Greg Mortenson is an American who was raised by missionary parents in Tanzania. These parents left a legacy in Africa of one of the best hospitals led by African Doctors and a leading international school. They also modeled to a cross-cultural son about aiming high. Greg became a nurse who loved mountain climbing, dreaming of one day also conquering K2.

This is the story of his near fatal attempt to climb that mountain. The failure led him on another journey: to a very poor village in the Karakoram mountains and to the conservative Muslim tribal worlds of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Greg, emaciated and exhausted from his failed attempt, is taken in by a local family and nursed back to health. During his recuperation, he hears of some of their dreams for their village and makes a promise to return to build a school for their girls.

The name of the book derives from what a local village chief said, "Here (in Pakistan and Afghanistan) we drink three cups of tea to do business; the first you are a stranger; the second you become a friend, and the third, you join our family, and for our family we are prepared to do anything--even die."

Greg is thrown into another cross-cultural world that is far different from his world in Africa. It is a world of tribal chiefs, imams, the poor trying to survive in incredible circumstances and the impact of poverty upon the lives of children. These people wonder why an American would make a promise that looked so impossible to keep and how this turned into Greg's destiny.

'Three Cups of Tea' is a story of wisdom learned from the local culture over the centuries. It is seeing the practical difference that education makes in the lives of poor villages of Pakistan and Afghanistan one school at a time. It is a story of deep, lasting cross-cultural friendships in a world that has been defined by its geo-political and religious divides. Read it and weep......Read it and get involved.

I was so excited to read this story and thoroughly enjoyed the first 175 pages, but then it seemed to lose its focus and ramble on. The story itself is a good one, but it quickly becomes lost in "thick" writing. The author overuses adjectives and description to such an extent, his real point is often lost. He also has a knack for going into way to much detail about every little person who comes across the story. IT IS SO UNFOCUSED! The second hand view of the story is also strange, as we never get into Greg's head. The beginning of the book focuses on his struggle to build a school in Korphe, but then it is all over so quickly. We never find out his emotions or about the students. It's all very strange. I thought "ummm did I miss a chapter or something?" It just rattles on to talk about other adventures and people, having nothing to do with this school or, at some points, even Greg himself. I wondered where the editor was on this project. Yikes! What a mess! As a teacher, I was expecting to read a story that got more to the heart of this amazing man and the girls he helped to educate, but what I got was a circuatous description of small meaningless details that swallowed the real story.

Three Cups of Tea is an inspiration beyond measure. Great story filled with determination -- I highly recommend this book for everyone. To help make a difference and spread the word, I bought 4 copies on Amazon to give as birthday gifts to my friends and family. PS

What a tragedy that such an important, enlightening, and inspiring story was written so poorly. I actually didn't get past page 15 because I just couldn't stand the run-on sentences any more. Everyone in my book club loved the book but for me, the way a book is written is just as important as the story itself, and when I have to stumble over every other sentence because it's so awkward, it ruins the experience for me.

THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ! It makes you want to get up and make the world a better place!!! It is amazing how many lives Greg Mortensen has changed for the better. You are missing out if you do not read this book! Please pass it along to others~!

This was a book club book and of the 7 members not one person liked this book. Over half the group didn't even finish it. We couldn't figure out what all the hype was over this book as we have all heard rave reviews. I would not recommend this book to anyone. Perhaps much of my disappointment was due to the fact that this book had excellent reviews on Amazon. Typically I find these reviews accurate and almost always enjoy books listed in the What Other Books Customer Bought section. I was so excited to read this book only to be majorly disappointed about 1/3rd of the way into it. It is a "played out" genre, slow and overly detailled about unimportant things. I was hoping one person in our book club liked it so I could see the magic.

This beautiful story of compassion and commitment will inspire all but those with hearts of stone. Read it, listen to it or listen to others talk about it and you'll understand that Mortenson's mission is one which we all should endeavor to join. How unfortunate though, that the authors could not withhold their political proselytzing and just tell us the unblemished story. Instead, the reader is forced to navigate a propaganda minefield which should be posted with the political warning: Che Guevara good, George Bush bad. What a damper that puts on the readers' mood.

