Ratings50
Average rating3.4
The astonishing, uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his humanitarian campaign to use education to combat terrorism in the Taliban's backyard. 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.
Reviews with the most likes.
This book illustrates that one person really can make a difference. His descriptions of the villages of the Himalayas helped me understand what was happening in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Couldn't finish. While the premise sounds interesting to me, I tried to read this book several times and just couldn't. Judging by the other reviews, I'm glad to see I'm not alone or crazy. I normally give at least 2 stars if I didn't finish a book, to be fair to the parts I didn't read, but apparently much of the book has turned out to be fabricated.
I really wanted to like this book because Mortenson really did accomplish great and noble things. However this review is not of Mortenson but of his book, and his book fell short of a truly good read.
How many journalists have ever written a readable full-length book? I'm sure it can happen, right?
I just had to get that out- When I start to skim a book and sigh when I realize how many pages I have left.. never a good sign.
But! The topic is fascinating and the culture/history engaging. It just didn't satisfy that need for story.