Scanning ideas on Amazon for a book to take on my next trip this one caught my eye. Well, it never made it on my trip because I couldn't put it down. I wanted to find out about his next adventure and how his mission was coming along. I never knew much about this area of the world and now I feel enlightened and knowlegeable. I would recommend this to travelers and non-travelers, men and women.

Greg Mortenson is an extraordinary man, I believe, who was called to help the Pakistani people. What a kind and good heart and he had a wife who was an angel sent from God.

To get an American's inside perspective on Pakistan was also very enlightening for me as an American who gets too much distorted information on television and the news.

A Wonderful and Inspiring book.

Mortenson amazes and inspires me. Everyone should read this book and open their eyes to the world out there. If we had more "Mortensons" the world would be a better place. So read this and be inspired to make a difference! :)

I am 39 years old and I have been an avid reader my whole life. This book has definitely been added to my list of best books. The reason it made my list is because of the importance of the topic. I wish everyone would read this book. I have always believed that you don't win the hearts of a people when in order to liberate them and their country the bombs you drop result in the deaths of their daughters, sons, wives, husbands, grandparents... Dr. Greg had the right idea and bless him for never giving up on fullfilling that first promise to build that first school. All the work, he and those who have worked with him, has accomplished is incredibly inspiring.

I highly recommend this book. By reading about this "One Man's Mission" it illuminated the problems of this area of the world. I finally, gratefully grasp the conflicts of this region and I think that was only possible through the documentation of Greg's commitment. A task that I think would not have been achieved through hours of news. Thank you.

I was so excited to begin reading this book. After all, it was rated so highly by so many sources. I read half of the book and stopped. I found it to be boring and the writing was dull and unimaginative. What a disappointment. I think this story could have been told in a much more readable way. As a librarian, I make it a point to finish all books, no matter how difficult it may be. With this one, I couldn't keep going. I just became disinterested and could not make myself read until the end.

This book made me want to be a better human being. It doesn't just speak to my heart it speaks to the core of my soul. Everybody needs to be more like Greg Mortenson, he is a modern day saint and hopefully the next person to receive the peace nobel price along with his incredible wife!!!
Thank you for telling your story!

This book is topically extremely current and ought to be required reading for every US citizen, if not everyone in the world. But unlike most required reading, this book is actually enjoyable and captivating. Very worthwhile!!

To give credit, this book has changed my thinking on the US foreign policy and our priorities as a nation. However, the book itself I found difficult to read. The writing was an exercise in adjectives. Details were often included that actually took away from the flow of the story line. I admire Greg Mortenson and his mission and am pleased CAI is succeeding. I am thankful for the content of the book in helping me understand some of history of the area and the lifestyle and beliefs of those living in Central Asia.

This book has been a pleasure to read. It inspires the soul to break down barriers! I highly recommend it!

I bought this book to read an inspiring story of somebody building schools for people in need (I know this is one of the most important things to successfully eradicate poverty)... but that is just the beginning of what this Man has accomplished. Quoting from the book: "'... the great majority of us are not terrorist, but good and simple people. Our land is stricken with poverty because we are without education. But today, another candle of knowledge has been lit. In the name of Allah the Almighty, may it light our way out of darkness we find ourselves in'" (Syed Abbas, page 257).

I believe that Greg Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute should be awarded with the Peace Nobel Prize. In this book you will understand how education in Pakistan and Afghanistan is the only way to really achieve peace, a concept that can be taken to any place on earth.

Mortenson has accomplished to build schools, clinics, piping for drinking water, and so many other things; sorting all kind of obstacles in a very dangerous time; never giving up, and doing everything with so little help. This man is a REAL HERO.

I hope that Greg Mortenson gets the Nobel Prize soon, so he can get more publicity (and hopefully with it more donations), so all the bad things that have been done in this part of the world can start to be mended in a significant way (give him the resources and just let him do his job as he has done until now!), and hopefully more suffering can be avoided in the future.

If you believe that peace is the answer to violence, read this book, donate to CAI and you will definitely be helping to promote peace.

