Three Cups Of Tea (Young Readers Edition): One Man's Journey to Change the World... One Child at a Time

by Sarah L. Thomson, Greg Mortenson

This young listeners edition of the worldwide best seller Three Cups of Tea has been specially adapted for younger listeners and updated by Greg Mortenson to bring his remarkable story of humanitarianism up to date for the present.

Genres: Nonfiction, Book Club, Memoir, Autobiography, True Story, Travel, Childrens

240 pages, Library Binding

Published January 22, 2009

About the author

Sarah L. Thomson has written over thirty books for young readers, including poetry, prose, fiction and nonfiction. Her recent books include Cub's BIG World, which School Library Journal called “a big must-have" and Deadly Flowers: A Ninja's Tale, which Booklist called “genuinely thrilling." She lives in Portland, Maine.

Reviews

[Serena.. Sery-ously? · Rating 2 out of 5]

Premettendo che una stellina è per le scuole che Mortenson ha costruito nonostante tutto, non ho potuto apprezzare il libro perché:
a) Greg Mortenson è un farabutto
b) l'edizione che ho comprato ("Questa copertina è più bella, scelgo questa!") è l'edizione ridottissima, a mo' di favoletta per 'giovani lettori': my bad, perché è riportato il bollino in bella vista sulla copertina, ma io dormo, il libro costava 90 centesimi e quindi ciaone :D

Ecco, dunque.. Prontissima a prendermi la colpa per la b), ma credo sarei riuscita a soprassedere alla cosa se non avessi - per purissimo caso - fatto qualche ricerca durante la lettura. C'è un bell'articolo del Washington Post che riassume un po' la vicenda.. Se volete leggerlo lo trovate QUI; il succo della storia è che Mortenson non solo si è inventato metà delle cose che ha scritto, come ad esempio l'incipit della storia, ovvero l'essersi perso sul K2 ed essere arrivato al villaggio di Korphe (e la considero una bugia 'bianca', accettabile ai fini del racconto) fino ad arrivare alla scena in cui GREG VIENE RAPITO OTTO GIORNI DAI TALEBANI E POI LASCIATO COME SE NULLA FOSSE AL GRIDO "Vabbé fraté, era uno scherzo.. In gamba eh! (bugia decisamente meno bianca e anzi dannosa.. Cioè, ragazzi, io ho visto in un video il povero cristo che l'ha OSPITATO.. Ma puoi dare del terrorista alla gente così random??).. Insomma, non solo ha inventato di sana pianta la sua storia.. Ma si è anche intascato un SACCO di soldi della sua associazione, molte scuole che dice di aver costruito sono diroccate o mezze vuote o addirittura sono state costruite da altri.. Insomma, un farabutto.
Io dopo aver appreso queste cose non sono riuscita a leggere il libro con serenità e imparzialità e mi è sembrato una grande presa per i fondelli..
Che amarezza, lucrare sui bambini poverissimi e analfabeti del Pakistan e Afghanistan, sono disgustata!!!!

[Forgetfulone · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm having a difficult time getting through this one. I'm about 1/4 through. Everyone says, "Oh that is such a good book!" I'm just not feeling it, though.

Update - I'm finally finished, and I didn't think it was a great book. I have mixed feelings about the work Mortenson is doing in the middle east, and I believe there is a lot of self-promotion on his part. He has another book out. After looking at it, particularly the pictures included, I believe it shows just how much of a "personality" he's become. So, I question his motives. He wasn't able to climb the mountain. How does that turn into building schools for girls and boys in Pakistan? To me, it doesn't seem to have anything at all to do with promoting peace (the premise of his new book). It was about him. In the beginning, he never mentioned that educating kids was a way to promote peace. That came about at the suggestion of a Parade Magazine writer. He has capitalized on that.

Why does someone put their own family at risk? Why does someone adopt the customs of a completely different culture? Why not help people you know? I believe his motivation was completely personal, to the point of being obsessive and self-serving. I don't think altruism has a lot to do with it. I think it's about the awards, accolades, and esteem he gets.

Aside from that, the writing was not particularly well done. I got bored at several points, and I believe there are certain things that weren't explained well. And I have to wonder how he remembered such tiny details, or if he embellished them.

So, I read the book so that I could say I had. I just have to disagree with anyone who thinks it's such a wonderful book.

