Customer Reviews:
 3 cups of tea December 28, 2008
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
Best informative book on this section of the world. Makes one realize why we need to get to the women in this area if we ever want true peace. This proves men sure make a mess of government and continue stupid social mores.
Education Moves Mountains December 28, 2008
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
This inspiring true story offers proof that one person really can make a difference. In 1993, after an attempt to climb K2 ended in a harrowing failure, mountaineer Greg Mortenson stumbled into the impoverished Pakistani village of Korphe. Deeply moved by the kindness of the Shia villagers who nursed him back to health, Mortenson made a promise that would change the course of his life. He decided to build them a school. Over the next decade, Mortenson's Central Asia Institute would establish not just one school, but more than fifty, along with women's vocational centers, water projects, scholarships for higher education, and aid for refugees and displaced persons. In the process, he forged lasting friendships with the Pakistanis and Afghans he met along the way.
"Three Cups of Tea" shines for several reasons. On one hand, Mortenson's story is an inspiration to anyone who wonders whether it's possible to have a real impact on the lives of others. Mortenson perseveres in spite of great obstacles, whether lack of funds, hate directed at him from extremist mullahs and fellow Americans, or his own exhaustion and doubt. The book also paints an engaging picture of life in rural Pakistan, and between the treacherous terrain and the conflicts along both borders, there are many hair-raising moments.
Mortenson makes it clear that he did not set out in Pakistan (and, later, Afghanistan) to fight terrorism. His aim has always been to provide educational opportunities to destitute children neglected by their own government. This, in itself, is a noble cause, but his work accomplishes far more. Throughout Pakistan, Saudi-funded madrassas impart the extremist ideology of Wahhabism to children with few options in life. By providing an education divorced of extremist indoctrination--but one that also does not seek to impose Christianity or American culture--the CAI is countering one of the root causes of terrorism. Further, for the Muslims he befriends, Mortenson provides a face of America that is compassionate and righteous. Their genuine grief when they hear of the 9/11 attacks shows that the respect and love they feel toward Mortenson extends to his country as well.
In a region where girls' education is often viewed as extraneous, undesirable, or even religiously forbidden, Mortenson makes it a priority to extend opportunities to girls and women. Although one might think this idea would meet resistance, the villagers are very much on board, especially when they realize the extent to which it benefits the community. For one thing, since women are responsible for caring for the children, their increased awareness of health and hygiene provides a buffer against disease and child mortality. Meanwhile, whereas educated men are likely to leave the village, women typically remain behind to share their knowledge.
This extraordinary story is a must-read that, I hope, will change the way we look at this troubled yet beautiful region. For more information, I recommend the website www.threecupsoftea.com.
 Why so long? December 27, 2008
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
I appreciate Mortenson's selfless quest to make the world a better place, and Relin presents us with many reasons to admire Mortenson as a hero.
At the same time, this book is too long by half. I was forced to skim. Other reviewers have disparaged Relin's poetic descriptions, but I find them amusing diversions from otherwise boring swaths of incidental material.
Read the beginning and ending quarters of the book; skim the center half and pass it on to someone who needs news of some good being done in our bleak world today.
Three Cups of Tea- worth every ounce of understanding December 26, 2008
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
If you want to better understand the region, reading Three Cups of Tea is a great way to get started. It is a thoughtful, well written account of what life is like in this remote region of Pakistan.
The story is still happening! December 26, 2008
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
Greg Mortenson has undertaken an adventure which is leading him up mountains, across deserts, through valleys, and into homes and human relationships that dramatically change lives, including his own, possibly even the reader's. This book is not only adventure but love story, "how to" manual (want to build a bridge over a ravine?), geography lesson, and political insight. We've gifted so far 15 copies and we eagerly await the comments of "our" readers.
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