The book was very well written and I recomend it to anyone who would like a glimpse of a different world minus the mainstream media spin. The adventure Greg takes is breath taking at times and it is hard to imagine how he could put his life on the line so many times. It really made me re-think how we approach these type of nations on this "war on terror" and I hope more people look at this approach and it starts to make a difference in the suffering that is happening in these far off lands. Good job Gregg keep up the great work.

This is a premier example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of countless people. Notwithstanding the fact that the CIA and similar outfits are undoubtedly pumping this in the background, the schools this man built are helping impoverished youngsters--especially girls--in an area of the world where such efforts are sorely needed. It says a ton that this effort came only from the efforts of a private individual; governments somehow don't have the interest, time, or resources to do it. Let's hope that the schools don't turn out to be simple propaganda mills for the US government, especially in its current, depraved incarnation.

Three Cups of Tea is a well-told, entertaining account of a fantastic journey. I felt like I was right beside him (Mortenson)the whole way, and was moved by his tenacity and even more moved by the warmth, generosity and wisdom of the Islamic people in those remote places. I was surprised to come away not only with a better understanding of how it happens that one moves mountains, but of how relevant Greg Mortenson's goals were and are to our modern predicament: what to do about terrorism. Perhaps this book should be required reading by anyone who can read. I bought two extra copies to give to my local library, and passed my own copy to my aunt.

For Greg Mortenson, it began with a promise. His dedication to keep his promise has changed the lives of thousands of children. This is an inspiring story that every American should read.

I loved the book because it gave me clear and honest information about the structure of society in Pakistan and Afghanistan. So often what we read and hear about these countries, as reported to us by the press, has a political bias or is limited reporting. Greg told it as he saw it. I thank him for that as now I view these people in a different way. Everone who wants to become informed about this area of the world should read this book.

What a great book, educational and an eye opener. Greg Mortenson is an amazing human being. What a difference he's making in our world.

A sure fire way to combat terrorism without using guns! Fascinating book about Pakistani life in the mountains.
Good writing makes the people seem like old friends by the end of the book.

Three Cups of Tea is well written, describes in detail the area of the remote mountain village that inspired the formation of the Central Asia Institute and the Pennies for Peace project. What I like MOST is that my elementary students can raise money to help promote literacy around the world through Pennies for Peace. For 1 penny, we can provide a pencil for a child that has only dirt and their finger or a stick to write with, for $1 a teacher can be provided for a day. My students and I can work together to help build schools and schools help build minds. We can help provide for a better future by our participation in this program. I like the emphasis on how literacy opens the door to one's future and each individual can be a part of providing a luxury that we often take for granted. I urge you to read this book and then help build schools! the Reno's

This is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read! The writing is interesting and well done but mostly it was the story itself that was drawing me back into the book each day. Reading was a joy and extremely inspirational. This is not a religious inspiration, but a human one.
Greg Mortensen is one person who has found his mission in life to help those who need it most and in a quiet way is doing more to bring peace to the world than most world leaders!
steve

I couldn't put this book down. It should be required reading for every one of our nation's leaders. What Greg was able to do should inspire all of us to rethink what we do with our lives. I immediately gave it to my college age daughter to read and have recommended it to everyone.

This book may have some minor shortcomings as a piece of literature, but they are far outweighed by the importance of the author's life work and the book's message. The courage and dedication of Greg Mortenson and the CAI teams in the US and the Middle East are unbelievable.

This book does more to explain the current state of affairs in the Middle East than anything else I have seen over the last 10 years. There are more real answers on how to address the current Middle East crisis in this book than anything coming out of any politicians mouth regardless of party affiliation.

I went out and bought 5 copies (something I have never done in my life) to give to others.

I think this is probably the most important book I have read in a long long time.

Mike McLaughlin
Rochester NY

An outstanding story of a man on a passionate pursuit of life! For all of us who have encountered the challenges of opportunity, this is a must read! The story of one man's quest to bring education and schools for girls to those regions of the world which disclaim and disdain education and the rights of woman. This book provides the energy of a cup of expresso ...let's go!

