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.
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 Horrible writing style - a good story badly told by a fan ( sudiptokanti )
It is probably a wonderful story but difficult to get to it thru the minutia that dominates the paragraphs of this book - and in a short while I'll get to the 'probably' part.
Relin starts with the mention of a list Greg gave him, consisting of all the people who are the 'enemies' and asked Relin to talk to them - probably the book has been written prematurely, before talking to these 'enemies', we never got to hear what they had to say abot Greg or his mission. Not only has Greg Mortenson been painted in a saintly color, so has all who are on his side, it doesn't matter if they are Taliban fighters (in theory, he claims!) or taxi drivers. And of course, because Pakistani military is on their side, Relin talks in length and gruelling detail about the civilians killed by shellings from Indian side; no thought or space in this book has been given to the civilians killed on the other side of the border - he sure succeeds in making Indian army look like a monster. However, I thoroughly appreciate the fact that Relin made it crystal clear right in the beginning that he's going to be taking sides.
Now about the 'probably' part... I'm sure Greg Mortenson did a great deal of good for the poor and war-ravaged of Pakistan and Afghanistan, though reading through the details of how he went about building the schools, you'll feel he was giving them as presents to people close to him or beneficial to him - one for the taxi driver, one for Apo, one for the porter who saved his life, and why not throw in another one for his bodyguard! How about just giving some scholarships for the daughters of people near and dear to him - oh, definitely they are one of the brightest students of their class - but also remember that Relin is taking sides! Even Relin's leviathan efforts could not make Mortenson look disciplined, he just gives up on the issue of punctuality (you just can't blame all of this on Africa!) but cutting through the smoke layers you'd probably see why the board members of CAI had tough time working with Greg. Greg, who thinks keeping records of how other people's money is being spent is waste of time to satisfy the 'finicky' accountants; if you are running a charity you have to shoulder some extra responsibility, you can't just treat it as a hobby (very noble hobby at that, I must say; and also fraught with personal peril) financed by donations! If advancement of the poor in the poorest countries is of utmost importance, what's wrong with creating dozens of mini-Gregs as CAIs directors intended - what's the point in making this a personal franchise if I may ask? All in all, I would love to see and hear about Greg and his deeds from a different viewpoint, from somebody who does not prefess to be a fan of his, somebody who can leave out the details about feasts at the foothills of K-range or sleeping in the smoke-filled hallways in this country.
Q - is this propaganda for gearing up for Nobel Peace prize?
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 There is a reason why this book caught on ( fccbookstore )
I heard about this book from several different friends and acquaintances. They all gave it glowing praise and said it was a "must read." I finally found time to pick it up and they were right. So right, in fact, that I promptly ordered two more copies for family members.
It's that kind of book. A heartwarming, though at times frustrating, account of what one person can do to heal some of the craziness going on in today's world. Truly inspirational. BUT. . . The account of Greg Mortenson's efforts, bumbles, fumbles, and outright mistakes and miscalculations makes it clear that his enterprise could have gone way off the tracks many times -- it is a wonder he ever pulled it off.
The story is well and competently written thanks to his co-author David Relin.
I am glad I read the book, am pleased to recommend it highly, and encourage everyone to read it, think about its message, and contribute to the work the Greg Mortenson is doing.
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 Everyone needs to read this
If you are frustrated with the current state of world affairs, particularly America's role in them, read this wonderful book. Greg Mortensen is not a Superman, just a guy willing to take personal risks to bring education to children (especially girls) in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Nevertheless, he is doing Super work, and asking for nothing more than donations to build even more schools. His work shows how we need to be in a war of ideas, not one of weapons. But this is not a preachy book - it is actually pretty exciting and very moving.
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This book touched my soul ! ( mary_petit )
I bought this book for my grown daughter because we are both tea lovers. I thought the storyline would incorporate tea drinking ceremonies with a worthwhile project in a remote part of the world. I never imagined what was in store for us. I became completely engrossed in Greg's mission, humbled by what I was reading, embarrassed that I had not heard of or read about this mission before, and became very emotional. When 9/11 hit, I was angry that our world was changing, that there was so much hate and ignorance, and that my future grandchildren would be growing up in a world of terror. Education has always been emphasized in my family as I am sure it is in many families. But Greg took this giant leap. We ALL need to take this giant leap. This is the best book I have ever read. It touched my soul. Read it and do something, anything, to make a difference in this world.
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Three Cups of Tea ( johnkehoe2 )
Terrific, inspiring, insightful, exciting, book. We need more Greg Mortensons, or we have to become more like him.
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