[Zayn Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson

"With the first cup of tea, you are a stranger, with the second cup of tea you are a friend, and with the third cup of tea you are family." - Haji Ali

In the inspiring book of Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson, is about one man's journey to making a difference one child at a time. Greg Mortenson is a mountain climber and works as an emergency room nurse. Greg was climbing the second tallest mountain in the world, K2 in Pakistan in honor of his sister Christa. But when one of his fellow climbers falls ill, Greg and his friend climb back down the mountain to save their friend. They try to climb back up but they get lost along the way. Instead of going south back down the mountain they end up going north back up the mountain. When they meet Mouzafer, a porter that will help them guide them back down the mountain, Greg gets lost again and is once again saved by Mouzafer. But once Greg has reached the base camp, there is a fork in the road one leading to the city which will take him directly back to the airpport. But Greg chooses the wrong road and ends up in a village called Korphe. He is greeted by the chief of the village, Haji Ali. Greg meets most of the children there and he asks Haji Ali, where the kids get an education. Haji Ali guides them to the place where the learning takes place. There are only four girls within the forty-five boys in the classroom. The teacher only shows up three times a week for an hour a day. Greg is horrified by the education these children are getting so he makes a promise, " I will build you a school." This man changes the life of many children with the help of Greg Mortenson.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. A while ago I tried to read the "adult" version, and just didn't make it through. This book would be great to read and discuss with a group of kids learning about the middle east, or even about current events. Mortenson's passion and his honest account (even about his own stupidity or poor planning) make for an earnest and informative book. It definitely makes the point that there is truly nothing like a good education, and that somewhere, priorities have gotten out of whack.
This might be a difficult read for elementary schoolers, but I could see reading sections aloud and there is a Q&A in the back of the book with Mortenson's daughter which would make for some great discussion. The topic and the reading level seem more appropriate for middle schoolers, and I would think that the content would be widely appealing - mountain climbing, helping others, kidnapping and danger, and kids in school.
Terrorism and 9/11 do come up. Some criticism of U.S. decisions.

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of hope yet sadness too. It is hard to believe that in the 21st Century girls ANYWHERE do not have a school building available to them in which they can learn. Greg Mortenson discovered this dilemma and is doing something to eliminate it by building schools in remote villages in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Greg is the ultimate teacher - one who provides the ENVIRONMENT in which to learn. His students have shown their appreciation by finishing their studies and becoming contributive members to their society.

I know there is a lot of controversy about the veracity of this book and use of Central Asia Institute funds. That does not make the book any less uplifting and meaningful to me.

[Euisry Noor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memang inspiratif... Dedikasinya terhadap pendidikan sungguh mengagumkan. Buku ini memberitahu dan mengingatkan kita bahwa di luar sana ada juga insan-insan yang benar-benar bergerak... berkarya dalam rangka menyembuhkan dunia. To heal the world... and make it the better place...

Dan bagaimana dengan kita?

[Booksandnici]

Sehnsucht nach Liebe.

[Juan Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Three Cups of Tea while living in Mexico made the book hit especially hard. Here, some politicians like to say we should “tackle the causes” of violence, not just fight it—but in practice that often means handouts, promises and little real investment in education.

Greg Mortenson shows what it actually looks like to address root causes. He describes his work building hundreds of schools in remote areas of Pakistan, with a strong focus on educating girls. His basic idea is powerful: when children have books, teachers and real opportunities, it’s much harder for terrorism and extremism to recruit them. Education doesn’t magically erase fanaticism, but it raises the cost of sacrificing your life for an abstract promise of paradise.

The question that stayed with me is whether this same approach would work against drug-related violence, where the driving forces are power and money rather than religious ideology. Education can open the door to a different life… but it can also be used to run “better” criminal businesses. There are no easy answers here, and I appreciated that the book pushed me to think about them.

Despite my doubts about applying the model to other contexts, I found this an inspiring and necessary read. It shows how one person’s long-term commitment to schools, teachers and children can transform entire communities. For that, five stars without hesitation.

[Aster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Cups of Tea is a very moving memoir. It follows the path of Greg Mortenson, who was inspired by the generosity of a Pakistani village after his failed attempt at climbing K2. He then became dedicated to building schools for children in villages unable to afford one.

After Greg failed to climb K2 in the honor of his sister, Christa, he decides that building schools for villages would be a much better way to honor her life. He also believes that if many of these children were given a chance at a good education, especially the women and girls, the world would benefit from more bright minds helping solve the world’s issues.

