Three Cups of Tea - Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin
Genre of book

Greg Mortenson was a mountaineer and set out to climb K2, the world's second highest peak. He didn't quite reach the top before he had to turn around due to bad weather and trek back down the mountain. At some point, he was separated from his team and his guide and wandered aimlessly through Pakistan, trying to find a village or someone that could help him. When Mortenson finally does come across a village, he learns a bit about their culture and sees that the children of the village have to learn outside, and only when it's not winter because it would be too cold. Mortenson vows to return to the village and build a school for them.

Once home, Mortenson writes hundreds of letters to try and get the money to make good on his word. He eventually flies back to Pakistan with just enough money to build a school. The rest of the book shows his trials and tribulations with funding, building, culture, connections, ignorance, and terrorism.

Mortenson's story is amazing. Talk about a mission in life! Mortenson gives a strong message of promoting peace through education, particularly of females. As one of his friends from Pakistan says: "the enemy is ignorance". The argument is presented that if we were to educate rather than drop bombs, we'd likely be much more successful at preventing terrorism. Mortenson's wife should also be commended for putting up with his continuous absences so that he can help make the world a better place.

This is the best kind of advertisement that Mortenson could ever hope for his organization. Mortenson is an inspiration and it's great to know that people are out there doing things like this for the world.

First Line: "The little red light had been flashing for five minutes before Bhangoo paid it any attention."

Rating:

(5/5)