This is the true story of an extraordinary man in an extraordinary adventure. It reminds me of old American values, the values of my childhood, when we believed in our leaders, when ordinary citizens showed extraordinary courage, self-reliance, and ingenuity in pursuit of noble goals.

I met Greg Mortenson before reading his book. He appears to be a regular, good-natured guy, unassuming in speech and dress. I wondered what all the fuss was about, why people lined up by the hundreds to get tickets to his presentation, why the huge hall was packed?
I learned that what he has done is so impressive, so enlightening, so emotionally stirring, so enviable, and so motivating, you will want to help in any way you can. As a bonus of reading this book, you will come to understand our world, the current problems we face, and what we must do to secure our place in a better world. You will understand the Middle East far more than is possible by listening to our news media or our government information.

Best of all, in our society of negative news services and caveat emptor business dealings, reading this book will make you happy, and restore your faith in human nature. Now, that's a hell of a book!

An amazing and inspiring story that captivates your heart and helps you appreciate what we as Americans have.

I thought this book was very inspiring and uplifting. David Relin's writing wasn't perfect but in the end it didn't matter. I was just so glad to have read about Greg Mortenson his life work. I'm so happy to see there are people like Greg out there. I hope everyone reads this book and understands how important it is to help the less fortunate receive an education and DO something to help.

A remarkable story of a remarkable man. Hardly considered a success by American measurements, ie money and stuff, Greg Mortenson looms like a modern day Moses. I can see him humbly asking, "Who should I say sent me?"

The story supports a belief in karma. There was nothing in this man's life that suggested he was destined for greatness. He is the odd hero that comes along occasionally and finds himself thrust into a need that no one else can fulfill. The need for schools, especially education for girls, waited patiently while the ageless mountains of Pakistan and Afghanistan stood watch for their Moses.

If you have ever feared, distrusted, or hated Muslims then read this book. It's like reading All Quite on the Western Front when you find yourself in sympathy with the German troops. In Three Cups of Tea you get to know the people and in doing so you will recognize personalities in your own family and village.

I have lived in two foreign countries, in Asia, and I know that the world over all parents want that their children will have food, shelter, clothes, and an education. Basically we all want the same things and if we focus on that commonality we can all live in peace.

As I wrote in my latest novel Standup Comedian: The Secret and Beyond it is the extremists, in America and abroad, that cause trouble. For them there is no room for contrary opinion. Unfortunately, bombs are not the answer. You can't kill the trouble makers without harming the innocent. Education is the key. It is time that America stops using foreign aid as a carrot, and starts using it as a gift dispersed by aid societies on the ground.

I have often wondered why our government never talks to people who know. If our current presidential nominees were smart they would talk to Greg Mortenson about American policies in Pakistan and Afganistan.

I read this book this spring & loved it so much I purchased 5 copies to give to friends. It sounds cliche to say that one person can change the world, but Greg Mortenson's story is simply beautiful. In an age where materialism reigns, and religious zealots terrorize from all sides, this book is about inspiration, love, and creating a meaning in one's life. A thoroughly uplifting read!

Important is the word needed to describe this book. It is well written, compelling, and relevant to one of today's most important societal questions (What do we do about terroism). I found a good deal of insight into why Osama bin laden and his group attacked the U.S. and how our political hierarchy responded. A great deal of damage has been done in the relationships between western countries and middle eastern countries. But fighting Muslim extremists with bombs, especially only bombs, will just dig the hole deeper. Mortenson has the right approach, use balanced education and business interaction to bring unfamiliar cultures together.

Haven't read a book in so long that really inspired me. This should be a must read for all children in school and their parents.
One drop of water can raise the ocean and one pencil can change a life.
Please read this book.

If you are going to buy this book (or the related CD's) which you absolutely SHOULD, please use the link to Amazon through Greg's website, threecupsoftea dot com (c'mon let this small plug stay? google it if the link is removed) so that a portion of the proceeds go towards his work. The book doesn't cost any more, honest!

