Product Description The astonishing, uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his humanitarian campaign to use education to combat terrorism in the Talibans backyard
Anyone who despairs of the individuals power to change lives has to read the story of Greg Mortenson, a homeless mountaineer who, following a 1993 climb of Pakistans 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 schoolsespecially for girlsthat offer a balanced education in one of the most isolated and dangerous regions on earth. As it chronicles Mortensons 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.
fabulousAugust 28, 2008 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
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 terrorismAugust 28, 2008 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
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!!!
Unexpected emotional momentsAugust 27, 2008 2 out of 3 found this review helpful
I heard much about this book; many have written reviews about this book. I expected a heroic story about white man goes to brown country, sees horrible plight, saves brown people. It is about the journey of Greg Mortenson - but in his journey you "see" the people of Pakistan (and little of Afghanistan.) And yes, you also see Greg's personal struggles to understand and navigate cultures so different than his own.
What surprised me was how I choked when reading about the death of a key donor. I realized there are many journeys in this book, many different people I felt connected to, many transformations. I didn't expect it from a non-fiction book.
What stayed with me: Feed the creative minds of women and cultures will change.
The end of the book resonates -- we Americans must live up our ideals as an democratic, empathetic nation -- and stop fueling the anger of the Muslim world. Books not bombs.
Please remember to vote in this critical election year.
this is a must read!August 27, 2008 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
this is one of the most inspiring books i have ever read. greg mortenson's journey and bridge building is a life lesson. it is a great gift to others. this man should be given the nobel peace prize.
AmazingAugust 26, 2008 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
One of the best books I have ever read. Inspiring, amazing and perhaps the most motivational story I have heard.