Although many people view Pakistan as a country of terrorism, Mortenson knows that isn’t true. He believes that by giving as many children as possible a good education, then he can hopefully change people’s views about Pakistan.

I believe this book is very educational and an essential read. It touches upon many subjects, such as how a small act of kindness, like offering a stranger your bed and tea, can go a long way.

[Stacie Zamora · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75*

[Ali Mcdonnell · Rating 2 out of 5]

too much detail

[Rino Ferdian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oktober 1994, Taliban, kelompok yang dianggap menyuarakan islam radikal, mengkampanyekan pergerakan mereka dan mulai menyerang kompleks Persatuan Bangsa-Bangsa di Afghanistan. Tiga tahun setelahnya berlanjut dengan perang antara Afghanistan dan Pakistan sehingga memunculkan konflik terutama di daerah perbatasan antara Pakistan dan Afghanistan. Berlanjut lagi ke tragedi 11 September 2001 yang memicu konfilk lebih besar lagi antara Amerika dan Afghanistan. Bertahun-tahun. Beribu korban. Desingan senjata dimana-mana. Yang terpikir hanyalah bagaimana menyelamatkan nyawa diri sendiri dan keluarga.

Di tengah-tengah masa suram itu, Greg Mortenson tersesat dan hampir menjemput maut dalam perjalanan pendakian K2, puncak tertinggi kedua di dunia di pegunungan Karakoram, Pakistan. Greg sempat terdampar di sebuah desa bernama Korphe. Disana, ia tinggal di rumah kepala desa bernama Haji Ali, dan dijamu dengan sangat baik. Ketika ia berjalan-jalan ke sekitar desa itu, di sepetak tanah terbuka ia menemukan sekelompok anak-anak yang menulis dengan ranting yang dicelup dengan lumpur ke sebuah papan. Ada juga yang langsung menggores-gores ranting di tanah. Guru yang datang tiga minggu sekali dan berbagi dengan desa tetangga. Menerima kenyataan itu dan membandingkan dengan pendidikan yang ada di negaranya, Greg bertekad untuk membangun sekolah di desa itu. Bahkan di kemudian hari, dari mimpi kecilnya yang hanya membangun sekolah di desa kecil bernama Korphe, tantangannya berlanjut untuk mendirikan sekolah-sekolah di wilayah perbatasan yang dirundung konflik.

Membangun sebuah sekolah dan sistem pendidikan di daerah-daerah konflik dan perbatasan bukanlah suatu hal yang mudah. Pengalaman Greg mengajarkan bahwa jika kita punya mimpi untuk membangun sebuah sekolah tidak semerta-merta kita datang ke tempat itu dan membangun sekolahnya. Bahkan, ia terkoneksi dengan segala hal dan faktor yang ada di lingkungan daerah itu. Mulai dari budaya, keadaan lokasi, nilai-nilai sosial. Greg pun di awal, sebelum membangun sekolah, ia dituntut harus membangun jembatan sebagai akses yang mempermudah menuju ke lokasi. Tentu saja, satu hal yang paling penting adalah dana. Greg harus kembali ke negara asalnya dahulu, mati-matian mencari dana untuk kehidupan pribadinya sendiri dan mimpinya membangun sekolah. Greg pun harus berkali-kali berhadapan dengan kelompok-kelompok radikal yang bisa saja mengancam nyawanya.

Tapi, menurutku, sepertinya Tuan Greg kurang tepat memberikan judul bukunya. Tadinya aku mengira "Amira dan Three Cups of tea" menceritakan kisah perjalanan Amira mungkin dari kecil sampai ia dewasa dalam mengikuti perjalanan Bapaknya untuk membangun sekolah di perbatasan. Tapi kenyataannya, sang Amira yang kutunggu-tunggu tidak juga muncul sampai pertengahan buku ketika Amira lahir itupun hanya diceritakan dengan porsi sedikit. Walaupun di akhir ada dialog tanya jawab dengan Amira, tapi bisa dibilang sudah di luar cerita dari bukunya.

[Harumichi Mizuki]

I know this book is controvercial. There were many allegations related to the accuracy and the honesty of Greg Mortenson's story as what have been broadcasted here: Questions over Greg Mortenson's Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw4HS...