I just finished this wonderful book and am a much wiser person for the experience. What a beautiful message of peace and hope for the future of this world! No matter what your stance on our present war, you need to read this book, now! One short but simple message of the book, we can promote world peace much more efficiently and LONG TERM by helping educate the children of these countries. No Western nor extremist influence, just the basics of learning. Easy enough to do if we all join the cause and pass the message along.

Many of us have felt hopeless, scared and frustrated since 9/11. We see anger building, more disaster looming and see little hope through governmental leadership. This incredible story, about a man who against all odds builds a school for a Pakistani village that nursed him through a near-death experience, provides a solution, at least the beginning of a solution, to the spiral of hatred and terror in our world.

Three Cups of Tea illuminates clearly how lack of education and subsequent lack of opportunities is the root problem that allows hatred to grow. If people can see a path away from violence they will choose it, and that is what Greg Mortenson is providing for thousands of hopeless, helpless children in this volatile region.

If you have gotten far enough to read these reviews, do not ignore what your heart is telling you and buy this book.

I just finished a trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan on the able shoulders of Greg Mortenson and David Relin. This exqisite book should be required reading for all high school children. Anyone who can read this without shedding at least one tear has a heart of stone. Mr Mortenson has honored his sister a multitude of ways and I applaud his attitude, his perseverence and his ability to transcend politics and go to the core of what all parents want for their children; a better life than they had. Then he goes out and makes it happen. If only we had more men like him. If I were younger I'd volunteer to help him work on his mission in life. Wonderful book, well written.

I absolutely recommend this book! In the past year I have not come across many books that I was absolutely absorbed by but I was so taken in by this story. I rooted with all my heart for the children and Greg's mission and I think in some way, many months later, this book influenced my decision to sponsor a child. I offered the book to my brother but when he didn't show much interest, I simply went back and re-read the best parts :)

A fantastic story of a real-life hero populated with a cast of characters you want to pull from the pages and hug after each chapter. Three Cups of Tea give proof that there is so much goodness in the world and inspires us to remember that any dream is possible. As Americans we often lose sight of how much we actually have, how lucky we are to have the opportunities we do. This book reminds us that we have so much to be thankful for, reminds us not to waste our minds and educations and as well reminds us that we can do so much for others in sharing these gifts. This book should be a must-read for every one on the planet.

We've all heard that one person can make a big difference. Most of us dismiss this as childhood claptrap that we're told so that we eat our peas and broccoli. Greg Mortenson has proven that this is absolutely true - and not just for the rich and famous.

Greg was a man who lived on the fringe of what most of us would call a "normal life". He slept in his car. He lived on coffee and donuts. He took a third shift job at a local hospital so that he could spend days climbing mountains and roaming the wilderness. He scrounged and saved so that he could have one splurge on his dream, climbing K-2. He was doing it for himself, and for his dead sister. With all his training and experience, the mountain was too tough. He failed on his attempt and, near death, was rescued in a tiny village on the slopes.

For most books, this would be the entire story - one man's battle against the mountain, and how a small group of friendly locals nursed him to get back to "civilization". However with Tree Cups of Tea, this is only the beginning of the story. For when he realized just how much the children of this village wanted an education - and how they had no school to learn in - he vowed to get them that school.

Again, this was not a wealthy millionaire offering to toss of a check from his pocket change. This was a vow from a man who barely ate enough food every day to survive. Still, he felt committed to his purpose. His dedicated all of his free time and energy to letter writing and fundraising efforts. He got nowhere. With all the other causes around the world - whales, tigers, kittens, puppies - who would donate money to one small village school in the mountains of the middle east?

Through sheer stubbornness of will, Greg finally finds someone to get him the money. He barely has enough for the flight over, and rations his food money with exact precision. He gets the worst hotel room there is and scrimps over every penny. Again, he does everything in his power to make this work. But first one group tries to take his money, then another, and then another. He is wheeled and dealed. He finally gets to the town in question with the supplies - and they want a bridge too!