After reading this book not only was I inspired, but I felt I had just read about one of the greatest men of our time. A hero. I had been fed such garbage by the media about Islam and I will forever remain changed after reading this book. It also made me wonder why on earth more people don't listen to this hero, he holds the key to peace and is actively planting seeds for it to grow around the world. If we all did that, we would finally have peace on earth. Many Blessings to you Mr. Moretenson. God Bless the work you are doing in this world.

Finding one's purpose in life is a gift from the gods. This story of a mountain climber's quest to make a difference in the lives of communities clear across the world will make you question your purpose. Anyone involved in education or interested in the current political situation in Afghanistan will be moved by this book. There are a few books in your life that make you think about how you can live a more vivid life. This is one of them. Read it, share it and reflect on what differences you can make in your own communities.

Do you need a book to inspire you??? After reading about Greg Mortenson you will feel like there is so much hope in the world and that one person really CAN make a difference! I am a teacher for Chicago Public Schools in an urban area and this book made my problems seem extremely miniscule. I am now on my own mission to help more because of this book and finally feel like this is the right way to bring peace to the world...build schools to educate those in need, what a simple idea that Greg has made come true for so many deserving children. This book will make you want to cry and smile, please read it and pass along to as many people as possible!!!

I'm only halfway through but the book is difficult to put down. What's more incredible is that the story is true! This should be required reading for high school kids.... for everyone. It gives the reader such a huge appreciation of another world so far away and the amazing cultures found on the highest peaks of the earth. A fantastic book!

Don't order from this source, I still have not received item in mail...will have to hope I can canel credit card purchase!!!

Fantastic book - full of hope, but not in a smarmy, saccharine way. It does indeed show that one person's efforts can have significant repercussions - in a positive way.

This is a great read purely on the basis of its engaging narrative and remarkable story. But it is more than that; it is a prophetic tale that illuminates both the roots of a dark threat and a viable path of holisitc resolution, one school at a time. The oft forgotten or ignored maxim that enduring social change must evolve at the local level is powerfully affirmed. The children, most notabley the girls, who attend these schools are transformed and they in turn transform their communities and beyond.

When I finished reading the book I wondered why Greg Mortenson was not a familiar, famous, recognizable figure. This is one of the most inspirational power-of-one true stories I have ever heard. Our children could be as inspired as are the children of Pakistan by hearing what a difference one life can make in this world. I am buying extra books to give to strangers. I am donating one to my local library. Maybe I'll give one to every school in town. Very few people today can name someone they consider their 'hero'. They need to hear Greg's life story. The book is a great read, a great inspiration, a great gift.

I was inspired by Greg Mortenson's work in Pakistan. His single-minded dedication to building schools and offering educational opportunities to the children in Central Asia as a way of fighting terrorism that is worth investing in.
I listened to the book in my car on my way to work. I wanted to stay in the car and finish the whole book. It is sometimes difficult to read a book with so many unfamiliar names, but listening made it enjoyable, educational, entertaining, exciting and encouraging.

I found it at the library, and since I wasn't spending $ on it, decided to give it a try.... I thought it had a bit of a slow start, but built into things naturally. (It's obviously non-fic.) There are peoiods of hazard etc, but mostly it was about (real) people, and how one man was changed, and changed a small part of the world. ( And goofed up more than once! ) Life-changing-experiences are riveting first-hand, but loose a lot in trying to share the experience. I don't usualy find them compelling. Most of this was about the aftermath, I guess. A turning point like that is only a begining, after all. This was really, REALLY good. I recomended it to several people.

A Mt. climber, who organises his life around the sport, gets lost in the really high country, and nursed back to health in a remote village. He wanted to do something for the village that had cared for him. He promised them a school. He made a list of what would be needed to build it, and what it would cost... He heads home to raise the money for the school and come back. He reaches the United States and falls into a depression... He came back from the trip broke, and had lost his job....

Lots of people make promises-- he delivered. That alone should start to cue you into why he has made such friends in a part of the world considered quite unfriendly. I use "friends" in the sense of people willing to stand by you, and protect/help you even if it costs them. NOT in the casual, I know so-and so, and we get along type.... It took a while, and didn't go smoothly, and one thing led to another... I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

When I finished, I wished I had a bunch of money to send to his organisation. They do really good work, under conditions that most westerners would find... daunting, at best. I was impressed. Totally.

i just finished reading Three Cups of Tea. I found this book to express the ONLY intelligent way to bring our world together. I feel that one paragraph in the book - on page 310 says it best:"Osama is not a product of Pakistan or Afghanistan. He is a creation of America. Thanks to America, Osama is in every home. As a military man, I know you can never fight and win against someone who can shoot at you once and then run off and hide while you have to remain eternally on guard. You have to attack at your enemy's strength. In America's case, that's not Osama or Saddam or anyone else. The enemy is ignorance. The only way to defeat it is to build relationships with these people, to draw them into the modern world with education and business. Otherwise the fight will go on forever." -Brigadier General Bashir Baz.