It breaked my heart since this story highly enchanted me in my college times. Yes, I've read the news about David Oliver Rein's heartbreaking suicide, even daughter of Greg Mortenson once done the same (thanks, God she was saved). But I also read some news about how the media had tainted the image of Greg in hyperbolic ways. Means that media tried to ignored everything Greg Mortenson has tried to build in years.

But there are always two sides of the story.

Storm in The Tea Cups: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bFnj...

Jennifer Jordan and Jeff Rhoads made an investigation video to reveal what media haven't been covered about the other side ot the story: 3000 Cups of Tea

http://3000cupsoftea.org/

https://vimeo.com/154422902 (download the video by using this: http://savevideo.me/)

I also found a video about interview with Ghulam Parvi who was said as Greg Mortenson's right hand but then crossed side to be his greatest critics. Is that true? What have made their relationships became like that?

So I will hold my rating before I finish reading and watching those both sides of the story.

***

Actually I reread this book in order to gain some insights about Himalaya Climbing. And I've got some insights about it especially in the beginning of the chapters.

What touches me most from this book is how children is the first loyal and royal supporters for Greg's attempt to gain donations for his schools. Pennies for Peace is still active until now. As well as Greg's activity to build and maintain school for girls in many developing countries.

[Fenixbird SandS · Rating 4 out of 5]

The meaning of the three cups of tea is one of the most poetic and simplistic beliefs. An inspiring true story of Mortenson's accidental encounter with a benevolent tribe of people in Pakistan. Author Greg Mortenson never set out to become a builder of schools. However, fate stepped in and with a small Pakistani village people saving his life in a freak mountain climbing accident, he vowed to return and to build them a school! Mortenson gained the villagers' respect by keeping his promise--to returing a build this village a school! He grew to love this work and met his future wife during his “journey of fulfillment.” Though Mortenson is not perhaps the most eloquent writer his story is remarkable his talent for providing very personal characterizations give us the reader insight into a different peoples and their culture and religious beliefs. Sarah Thomson adapted Morsenson’s adult version for young readers (middle school). It is thoughtfully put together to show Mortenson’s struggles along the road to his accomplishment for hope and for peace for Pakistan and Afghanistan.
What were the results of Mortenson’s efforts? Since completion of the school it has grown into the Central Asia Institute. Twenty-five thousand children have received an education because of his efforts.
Interest Level: Grades 9-12.
Reaction: This is a story I personally loved. I much preferred the young reader adaptation and recommend the audio version. The meaning of the three cups of tea is one of the most poetic and simplistic beliefs. Tea appears to be the universal beverage, that beverage here in the U.S. women are attributed to love.
Do hope more people will read his interview posted here (with video) http://www.goodreads.com/interviews/s...

[Fauza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buku ini saya beli seharga sepuluh ribu, kalau tak salah saat itu sedang ada diskon besar-besaran di Gramedia. Walaupun bukunya sangat murah, isinya tidak murahan hehe

Tadinya saya kira buku ini bercerita tentang seorang gadis bernama Amira dan perjuangannya membantu anak-anak miskin di Pakistan. Ternyata buku menceritakan tentang seorang Amerika Greg Morteson (belakangan diketahui sebagai ayah Amira), dengan tulus ikhlas membangun sekolah untuk anak-anak miskin di Pakistan yang mayoritas penduduknya beragama Islam. Ternyata, perbedaan agama bukanlah hambatan untuk membantu orang-orang yang tidak mampu. Rasa peduli dan empati terhadap sesama manusia pada dasarnya sudah ada pada setiap makhluk Tuhan. Terbukti dengan upaya Greg memperjuangkan sekolah-sekolah untuk anak-anak pedalaman Pakistan, bahkan Afganistan, padahal saat itu Afganistan dan Amerika sedang bersitegang setelah peristiwa 11 September. Tetapi, hal itu tak sedikitpun menyurutkan niat Greg untuk membantu anak-anak miskin di Pakistan dan Afganistan.

Amira juga turut membantu perjuangan ayahnya dengan menggalangkan program pennies for peaces, suatu program dimana tiap orang dapat membantu dengan menyumbangkan koin-koin mereka yang kemudian disalurkan kepada seluruh anak di dunia yang membutuhkan.

