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.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Would have been a great article:
This is a tale about a remarkable man - unfortunately it is not very well written. Even tho the action takes place in different towns, it is basically the same story over and over. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in building schools for the poor in Pakistan and also as an aid to sleeplessness.
3 and a half stars:
The story itself was quite amazing but I found it difficult to read at times. I think it could have been much shorter... I could not keep all of the people straight about halfway through the book. It must have been difficult to write this book with so many stories to tell but it bordered on boring and tedious at times. It would pick up for a while and then I'd be bleary-eyed again a few pages later. I really liked the beginning of the story and felt connected to his mission and promise but then I... more info
No wonder it unanimously gets 5 stars:
Truly one of the most inspirational books I have read in awhile. The beginning of this book is a little slow, focusing on Greg Mortenson's climbing expeditions that eventually leads him to find the people of Korphe, and promising them a school. After coming back to the states and scrounging up funds from philanthropists, Mortenson goes back and builds many schools in various regions through Pakistan/Afghanistan/Waziristan. And the story of his determination and the struggles he goes through are... more info
a timely read in this global community:
After reading this book, I purchased 10 more and passed them to friends upon the condition that they pass it on as well. When considering bringing destruction in another country, it would be important to be able to look the citizens of that nation in the eye. This book may be the closest any of us come to doing that in Afghanistan. It is about compassion, respect for differences, autonomy, and ultimately a passion for learning innate in all children. It is a fascinating and necessary read. Mortensen's drive... more info