My thanks to "Dr. Greg" for his continued incredible journey and to Mr. Relin for writing about it. And to Tara for letting her husband go knowing that what he is doing it bigger than all of us.

And one more comment - this should be required reading at every American school! You can bet my children will be reading it next!

This is as powerful a book as any that I can remember reading! I have purchased twenty copies just to 'pass on'. I salute Amazon for taking a cut in their selling price as a donation to Greg Mortenson's endeavor.
His endeavor? To build schools in Pakistan so that girls can be educated.
At last count I believe he has completed 54 schools in remote villages where there was no education for girls and by involving local labor and materials,
the communities realize the gentleness and love that can come from an American. It is a difficult and marvelous accomplishment by a very special human being. He is still proceeding despite the cataclysmic war being fought
as I write this!

Three Cups of Tea is more than a book about Greg Mortenson. It is insight into a world foreign and misunderstood by so many of us. I learned so much from this easy to read book and had my belief in the value of education re-affirmed. If we are to have Peace in the world, we must help people learn to think for themselves, and this is what I think Greg Mortenson is trying to do. There is no greater gift than being educated. READ THIS BOOK , it changed my thinking entirely.

This is one of the most inspiring works of courage and humanity that I've ever read. Greg Mortenson is a true patriot, doing his part to promote peace and create meaningful relationships in an area of the world that has suffered greatly at the hands of his country. By educating children in Pakistan and Afghanistan, he is offering them a choice to conflict and war, and ultimately making the US a safer place for his own children. I felt truly touched by this book, and believe that it would be equally inspiring to liberals and conservatives, young and elderly, rich and poor. Take the time to read this eye-opening book.

I'm not a writer - but an avid reader. I recommended this book to the members of my book club and found many had already read it!

This is a wonderful book! Very inspiring!!!! It has changed my perception on the Middle East. Our world would be a different place if everyone was offered an EDUCATION.

How does the saying go "If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito. -Betty Reese

Read this wonderful book. It is factual, intelligent and inspiring.
A man can really change the world. I hope he can write a second one.
Expect him to win the Nobel Peace Prize, so get to know him first.
Fan in Puerto Rico

Great book! Recommend this to everyone! It gives us an insight into the issues children have with education. Those of us who live in a dream land have no clue about the issues in the rest of the world. I must admit it is an eye opener.
After reading this book I have a lot of respect for Greg and more for his wife. It was not an easy task for Greg but a harder one for his wife to make a sacrifice on her family life.

This is a feel-good, mandatory read for anyone interested in education or current events. When I closed the book, I immediately went online to read more about Greg Mortenson and make a contribution to his efforts. It is a fantastic story of one incredible man's love for mountain climbing... that leads to the adventure of a lifetime.

Working to build schools for villages in the remote corners of Pakistan and Afghanistan, Greg Mortenson shines as an example that even one person can make huge difference to world. He may be a future Nobel Peace Prize winner and he is undoubtedly a real-live hero.

Thanks for taking the time to share this story.

Three Cups of Tea was a book chosen for my Book Club. When I picked up the book, I didn't think I'd want to read it because the cover described what Mortenson did and I thought I wanted to read a "mystery."
However, when I finally did read this remarkable work, I was moved to tears many times at the astounding fortitude of Greg Mortenson. And, there was "mystery," along with amazing adventure, excitement, faith and strength. Not only by Greg, but by the endurance and love of his family, supporters, and students in the mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The co-author, David Oliver Relin, writes eloquently and lyrically. Through his writing, the reader is able to see the mountains, taste the dust, hear the cries of the people, and enter into the massive heart of Greg Mortenson.
I plan to buy a copy of this book (some proceeds going to the Central Asia Institute) for each member of my family.
Three Cups of Tea should be read by every American to learn not only what one man can do to fight terrorism but what actually causes the hardships of the people of Central Asia and how we can help.
Greg Mortenson should receive the Nobel Peace Prize for turning "bombs into books."
I find it hard to express how much I learned from this work.
Three Cups of Tea is probably the most important book of nonfiction of the decade.