To wrap up, buku ini membuat saya berpikir, betapa beruntungnya saya dapat bersekolah hingga universitas, dengan fasilitas yang memadai bahkan lebih dari cukup, sedangkan diluar sana banyak anak-anak yang berjuang mati-matian untuk terus sekolah, bertahan dengan fasilitas seadanya. Rasanya tak pantas kalau saya yang bisa sekolah dengan mudah terus mengeluh betap beratnya pelajaran, tugas banyak dll, sedangkan di pedalaman Pakistan sana banyak yang bersedia mempertaruhkan segalanya demi pendidikan.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the original version of Three Cups of Tea and decided to have my 7th grade reading class read the Young Adult version this fall. I was able to fill in some of the gaps for them and add more details since I had read the first book. They liked the book, and more importantly UNDERSTOOD the book. When we got to the chapter about Sept. 11 I read that one aloud to them, thinking they wouldn't be able to relate at all since they were only in preschool at the time. But you could hear a pin drop; they all had a frightening memory or have heard their parents talk about it. They were interested in Greg, the culture of Pakistan, Amira's song Three Cups of Tea, how the bridge was built and, well, I could go on and on. Now, with 7th graders there are days when I truly wonder if anything we do ever "sticks." Today was one of those days, but today I also had each of them write "thank-you" letters to Greg and the Central Asia Institute. I read their letters after class and I can only sum up their content in four words..."be still my heart." They definitely understood. Thank you Greg Mortenson!

[LilyC · Rating 5 out of 5]

April book report
Non Fiction

The book "Three cups of tea" is about one mans attempt to make this world a better place, by pursuing his dream. When Greg Mortenson was younger, he climbed up a mountain called V-2. While on the long hike, he fell ill and had to journey back down to a poor village called Korphe. The people there nursed Greg to Health, and he wanted to do something in return so he vowed to build them a school. Greg sacrificed anything and everything to raise the money for the people of Korphe.

Three cups of tea has many themes, but I think the biggest one is to never give up. This is shown in the story when Greg is trying to raise money for the school. He has a hard enough time getting the money, and when he finally does, he finds out that he has to raise even more! When Greg finally gets all the supplies he needs to build the school, they get stolen. Although Greg had so many setbacks, he just kept pushing until he got what he wanted! This has a very inspirational story.

[Yang-ji · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.
Finished in December
240 pages
Nonfiction

Greg Mortenson was climbing K2 in honor of his late sister Christa. He gets lost and fortunatly later finds his porter again. But he gets lost once more and when he is supposed to travel to Askole, he comes to a village called Korphe. Korphe is not even on the map. But the villagers of Korphe are kind to him and give him the best of everything they have. In order to pay back the generous villagers, Greg decides to build a school for the Pakistanian village. But how can he climb a bigger mountain, a mountain much harder and higher than K2?

I really enjoyed this book because the book had a nice plot to it. What Greg Mortenson did was very nice and it was satifying when Greg did build a school. I could really feel his anger, devastation, happy and joy throughout this book. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Cups of Tea is one of those books that you find yourself constantly referring to in conversations about world politics and religion - and you even find yourself thinking about often. Greg Mortenson's story is simply breathtaking. His message is even more awe-inspiring! This man's story was fascinating to read and very inspiring. Since becoming a teenager, I have found myself more and more fascinated with religion as the years go on - particularly Islam. I believe I am much more educated about Islam and America's twisted view of it after reading this book. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. Not only is it an amazing story, but was written very well by Relin! It took a few chapters to get into the more journalist-type writing style, but that was exactly what this story needed and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at a little free library and didn't realize I had actually grabbed a young reader's edition of this book, but it was still a good read. This was a really interesting story of a mountain climber who got lost on a trek, and how that experience significantly altered the course of his life. Throughout the story, I really appreciated how receptive Greg was to changing his preconceived notions of people and situations as he slowly learns more about them. Greg learns to truly work with people instead of as a 'white savior' type - trusting the locals to know what they need and how best to get it done in ways that work for them. This edition of the book also had an interesting interview with his young daughter at the end, and it was really neat to see her perspective on what has become her father's life's work.

[Readersaurus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great reading from a literary standpoint, but a great story of important work. I wish there had been a bit more about what is being taught in the schools built in the Pakistani villages, and whether there is any assistance for training teachers. I also wish that Mortenson's family's visits to Asia were part of the story, as they are part of the pictures in the back. Kids who will be asked to read this will be interested in Amira & Khyber's travels, and they are just tacked on to the end in the "interview with Amira" section. It feels rushed and lame. Still, all the information is there for kids who want to empty their piggy banks or think about a way to help other kids of the world. It does its job of inspiring young people to action and is an easy read.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up to read quickly before Greg Mortenson's appearance at the local college. It gives an abridged view of his work in Pakistan and his future work in Afghanistan. Also interesting in this edition are the pictures and a discussion with his daughter, Amira, at the end.

