Fascinating story. Very relevant to current events. I bought it on the recommendation of an acquaintance. I was not committed to this book when I bought it. In fact, I didn't expect to be interested enough to finish it. Great surprise -- it captured my attention early and kept me engaged to the end. One person can make a difference! ( )

A beautiful, enlightening, and enjoyable book. The descriptions can be dense at times, but they are not unpleasant in their depth. It is slow going, but once you resign yourself to the fact that this book will not be a two night read, you really begin to enjoy it. I found myself charmed by Dr. Greg and his world. The mission he embarks upon is admirable, and I found myself cheering for him the whole way. The argument for education is eloquent, and in fact educates the reader by giving him or her an intimate look at a culture we are apt to so easily vilify in today's environment. ( )

A few edtorial clunkers, but the story is gripping and Greg Mortenson is very inspiring. I hope he finds a way to make his work carry on long after he retires. ( )

This book was lent to me by my good friend who is a high school teacher. It tells the story of a climber in his thirties who sets out to climb K2, near Mount Everest, fails, and then finds himself in a remote village in Pakistan where the children are teaching themselves, writing in the sand, outside, in the elements, because they have no teacher and no school. He vows to come back and build them a school.The man didn't really know what he wanted to do with his life (even if he had a good job as a nurse) and found his calling with this project to build a school. He manages to raise money and build that school, fostering life-long relationships with that community, and then goes on to build school after school for remote villages in Pakistan (and later Afghanistan as well).The book struck a chord with me not because of Greg's work, but because of his lifestyle: his family consists of a husband with a passion who leaves for weeks (sometimes months) at a time, and a wife who supports him in this passion. They raise two children together and seem to have a happy life. Which just goes to show that suburbia, with both parents working 9-to-5 jobs, isn't the only way to live a happy life. I don't really want that to happen to us - a family member we know moved to the suburbs after getting married and is now expecting a first child. We jokingly said that's what would happen to us too. But I don't think it has to.Another aside in this book is the way Greg met his wife: chance meeting at a fundraising gala, they hit it off right away, talk all night, and the next morning decide to spend the rest of their lives together. They're that sure they've found the right match. They get married four days later, and as of the book's printing, were still married 15 years later.Who says you have to be conventional? ( )

Bush, E. (2009). [Book reviews]. Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 62(7), 291. Retrieved December 2, 2009, from Article Citation database.

Kopple, J. (2009). [Three Cups of Tea]. School Library Journal, 55(2), 123. Retrieved December 2, 2009, from Article Citation database. 

Though long at times and not particularly well written, this book is one that should be read - especially by those looking to better understand the war on terror or those who enjoy touching stories of hope. Mortensen's tale of adventure and anguish in Pakistan is a good story with a strong lesson on world peace. One of the best parts is the pictures which support the writing and the diverse experiences of Greg Mortenson. It took awhile to read through the entire story but it certainly made the whole situation seem closer to home. Likely this book gets readers thinking about 'what they can do', therefore it is inspiring in that way which earns it 4 stars out of 5. ( )

This book was one of the most boring books I have ever read. The only reason I read it was because my school required it. However, I am not generally interested in non-fiction reading so, I would recommend it to those who are.

Fascinating and heart warming tale of climber Greg Mortenson's attempts to build schools and educate some of the poorest communities in Pakistan and Afghanistan. A real insight into a difficult region and a reminder that at the heart of the stories of war are many normal people fighting to make life better for themselves and their families.

A great read. ( )

worst book i have ever read. was extremley boring and too long and detailed. this could have been a better book if it was less detailed amd had more action to it. i would not recomend this book to anyone and if i had to it would be to somone who is interested in boring stuff!!!! ( )

A story about what a lot of heart can accomplish with a little money... and how the results increase exponentially the more money you add to that equation. The most valuable thing I gleaned from Mortenson's tale was the way he bridged the gap of so many cultures and languages, to give people what THEY really wanted and not what some irrelevant government or charity decided they should want. I am grateful to Greg for representing America so much better than most of our presidents and other political/military leaders (not to mention the invasive multi-national corporations like McDonald's) manage to.

The book itself does drag a bit, I agree. The writer is clearly not the best in the business. He's a biographer attempting to be a poet, and he doesn't quite pull it off--way too much flowery detail that gets in the way of the story. But it's done well enough that I could get into it after the first few tortuous chapters. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about America's "War on Terror" and why it's not working. ( )

For being a person that does not read much non-fiction because I just don't usually enjoy it, I will tell you that this book gripped my heart and I'm sure it has earned a place in my memory as one of the most important books that I have ever read. I know there are many missionaries and organizations out there trying to help people in war-tattered and underdeveloped countries, but Mortenson's personal mission seemed to me to be the most unselfish and heartfelt account that I have heard in quite a long time.