There is of course a happy ending to the story. The school is built, and then Greg embarks on a mission to build many more. He is now a world wide phenomenon, building schools, raising money, showing people the value of education. He has proven that educating a population is a sure way to help them prize peace over war. This tale is ongoing.

The book definitely rates 5/5 for its sheer strength of will. It proves - easily - that any person can achieve great things if they are willing to stick with it. Greg didn't have it easy by any stretch of the imagination. At many points along the road he could have given up and none would have blamed him. It is the fact that he kept going - that he kept putting one foot in front of the other - that made this success possible.

But that being said, I do want to comment on a few things. First, the writing of the book is a bit uneven. There were sections that just felt awkward, that I had to push myself to read through. There were sections that went a bit too heavy on the drama side. Other sections became very dry textbook renditions of long histories. Maybe it would have been better with a different writer - or maybe with a better editor. It's important to note that Greg himself did NOT write the book - he hired someone to do it for him.

Next, I was struck both by this book and by reading "Eat, Pray, Love" that both had a very similar theme going. In both cases someone goes through a lot of effort - scrounging, begging, pleading - to gather up money for a good cause, to help a poor person who needs it. In both cases, that person is IMMEDIATELY taken advantage of and the recipients start saying "this isn't enough - give me more". In both cases the book tries to justify it. The books say in essence "well, what can you expect, the recipients are poor. They figure they might as well lie, cheat and steal to get as much more money as they possibly can."

This bothers me just so much. It is stating right out that it is fine to lie and steal if you're poor. These people weren't stealing a loaf of bread to feed their starving children. Instead, they were lying and deceiving a "friend" just for a nice-to-have thing. It wasn't just a one time thing. It was incessant, a recurring theme. One "friend" who was supposed to store the supplies took off with half of them. The next "friend" tried to very heavy handedly pressure Greg into building the school elsewhere. By the time the actual village got the supplies and said "What do you mean we only get a school? We want a bridge too, you have failed," I was rather upset with the whole situation. In a way it really ruined the entire experience for me. That village had each other. They had homes, and food, and love. Greg was surviving on the very edge with NONE of that - had stretched himself to his very limits - and still they wanted more. It felt very wrong.

I don't think it's right to say "He lives in the US so he should be noble and self sacrificing to the ultimate degree. This other person lives in (insert random poor village name here) so they should lie, cheat, steal and do whatever they want to achieve their goals." That seems entirely wrong to me.

I'm curious if nobody else got this sense from these books. It makes me want to be even more careful about the many charities I support, that I am not being taken advantage of. I work very hard for my money, and want it to go to good causes, not to greedy ones.

"Three Cups of Tea" is a moving story of what one person can
accomplish when he is determined. Greg Mortenson is a truly
good person and his story is tremendously inspiring.
One of my top five reads of all time.

This is an amazing story of a man's commitment to education. His site penniesforpeace.com is raising money to continue his work.

"Three Cups of Tea" is a profoundly inspirational, astonishing and uplifting book about one man's mission to promote peace in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan by helping to build schools and to provide education primarily for young women. This extraordinary book addresses poverty and is a living, compassionate demonstration of overcoming cultural divides. I strongly encourage you to engage this journey; also recommended by Tom Brokaw.

Katie Davis, Author, Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment

I purchased this book on the strong recommendation of Katie Davis, author of Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment, which is a book on spiritual awakening as a means to world transformation, similar to "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle. "Three Cups of Tea" is a profound example of how to open the mind to the Heart's way of living. This is an extraordinary book about how ordinary people can serve humanity as a whole and guides us to a life of compassionate living and selfless service.