I picked up the "adult" edition and briefly read a few chapters. I think if you're trying to get an idea of what Mortenson and CAI are doing this edition works fine, though you might want to pick up the original to flesh out scenes if you're interested. The chapters are conveniently the same.

You also get a less politicized view of things in the young reader's edition. The challenge is more for students to "do something".

[Raghad Muath · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is worth mentioning that the edition I read was young readers' one (briefed and simple words) as I was looking for a light book that will not take a lot of my time and out into few-pages chapters.
We got into the main goal of book from the first couple of chapters.

At the end of the book, I felt the style of writing has changed and began to look shaky and the story was going on a faster-pace, mentioing that Muslims are good and so are most of the people of Pakistan as well Americans and how good mr. Greg (main character) is, although this is obvious from the very first pages as he is the one after all the good changes. But after all, young readers edition.

Overall, it's a good read especially when you're looking for a light book.

[Lise Dahl Arvedsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it's nice to swallow a book that might not offer you a literary master piece, however, which offers you so much more – a literary piece of reality. This book touched me deeply and here, years after having read it, I can still feel the way I felt right after closing it – gratitude that out there in the world, such selfless people exists. And when you hear their stories, you can see that what they do, actually makes a difference. If you are in the need of an easy read book for an afternoon, where you are in the mood for a bite of harsh reality, with a nice ending, I can definitely recommend this book.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the true story of Greg Mortenson, who was taken in by kindly Pakistanis when he got lost trying to climb a mountain. In return, he promised to build a school for them, and ended up building over sixty schools. Mortenson has to contend with land mines in Afghanistan, funding issues, the distrust of the local people. Throughout the text difficult words are highlighted and defined in a glossy. Also, there are photographs (both color and black-and-white). This is the young reader’s edition, and may be too advanced for most elementary-age children. However, excerpts could be used during social science units or for booktalks.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to anyone! It gave me a new perspective on life and I would read it again. It made me realize that my life here is good and that I am very privileged. I choose this book because the cover really caught my attention and then I read the summary on the back of the book and it really made me want to sit down and read it right there. Something in this book that surprised me was that Greg Mortenson was caught by a group of people and was stuck for a while. I didn't know that that had happened and I wasn't expecting it. I think the author wrote this book because he wanted people to know his story.

[Dr. Farrukh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three cups of tea a journey of relationship.
At first cup of tea you are treated as guest.
Second cup of tea makes you friend and third cup you take as family member.
Hospitality,love and respect of tribal culture is depicted warmly. Love for education and urge to break the shackles of poverty and ignorance deeply haunted Greg Mortenson.
A decision for the noble cause of humanity to build a school in far flung area of Pakistan is not less than burning a candle in stormy weather. Fighting with darkness to find light. A wonderful tribute to love and relation permeates throughout the book.
Small rapid book of one sitting can give you a way to act in a better way for peace of mind.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been raised in a place where material things are not the focus,I was not surprised at the cultural differences or how people lived. What I got out of this book was the sheer determination of one human being and what is possible when you are aligned with your God purpose. NO feat is too big. With the right attitude, nothing in the world can stop you. I loved this book. Go Pennies for Peace!! I am a fan and supporter.
The other thing too is that the last two books I have read have had a focus on knowledge and education. I like it.

[Discoverylover · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this today in an attempt to 1. get some of my books off my bookshelf, and 2. have something to release for Becky's birthday this week.

It was a good story, and my major complaint about it is that it's written in third person, which comes across as a little strange, but as it is the young reader's edition, I can live with that.

It's still got a very touching message, and I was excited to see that he's met one of my heroes, Edmund Hillary. Both men are doing wonderful things in the world, and Ed is definitely someone I aspire to be like :-)

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't we all wish that we could make a difference in this world? Apparently we can. This book is the totally inspiring story of how one man (a somewhat scattered man who is oblivious to time and monetary limits) set out to build schools in northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. This book provides a template of how to win the war on terror--without dropping a single bomb. That would be a refreshing change.