It was purely accidental when Mortenson luckily stumbled into the Korphe village in Pakistan. Exhausted from physical exertion, the people in this village nursed Mortenson back to health. When he finally awakens from his slumber and starts to spend some time getting to know the villagers he learns that the children come last as far as governmental spending goes. His heart breaks from the knowledge that the children in this village will never have the opportunity of an education that is so easily given in America. This starts the beginning of his mission as he promises the Korphe leader, and his new friend, Haji Ali, that he will return to this village to build a school.

Mortenson didn't come from a family blessed with unlimited amounts of money and he worked very hard as a nurse to earn his way. He returned to the United States so he could work as much as possible to save money for the Korphe school. He lived in such a frugal manner that he even slept in his car some evenings. He found himself feeling guilty if he were to spend any of his money on himself rather than saving it for the school. Even after saving every penny that he is able to earn, he accepts the fact that it will just take too long for him to earn enough money to buy the materials for the school, so he starts to solicit funds from outside organizations. From his efforts he is able to share his vision with a few individuals that also see the importance of his cause so he is able to return to Pakistan sooner than he had originally expected.

The roadblocks that Mortenson endured along the way could have easily swayed the average person. I can only imagine how he felt when he returned to Korphe with the ability to build the school, only to learn that before they build the school they have to erect a bridge! I could feel his frustrations when he learned of this, knowing that his project was going to be postponed for probably a year. But he seemed to collect his emotions and resolve the matter by figuring out what they needed to do to build a bridge.

We learn a lot about the Balti culture and traditions from Mortenson's experience. Just conducting normal business was so different from the quick customer service that we receive here in the United States. Haji Ali taught him that it is just as important to build relationships as trying to accomplish daily tasks.

Once Mortenson was able to embrace this slow paced way of life, his efforts in the area thrived. Village leaders seeked out Mortenson hoping that he would want to build a school in their villages. Mortenson made it quite clear to the Pakistanis that he wasn't looking to change their way of life, but only provide the children with a balanced education.

Mortenson was building a school in Pakistan when the attack on the Twin Towers took place on 9/11. I can only imagine the danger he was in by being an American citizen in that land, but he had built strong relationships with people that were willing to put their lives on the line to protect him if necessary. Mortenson made a trip to Capitol Hill shortly after 9/11 to share the work that he has been doing and what he had learned about terrorism. Here is an excerpt from page 292 about what he shared with a congressman:
"I've learned that terror doesn't happen because some group of people somewhere like Pakistan or Afghanistan simply decide to hate us. It happens because children aren't being offered a bright enough future that they have a reason to choose life over death."

I think I could probably go on about this book all day long, as it really touched my heart in a way that I can't explain. Mortenson's work continues as he heads the Central Asia Institute that helps to build schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This story brought tears to my eyes as I think of how Morteson put his life on the line to help these children.

I read this book with my book club and we all were very inspired by it and I would definitely suggest this book for other book groups. We have been trying to think of a way that we might be able to help Mortenson with his mission so I will be sure to post an update once we make a final decision on that. I will end this review by saying this is the first non-fiction book that I have absolutely loved and I also want to thank Mr. Mortenson for his continuing and selfless work that he does for these children! ( )

Reviewed by Mr. Kome ( )

A beautiful story of one man's journey to bring education to young women and girls in Afghanistan. Through his own personal journey, the dedication to this cause saves him from a life without purpose. ( )

My 5 stars is more for the content: the compelling life story of Greg Mortensen and not so much for the writing of the book. I read some reviews that some readers didn't finish the book because of the writing didn't keep them stay with the book long enough to get hooked. But I encourage everyone who pick up the book to stick with it because this is one of those life changing book (or more attitude changing). Unbelievable story of Greg Mortenson's life building one school at a time at Pakistan and Afghanistan. As his website describe "the book that changed the way people think about changing the world: Peace Through Education" and I am completely persuaded by the book. Mortenson's co-founded organization, Central Asia Institute will be my destined charity for life. ( )

Excellent. Real story of Greg Mortenson's quest to build schools in remote Pakistan and Afghanistan. Follow him on https://www.ikat.org/ ( )

