Sophia C. reviewed on 12/24/2009 + 289 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

Sharing three cups of tea is the ritual by which a stranger is intimated into the family in Pakistan and Afghanistan -- and how business gets done. Greg Mortenson shows us not only does it takes more than that, but how one person can make a difference with enough determination and perseverance. Originally intending to honor his sister's memory by leaving her bracelet on the summit of K2, a failed mountaineering expedition led Mortenson to a remote Pakistani village and a new promise to honor his sister by building a school. The rest, as they say, is history -- but one of struggle and reward, as Mortenson heads the Central Asian Institute formed to improve conditions in one of the poorest and most hostile regions on earth through education, especially of girls.

Regardless of your politics, Three Cups of Tea is an insightful look at the region where the United States is devoting tremendous resources to a fight against terror. It shows how the people of the region live, how they think, and what they need. Even if you no regard for people living half way across the world, or think it is naive to think education will solve all ills, read it to get a more nuanced view. You'll find moderate Muslim voices and a more realistic account of the civilian costs of warfare. Then decide.

Stylistically, the tone is reverent towards Greg Mortenson. It's unclear why he is a co-author since it is clear he did not do most of the writing. Some chapters are long and slow moving--which resembles how his initial efforts proceeded--but it's the story rather than the words which is most compelling.

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