We read Three Cups of Tea for my book club selection and everyone who read it thought it was awesome. It certainly tells an amazingly true story of Greg Mortenson and his (secular) mission, in an adventurous and exciting way. It gives you a lot of perspective on your own life as well, since it allows you a view of lifestyles and people who truly have very little economically. It was truly inspirational and I would recommend it to anyone who dares to be open to the understanding of other countries, cultures and religious backgrounds...

This story of Greg Mortenson and his dream to educate girls in Pakistan is nothing short of a miracle in action. Looking into Gregs childhood early on in the book you can see that he was destined to do something great. Follow in his fathers footsteps to a degree!
The detail when Greg was in the thick of the American retaliation on the Taliban is most interesting.
Other than Greg being a hero to so many needy people, I can not help but shower respect and admiration on the hero behind the scenes, Tara his wife. From what I can tell, if it wasnt for Tara and her understanding of Gregs quest there may have been times when any lesser man would have given up. Greg Mortenson is a hero to all mankind and one day it will show across the world just how important his work is.
"Three cups of tea" is a must read,if not to be inspired, to see that a gesture to the needy no matter how big or small goes a long way.

An amazing journey that is both heart warming and inspiring. Shows you what you can do on a wing and a prayer.

Like others, I thought initially that this book deserved to be liked. It should be a great story. But after about 1/2 way through I found myself calculating how long it would take to get to the 331st and final page. I also agree that there is terrible editing, for example, we are treated to an explanation of the key "tenants" (tenets anyone?) of the Muslim faith. Unforgiveable.

As Hawkings "A Brief History of Time" proved, bestsellers aren't necessary best-read books. I have to believe a lot of readers ended up skimming to the end or worse. Yawn, another trip in his green land cruiser on a bad road.

The notion that Mortensen set out to fight terrorism is also just not so. That goal may have been later adopted, but my understanding is that he just plain old tried to provide access to good, simple education, but that somehow acquired the mantle of the thinking man's war on terror.

And I must say that I pity the board of directors that had to try to work with this undisciplined, self-absorbed man.

A peplexing but effective man in his own way, but quite frankly a poor, overblown read.

I can see the other reviews have spoken well for this book already, and I do not have much more to add.

I will say, this book has humbled, inspired, and left me in awe of what one person has been able to start and many more have helped continue.

The messege is simple, clear, and 100% spot on and every person who cares about the safety of not just America but the world in general will appreciate what Greg has to say.

This inspiring book takes us in a very wonderful direction - education.
You must purchase this book and read it - your life will be changed.
I just made a $50/month pledge to the organization to support education of children in Pakistan and Afganistan. Dr. Greg is our hero - Thank you!

The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One

You just can't miss reading Three Cups of Tea! Do want a gripping page turner? Do you want a book that lifts your spirits and renews your faith in mankind? Do you want a book that takes you on an eye-opening trip to worlds you otherwise would never visit? And do you want to be inspired to make a difference, even if only with pencils, pennies, or pounds of nails? If so, you too may end up saying, "This is absolutely one of the very best books I have ever read!" When I finished it just a few moments ago, I immediately made up a list of friends and family who "have" to read it, recommended it as the next selection for my book group, and sat down to write this review. The true, true story is just so thought-provoking,relevant and well-written I couldn't put it down. Please, please give yourself, your family,your friends and especially the high school and college students you know the chance to have this incredible experience!

I've only just started the book but I have trouble putting it down already. So far it is very uplifting and inspiring. It was chosen by my bookclub and I wasn't sure I was actually going to read it but I'm pleasently surprised by how much I'm enjoying it. It is well written and the story flows easily.

I also recommend EVERY DAY A MIRACLE HAPPENS or MIRACLES OF THE SAINTS by Rodney Charles or Rodney N Charles. Both Published by 1stWorld Library or 1stWorld Publishing.
The Second Declaration
Every Day A Miracle Happens
The Secret Meaning of Names
Lighter Than Air
The Devil's Disciple
Les Miserables, Volume I & II
THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO Vol II
PUBLISH IT NOW
Book Marketing Basics - The New Model For Promoting Your Book
Illumination: A Gnostic Handbook for the Post Modern World

I love this book. get it and reat it til the end. it will surprise you.

