read the story of Greg Mortenson, a homeless mountaineer who, following a 1993 climb of Pakistan’s treacherous K2, was inspired by a chance encounter with impoverished mountain villagers and promised to build them a school. Over the next decade he built fifty-five schools—especially for girls—that offer a balanced education in one of the most isolated and dangerous regions on earth. As it chronicles Mortenson’s quest, which has brought him into conflict with both enraged Islamists and uncomprehending Americans, Three Cups of Tea combines adventure with a celebration of the humanitarian spirit.
An admirable accomplishment; a bad book Yes, Greg Mortenson has an admirable mission. The Central Asia Institute is wonderful and lovely and education for impoverished children is an important and worthy cause. All the more reason that Mr Mortenson's story should be told well, don't you agree?
I would remind all the reviewers who gush about this book that this page is for reviewing the book 'Three Cups of Tea', not the organization for whose benefit it was written. And while there are few of us who would give Mr Mortenson and the Institute anything but 5 stars, 'Three Cups of Tea', sadly, does not measure up as a novel. Oops, I mean as a work of serious non-fiction. An honest mistake, when at every overworked phrasing, lurid description, infelicitous punctuation, or unashamed idolization of Mr Mortenson I wondered whether I was reading a professional, journalistic account or a very long fan-fiction. A book such as this, or, indeed, any book, cannot stand on the merits of the cause it champions; it must needs be worth reading in itself, or it does a disservice to that very cause.
A must read that is to be shared with family and friends The story of what a dedicated individual with sound ideas and beliefs can accomplish by staying free of government influence and funding, told to the reader in compelling prose. Greg Mortenson's story is changing the hearts and minds of people all around the globe.
If you did't know anything about Pakistan and it's people, you will now. Besides the extremely informative narration about some local events building up to 9/11 and after within Pakistan and Afghanistan, this is a great read on a subject I wouldn't have normally picked up off of a book stand. (I read it for my book club.) It makes the story of the people in this neglected area very personal and meaningful as seen through the eyes of a Westerner who was not afraid to get involved. If you're American and don't read this book, you will be missing something great.
fabulous One of the best and most timely books I've ever read. Besides being a good read, I learned so much about the Middle East. I am 70 years old and my 16 year old grandson loved the book as much as I did. He's a mountain climber!!
Grassroots versus terrorism What a great book. To really enhance and visualize the terrain watch the Planet Earth session on mountains. An uplifting example of a grassroots movement that can make a terrific impact and the power and dedication of one person. A wonderful read, and a cause to get behind. I've since bought 5 more copies for friends. No wonder it has been on the #1 stop in the NY Times for so long!!!
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