Synopsis
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.
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Some
failures lead to phenomenal successes, and this American nurse's
unsuccessful attempt to climb K2, the world's second tallest mountain,
is one of them. Dangerously ill when he finished his climb in 1993,
Mortenson was sheltered for seven weeks by the small Pakistani village
of Korphe; in return, he promised to build the impoverished town's
first school, a project that grew into the Central Asia Institute,
which has since constructed more than 50 schools across rural Pakistan
and Afghanistan. Coauthor Relin recounts Mortenson's efforts in
fascinating detail, presenting compelling portraits of the village
elders, con artists, philanthropists, mujahideen, Taliban officials,
ambitious school girls and upright Muslims Mortenson met along the way.
As the book moves into the post-9/11 world, Mortenson and Relin argue
that the United States must fight Islamic extremism in the region
through collaborative efforts to alleviate poverty and improve access
to education, especially for girls. Captivating and suspenseful, with
engrossing accounts of both hostilities and unlikely friendships, this
book will win many readers' hearts. (Mar.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to the hardcover edition.
From Bookmarks Magazine
While critics agree that Three Cups of Tea should
be read for its inspirational value rather than for its literary merit,
the book's central theme, derived from a Baltistan proverb, rings loud
and clear. "The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a
stranger," a villager tells Greg Mortenson. "The second time, you are
an honored guest. The third time you become family." An inspirational
story of one man's efforts to address poverty, educate girls, and
overcome cultural divides, Three Cups, which won the 2007 Kiriyama Prize for nonfiction, reveals
the enormous obstacles inherent in becoming such "family." Despite the
important message, critics quibbled over the awkward prose and some
melodrama. After all, a story as dramatic and satisfying as this should
tell itself.Copyright © 2004 Phillips & Nelson Media, Inc.
From AudioFile
Lost after failing to climb K2, Mortenson was sheltered and nursed in a
remote Pakistani village; he promised to return and build them a
school. Keeping that promise led to his heading a charitable institute
that provides impoverished children in Pakistan and Afghanistan with an
education. Though Relin's writing is not top-caliber, Mortenson's story
comes through as exciting and inspiring. Patrick Lawlor's voice is
neither melodious nor distinguished, but it is likable and serviceable.
He tells the story as if Mortenson had told it to him, keeping it
lively and engaging. His imitation of voices and accents, loosely
rather than precisely mimetic, fits his style. It all works; listeners
will begrudge interruptions. W.M. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
From Booklist
On a 1993 expedition to climb K2 in honor of his sister Christa, who
had died of epilepsy at 23, Mortenson stumbled upon a remote mountain
village in Pakistan. Out of gratitude for the villagers' assistance
when he was lost and near death, he vowed to build a school for the
children who were scratching lessons in the dirt. Raised by his
missionary parents in Tanzania, Mortenson was used to dealing with
exotic cultures and developing nations. Still, he faced daunting
challenges of raising funds, death threats from enraged mullahs,
separation from his family, and a kidnapping to eventually build 55
schools in Taliban territory. Award-winning journalist Relin recounts
the slow and arduous task Mortenson set for himself, a one-man mission
aimed particularly at bringing education to young girls in Pakistan and
Afghanistan. Readers interested in a fresh perspective on the cultures
and development efforts of Central Asia will love this incredible story
of a humanitarian endeavor. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to the hardcover edition.
Reviews
An inspiring chronicle . . . this is one protagonist who clearly deserves to be called a hero. (People)
Mortenson’s mission is admirable, his conviction unassailable, his territory exotic. (The Washington Post)
"Three Cups of Tea
is one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time. Greg
Mortenson's dangerous and difficult quest to build schools in the
wildest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan is not only a thrilling read,
it's proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of
character and determination, really can change the world."
-Tom Brokaw
"Greg Mortenson represents the best of America. He's my hero. And after you read Three Cups of Tea, he'll be your hero, too. "
-U.S. representative Mary Bono (R-Calif.)
"Three Cups of Tea
is beautifully written. It is also a critically important book at this
time in history. The governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan are both
failing their students on a massive scale. The work Mortenson is doing,
providing the poorest students with a balanced education, is making
them much more difficult for the extremist madrassas to recruit."
-Ahmed Rashid, best-selling author of Taliban: Militant Islam, Oil, and Fundamentalism in Central Asia--This text refers to the hardcover edition.
About the Authors
A former mountaineer and military veteran, Greg Mortenson is
the director of the nonprofit Central Asia Institute and spends several
months a year establishing schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Co-author David Oliver Relin is an award-winning writer and contributor to Parade and Skiing Magazine.
Product Details
Hardcover: 338 pages
Carton Size: 24 books
Publisher: Viking Adult (March 2, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0670034827
ISBN-13: 978-0670034826
Product Dimensions: 9.58 x 6.4 x 1.17 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.29 pounds
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