I bought the book from Amazon as a gift for a family member. Following the recommendation of a friend, I read the book (borrowed),and it was one of the most inspirational books I've ever read! Greg Mortenson is a miracle worker! I expected it to be "good", but didn't expect it to be a page turner. Greg's Central Asia Institute will be one of my favorite non-profits. Thank goodness we have someone who truly knows how to make peace.

Some books can change a life, but more rarely, a book comes along that can change the world. Such a book is Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. The story of Greg Mortenson's odyssey of building schools for the children, especially girls, of Pakistan and Afghanistan is the story of one man not planning his life, but listening to his inner voice. The monumental accomplishments of Greg Mortenson, and all of those associated with his Central Asia Institute, lift the reader's spirits. More importantly, the book becomes a catalyst for action. Listed on the last two pages of the paperback edition are nine suggestions how the reader can help. I have picked out three myself. Some readers will do more, others less, but all, after reading this book, will be impelled to do something. Greg Mortenson has shown us the way.

The story is compelling, but a bonus for reading the book is that the reader receives a glimpse of life in the remote villages of the rugged mountains of Pakistan and Afganistan. Villagers interact with the visitors by serving as guides to the recreational mountain climbers. This true story of the marvelous work of mountain climber Greg Mortenson in building schools in these mountain villages offers inspiration beyond ordinary experience as he struggles against terrible odds for the isolated villagers, to finally build 52 schools in the area. The book ends with the arrival of the Taliban in those remote areas. The lives of the villagers have been changed in many ways.

This is a personal account of a modern-day experience in the Middle East, from the peaceful and unbiased viewpoint of someone trying to promote education. It has made me look at what's going on over there in an entirely different, and I think more productive, way. I would like everyone I know to read this book - people would be so much more effective if they thought like this.

This was a true eye opener for me. One person does make a difference and what a difference! Not only educational but enlightening and enjoyable read I highly recommend this book!

Greg Mortensen's story is inspirational. This book also gave me some background to better follow and understand political stories on Pakistan and Afghanistan by bringing the tribes and names and conflicts to life. The book makes a strong case that money for education can also be considered money for stability. Providing schools for poor children not only helps improve economic conditions, but it provides options for families who otherwise may send their children to "madrassas" that promote radical Islam simply because there are no alternatives.

I am very glad that I read this book about Greg Mortenson's mission to build schools for boys and girls in Pakistan and Afganistan. The book was very well written, and gives the reader an inside look at a corner of the world which we mostly know from headlines. Mortenson truly is a hero, and his life is inspiring. Why not 5 stars? This books falls short by not getting inside the people in this book. Even with Mortenson, I felt that we were only allowed to see so much of him. Maybe it was a privacy thing. All the other characters are ones that I feel that I was well introduced to, but never knew well enough to make a strong connection. I cared greatly about the people as a group, but not about individuals. That made this book an interesting and important read, but not the page turner that nonfiction can sometimes be. Still, I strongly recommend this book to others.

This is a compelling story about a facinating man, Greg Mortensen, whose mission in life is to help others with no gain for himself. His project to educate children, especially girls, in Pakistan and Afghanistan, took great courage and intellect, and a bit of dealer, yet he sought no attention for himself. The story of his successes and failures and the people he met and became close to along the way was hard to put down.

Fantastic book!! Love it. Mortenson's passion to improve the quality of life for Pakistan's poor amazes me. This book is inspirational and is very well written. At a time when most Americans think all Muslims are terrorists, this book does a fantastic job of presenting the story of Islam's other 99%, the 99% that believe in peace and education for all. Thanks Greg. I'll remember your story and the story of the people that you are so passionately connected to for the rest of my life.

This is such an inspiring story. "Dr. Greg" is an amazing man. Read this book and be moved to take action yourself. He has made a difference in so many lives!

Great book. It reads like an adventure novel. I found it to be incredibly compelling that one person can initiate so much. It is extremely inspirational.

This is an incredible story. Greg Mortenson has lived the life of sacrifice and giving that changes the world. After reading this book, I am inspired to work harder to make this world better for others. Thanks, Greg!

This is a good to get familiar of different culture, we live in the US, we have no idea how lucky we are until you compare with other countries.

Read the book and compare and learn.