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Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time  | 
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Authors: Greg Mortenson, David Oliver Relin Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) Category: Book
List Price: $15.00 Buy New: $7.15 You Save: $7.85 (52%)
New (100) Used (88) Collectible (4) from $5.90
Avg. Customer Rating: 1100 reviews Sales Rank: 13
Media: Paperback Number Of Items: 1 Pages: 368 Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9 Dimensions (in): 8.2 x 5.5 x 1
ISBN: 0143038257 Dewey Decimal Number: 371.82209549 EAN: 9780143038252 ASIN: 0143038257
Publication Date: January 30, 2007 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Condition: NEW PB, VERY MINOR SHELF WEAR, READY TO SHIP
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description The astonishing, uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his humanitarian campaign to use education to combat terrorism in the Talibans backyard Anyone who despairs of the individuals power to change lives has to read the story of Greg Mortenson, a homeless mountaineer who, following a 1993 climb of Pakistans 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 schoolsespecially for girlsthat offer a balanced education in one of the most isolated and dangerous regions on earth. As it chronicles Mortensons 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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 1095 more reviews...
"At what point does tolerance become sin?" July 9, 2008 It is very difficult writing less than a 5 star review, since this book is basically a biography of an incredible man doing remarkable humanitarian work. Saying anything derogatory almost feels like I am attempting to undermine his efforts. I have nothing but admiration for Greg Mortenson and his organization Central Asia Institute; however since a book is a compilation of efforts I feel obligated to give an honest review of the work.
There is a thread of anti-American sentiment running through the pages, becoming a thin veil in the last few chapters that for me nearly obscured the message the author and his primary were trying to convey. The writing is not prose, but the author adequately immerses the reader in the love and beauty Greg Mortenson feels for the northern regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Using the same rudimentary skills the author attempts to paint everything American as bad, sub-standard or destructive. The back cover warns the reader that the book contains criticism of the American government's policies in the region, but I felt the author went beyond criticism to contempt.
I do not think I am objective; I love America with the same passion reserved for Pakistan in this book, and as such felt disheartened to have fellow Americans hold my country in such low esteem. What America has done for the people of Afghanistan is a testament of unprecedented generosity, including the funding of CAI and Greg Mortenson. The hypocritical, elitist opinions woven as facts in an effort to enlist support for furthering a global agenda may be as detrimental to the USA as the acts of terrorism we have been trying to prevent.
Read this book. Recognize it for what it is. Embrace it for what it inspires you to become. Condemn it if offends the values you hold most sacred.
Easy to say, harder to do July 8, 2008 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Words are cheap and easy to use. Actions, the will to go and do is so much harder. This book tells of a man who goes and does, building schools in some of the poorest areas of the world. It is well written, has a great message and once you start it is next to impossible to put down. If you can't afford to give money then support this foundation, this cause for education, by buying the book. And I challenge you to not to be touched by this amazing story.
An Absolute Must Read July 8, 2008 This book is one of those books that stays with you. It is inspiring, heart-breaking, hopeful, saddening, and absolutely amazing. I would recommend everyone read this book, regardless of political views or religious beliefs. It is a true eye opener. After reading this book, I am truly greatful that there are people like Greg Mortenson in this world...and a family that sticks by him and supports his work. Thank you for what you have done and continue to do for peace.
Amazing, Amazing, Amazing July 8, 2008 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book is a must read for anyone who is interestred in a better world. Don't pay any attention to what the reviewers that give it 1 and 2 stars say, some people just have a hard time seeing the forest throught the trees. Those reviews focus on the writing quality/abiltiy of the author. He is not the best or the worst author on the planet and that should not keep someone from reading this amazing story. Given the manner in which this epic story evolved in a country rife with corruption spearheaded by an eccentirc man who admits he had no idea what he was doing the story is probably written as well as it can be. Get this book, read it and then DO something. If we all gave ourselves completley to a just cause like this man did, then the wolrd would be a much better place. This is truly life changing stuff!!
labored style July 8, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
No one can dispute the fact that Mortensen`s accomplishment and humanitarianism are outstanding. The book itself, in my opinion, is not. It suffers greatly from a heavy and self-conscious style (eg. "The stars pin-pointed the dark fabric of the night...") and from laborious detail. I give Mortensen 5 of those pin-points, the book only 3.
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