Editorial Reviews:
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.
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Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 2276
 A mind opener! March 9, 2010
Margaret M. Peacock (Cataract, WI)
This book should be required reading in all high schools-and by all Americans! What a mind opener!
I'm glad I bought this book. March 9, 2010
D. Rudolph (Amarillo, Texas USA)
When considering this book (based on its mention in a magazine article), I read a review that was somewhat negative and implied that the book was poorly written. I almost did not buy the book. I have only just begun to read it and can already tell that it will be hard to put down. The descriptions of the foreign lands (Tanzania and Pakistan so far) are vivid, with just enough everyday detail so the reader feels present with the author. It is hard to imagine living in a culture so different from what is familiar. Mortenson's culture shock occurred when he came to school in Minnesota at age 14. This book reads quickly even though it is generously sprinkled with names and locations that are hard to pronounce. It appears to be an inspirational book, though perhaps not a motivational one. At least, so far, I am not signing on to work in one of these exotic places.
 Don't waste your time! March 7, 2010
Patricia Sendall (Nashua, NH USA)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is the most self-indulgent book I've ever read. I absolutely suffered through it. Please don't waste your time or money on this book. Mortenson, one of the co-authors, refers to himself in the third person through-out the book. He gives himself high praise and accolades for what he has done (which is indeed wonderful). At one point he even quotes someone else as saying he will get the Nobel Peace Prize! This guy is beyond full of himself. He uses the word "peace" in the title as a hook. In a nutshell: the guy fails to make it to the summit of K2, gets lost, stumbles upon a poor village, starts a foundation, builds schools in Pakistan. Done. Now go find yourself a truly good book to read by someone who isn't so full of himself.
Incredible task and wonderful accomplishment March 7, 2010
Javier Pulgar-Vidal (Canada)
Greg is an honest man and fully commited with his promises. I admire him for not wasting the money given by Jean Hoerni at the beginning of his quest and specially for his capacity of understanding and respecting different cultures. He reminds me so much the initial spirit and state of mind of USAID in the early sixties, when it was called by President Kennedy, Alliance for the Progress, and Third World Countries were fully considered as partners of the almighthy North American country.
After reading this book I am wondering how many languages and dialects he has learned in Pakistan and Afghanistan? I met so many so-called experts on International Development who never bother to learn key words and phrases in local languages spoken in the areas where they were working! In contrast, one of the key elements of success for Greg is his willingness to listen and learn from locals before trying to teach and transfer foreign technologies. In this respect, the lesson given by his mentor in Korphe is an excellent example and Greg deserves all our admiration for humblely acknowledging this in Three Cups of Tea.
Our World would be a much better place if we had more people like him!
Loved it March 7, 2010
mush (Rodanthe, NC)
this was an eye opening story... went out and bought a world map just to expand my mind a bit more in relation to the area in general, as i was a bit lacking in info. i would recommend to anybody
Showing reviews 1-5 of 2276
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