This is the inspiring tale of a man who fails to climb K2 becomes lost in the mountains, and returns to these same mountains to build non-sectarian schools for girls. I have a much better understanding of America's past failures in the region. A tiny impoverished village saves Greg Mortenson and nurses him back to health. When he sees the children studying outside in the forbidding cold terrain writing with sticks in the dirt, he has an epiphany. He promises to build the village a school. Unfortunately there is no bridge over which to truck the materials. First he must build a bridge. He followed one rule which missionaries in the region did not. He did not try to convert them or educate them on the ways of Christianity. He respected their religion and culture and did not try to impose his own which is extremely offensive to Muslims. Refusing any federal money for his effort, he has won the hearts and minds of the villages his work has touched. Clearly education is the way out of the morass in the middle east and this man has made a first class effort. Hopefully his memoir will stimulate more contributions for his aid work. It has expanded to include basic health care and nutrition. Like Muhammad Yunus who recognized the power of micro-loans, Mortenson has found that the key to ending poverty is to improve the lives of women.

What an inspiration to read about the positive changes one person really can make in the world. At a time when our country is doing so much to harm so many, it's refreshing to see someone bucking the trend so hard.
My daughter's kindergarten class did a "pennies for peace" fundraiser and learned about all of the work Greg Mortenson has done. The simple act of collecting pennies and knowing how they will be used to help other children has instilled a sense of pride and accomplishment in her that would have been difficult otherwise.
I enjoyed this book so much and have enjoyed the groundswell it has caused just as much.

Amazing story, I understand the Pakistan, Afghanistan region better thanks to the final few chapters of the book. For anyone looking for inspiration that one person CAN make a difference and one dollar can make a difference, this book is it. Perhaps a few more people will lobby the government to spend a tenth of the price of bombs on rebuilding schools and lives, thanks to this book.

I agree with others that the writing is overly polished, but the reader will be so mesmerized by the story that the writing flows by.

I had a hard time with the first part of the book, just getting used to all the names of the countries and the tribes and skimmed over some of the lengthy descriptive sections. The map in the front was helpful. Once the story started I became involved and extremely interested in the people and their culture. There was a very strong message here and I wish that everyone would ascribe to it. I would strongly recommend reading this very moving and inspirational account of one man's ability to make a difference.

It is stunning what good one person with determination can accom;lish! Recommended reading for everyone!

Through persistence, lots of help, and great effort, Greg Mortenson has already accomplished more than our entire military could ever accomplish. Building schools for boys and girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan is the ticket. Spreading literacy among children in these areas is perhaps the best way to fight against the madrasas - the fundamentalist schools. His book is really trying to tell us that there is another way, a better way to fight terrorism, and it isn't with missiles; it's with books. The book flows well; it's easy to read. Anybody can read it.

This inspiring and awesome book will transport you to the roof of the world from your armchair with many cups of tea to nourish you physically whilst being nourished spiritually by Greg Mortenson's story. It is a vivid account of one man's dream realising simple but profound goals that change whole communitie's lives forever. Recommended for everyone.

I am clearly at odds with those who say something like, "I would have given this story 5 stars, but the writing was bad, so I only gave it 2 stars." Is the prose top-notch?...no. Would the book have been improved if a better editor had handled it?...absolutely!

However, in my opinion, the measure of a story like this is how much impact it has upon you, not the grade it would get in an English class. I found the story, itself, riveting and the inconvenience of the manner in which it was told irrelevant.

Regardless of whether or not you subscribe to Greg Mortensen's belief that education is one of the key ingredients in the battles against radical fundamentalism (and, I confess, I do), this is an inspiring story of someone unquestionably making the world a better place, at great personal cost, over rather overwhelming obstacles.

I recommend that you read this book, keep your eye on the ball of what the message is, and see if there is some aspect of this message of making the world a better place one piece at time that resonates with you.

This book is inspiring. Morteson is a rare person - ahead of his time, a servant leader and a successful leader who delivers. He knows what he has accomplished is not about him but those he serves. My wife bugged me to read this book, but truth be told, I was put off by the title. Pretty silly reason to delay consuming one of the best reads I've had in a while. I hope to accomplish a fraction of what this man has before I die. Read it!

I really enjoyed this book. It's a must read for anyone interested in understanding another culture and what one person can do to change the lives of others.