Genre Information
Reading age 11 to 14


Annotation:
An edited version of the author's best selling book of the same name, Three Cups of Tea takes its name from the Balti saying: The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger. The second time you take tea, you are an honoured guest. The third time you share a cup of tea, you become family…
It almost seems fated that Greg Mortenson would fail in his attempt to reach the peak of K2, become lost on the way down and end up in a village where he will meet the man whose family will nurse him back to health and Mortenson will vow to build a school in his village. From this came his involvement in the building of schools in Pakistani remote villages. Mortenson believes that education and literacy for girls globally is the most important investment all countries can make to create stability, bring socio-economic reform, decrease infant mortality, decrease the population explosion, and improve health, hygiene, and sanitation standards globally. (2006 Parade Magazine)
It is an uplifting read which draws the reader to the positive aspects of cultural differences and what can be learnt from others.

Information from Magpies

Motivating story about a man who was passionate about helping people. Saw a way to make a difference and by force of will - made it happen. If there were more Greg Mortenson's in the world - it would certainly be more trusting and peaceful. ( )

The details provided about this region of the world, the villages, the different peoples and cultures was the most rewarding aspect of this book. Chris Mortenson's story is engaging and makes you feel you should go out an volunteer... today. And we probably all should. It's also a story of career development as Mortenson sacrificed to follow his devotion to climbing and traveling, making the most of the "right" connections to make it possible for others (his connections in the region and the girls who attend the schools he has made possible) to develop their own careers as well. ( )

An amazing true story. It should be read by all politicians. Should also be read by all Americans. It shows what one passionate man can do with the help of other passionate people. Highly recommended. Imagine what could have been done if all the money spent on the war was spent on education! ( )

One man's mission to promote peace to educate girls by building schools in Pakistan

I had a hard time getting into this book at first. Fortunately, my librarian had said to stick with it anyway, so stick with it I did, and I am glad I did. As a "good read" goes, it's about 50/50. The beginning of the book was boring for me, but then by the halfway point, I was hooked. Greg Mortenson is some kind of hero, in my opinion. It's amazing what a little bit of compassion, integrity and gratitude will do.

By the way, the issue I have is not titled "Three Cups of Tea: One man's mission to fight terrorism..." but rather "one man's mission to promote peace ..." which I think better captures the reality of his mission. ( )

This is a very well-written book and an amazing story. I think many Americans could benefit from reading this as it contradicts so many widely held harmful stereotypes. The afterword notes that it is now required reading for senior US military commanders, Pentagon officers in counter-insurgency training, and Special Forces deploying to Afghanistan. ( )

I never could get into this book, so ultimately, I did not finish it. While I think Greg Mortenson is an amazing man, the story isn't written in a manner that peaks my interest enough to continue reading. In a nutshell, the book is rather boring. ( )

Greg Mortenson, the co-author of this book and head of the Central Asia Institute, tells his own story in Three Cups of Tea, and an informative and inspiring story it is. Mortenson began his life as the son of missionaries and grew up in Africa, eventually becoming a devoted mountain climber. When his beloved sister passed away he chose to honor her memory by attempting to climb K2, widely considered the most difficult climb in the world. The expedition encountered trouble and Mortenson was unable to summit, which left him wandering disconsolate and lost through the mountains of Pakistan. He found himself in the small mountain village of Korphe, where he was immediately accepted and cared for.

Because of his remarkable experiences in the mountains and villages of Pakistan in general, and Korphe in particular, Mortenson made a promise to return and build a school for the village's children who, until then, had been holding class in the open air with sticks and dirt in the place of pencil and paper. Mortenson turned out to be a man of his word, and has since built schools in Korphe, many other Pakistani villages, and several villages in Afghanistan. He is devoted to the concept of education, specifically for girls, and has not only built schools but has also provided the poorest people in the region with drinkable water, vocational schools, bridges, and scholarships to promising students.

This book is not only the story of a remarkable man who works to spread education, but is also a story of humanity, tolerance, and bravery. Mortenson has worked in the region throughout the conflicts ensuing from 9-11, faced fatwas, kidnappings, and death threats, and argues very persuasively that education is, or should be, the West's first and best weapon in the fight against terrorism and extremism. The book is full of interesting and insightful information about the Middle East and its people, and readers will undoubtedly close the book feeling not only more hopeful about the fate of humanity, but also more informed about a region that has been so tied to our own. ( )

An important book to read and to keep. Every person should read it - especially girls growing up in America. ( )