THREE CUPS OF TEA

Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

MSRP $16, 349 Pages.

Published by Penguin.

A former climber builds schools in villages in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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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Customer Reviews

A completely inspiring book that is also a very, very good read

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One person can make a profound difference in the lives of other. Mortenson's nearest spiritual kin is Mother Theresa and all the unsung missionaries overseas who have improved countless lives through selfless action. Why Mortenson hasn't been awarded the Nobel Peace prize is beyond me. Not only is this a completely inspiring book, it is also a very good read.

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unexpectedly great, read it in three days

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I expected to find the book to be heartwarming, inspiring and even interesting. What I didn't expect, was a story that was also entertaining to read. So many times I get stuck half way through a non fiction book because there's no plot to pull it along. This book held my attention and I read it over a 3 day weekend.

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Required Reading

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This book gives you understanding as to how politics and religion works in Afganistan and Packistan. It lets you know how the children are deprived of education and the escentials that we in this country take foregranted. It tells you about a person who is doing more for these people with very little in comparison to the Billions of dollars this country is wasting in that part of the world.

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Must read for those who want to understand the local culture!

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This is a great story about a man who's journey takes him to the doorstep of needy children. Greg truly finds his calling in life doing things that few of us could possibly have the resolve to do on a day to day basis. What an amazing man, and an even more amazing effort! If you truly want to understand what some of the people over in Afghanistan are like, read this book! It dispels some of the myths that have inundated our culture about Islam. Not all Muslims are bad. Just like with any group of people, you have those that ruin it for everyone else. Problem being that only the bad ones get attention from the media for their radical behavior. This book will give you insight into a man that has direct dealings with a culture that is much more basic and simplistic than what we are used to. It is required reading for the top brass in Afghanistan, and there is good reason for it! Do yourself a favor and get your hands on this book, even if it is just from the local library!

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Life-changing inspiration

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Sadly, there are a small percentage of people reviewing this book who are simply cynical and mean-spirited. The message of this book is not about Greg Mortenson, it is about what one person can do when they put their mind to it. I've never been so hopeful and inpsired by one person's persistence. What he is doing is selfless and amazing and you cannot help but want to get involved. I will recommend this book to ALL my friends and family! I think everyone should be informed of this story and the work that's being done to help so many children. This book is also an excellent page-turner! It read like a movie and kept me on my toes of what was to come next.
At the very least, you will get an up-close and personal look at what life is really like in Pakistan and at the most you will be inspired to commit some works of kindness yourself!

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