Here it is family. Just what you have been waiting for . . . "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Morenson and David Oliver Relin. It's a NY Times/Amazon/etc. best seller. Usually, I wouldn't pick a best-seller, but my good friend Tom Brokaw convinced me with the following review:Three Cups of Tea is one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time. Greg Mortenson’s dangerous and difficult quest to build schools in the wildest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan is not only a thrilling read, it’s proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, really can change the world .
Sounds pretty good, right? Well I hope we enjoy. Below is a brief Plot Summary.
Some failures lead to phenomenal successes, and this American nurse's unsuccessful attempt to climb K2, the world's second tallest mountain, is one of them. Dangerously ill when he finished his climb in 1993, Mortenson was sheltered for seven weeks by the small Pakistani village of Korphe; in return, he promised to build the impoverished town's first school, a project that grew into the Central Asia Institute, which has since constructed more than 50 schools across rural Pakistan and Afghanistan. Coauthor Relin recounts Mortenson's efforts in fascinating detail, presenting compelling portraits of the village elders, con artists, philanthropists, mujahideen, Taliban officials, ambitious school girls and upright Muslims Mortenson met along the way. As the book moves into the post-9/11 world, Mortenson and Relin argue that the United States must fight Islamic extremism in the region through collaborative efforts to alleviate poverty and improve access to education, 
especially for girls. Captivating and suspenseful, with engrossing accounts of both hostilities and unlikely friendships, this book will win many readers' hearts. (amazon)
For more information check out the website @ http://www.threecupsoftea.com/
Runner up for the pick of the month: The Maverick CEO
Okay, so I'm the first one. Seriously? Where's everyone else? Well, I've started the book, and it's excellent so far. Just getting to the part where Dr. Greg starts to build the first school.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I just finished Anne Frank's diary before beginning 3 Cups of Tea, which is really phenomenal and would likely be an excellent candidate for future SFBC nominees.
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ReplyDeleteI read this book last year. I could not put it down. Great insight in to the Afganistan conflict. Clearly a case for nonviolent action. Interestingly President O has gone on Arab TV and said he will start out his dialog with the Arab world by listening. When faced with seemingly overwhelming differences, listening is the least threatening means of communication. Suspect once he has listened awhile he will ask questions, next least threatening means of communication. Would suggest a trip to www.crnhq.org if interested in conflict management.
ReplyDeleteDad is getting me up and running to make comments. Testing
ReplyDeleteCan I just say how touched I am by this idea, Andrew! I love it! I can't say I'm very far in the book. I'm reading some pretty tough reads for class right now, but am working to fit this one in too. I'm reading about abuse of all types for my trauma class, and am currently in the midst of the book, Predators...a tough read, not intellectually speaking, but tough on the heart. Anyway, back to 3 Cups...really good so far. Dave's further than me...really fascinated by Mortenson's journey thus far. We'll add more as we continue. Will try to finish up by mid March. Just heard of a book, called Hope Rising I may suggest for the next one. May be a little heavy, but inspirational at the same time. It's about kids who suffered abuse (of all types) who attended a camp at a ranch with abused horses. The horses and kids find healing in each other. I'm so interested in this right now because of my trauma class. Amazing how kids who fall victim to such heinous abuse can rise above it to lead lives of hope, happiness, and success. Not true in all cases, but in many. Have been thinking about all this a lot lately in the midst of my classes. It seems those who face the most difficult obstacles have the greatest sense of faith, priorities, hope, and strength. Specifically, I'm thinking of people like Megan Easterday, my friend, Tracy Yeager (mom of 3, battling cancer), Terry Polston (succumbed to cancer, but with an unbelievable attitude), Emily and Vince, among others. In typical Mandy fashion, my email turns into a book so fast. Will try to sum up quickly. I still have and read the newspaper article of Megan's diary entries, in which she thanks God for giving her cancer for the message she has been able to share with others. My friend, Tracy, sends monthly updates of her progress, which isn't good, yet she never complains, never seems down...she just fights harder. Her faith is incredible. Terry Polston's brother Randy, cried out, "Why? Why?" after finding out Terry had a relapse of cancer. He said, "Why not, Brother? If this is God's plan, why shouldn't I be a part of it?" He was an incredibly positive influence on kids, hurting kids. The gym was completely filled at the high school for his funeral. Okay, one more...had a long talk with Becky Watson at church Sunday. I didn't know Steve had cancer again. They just exude such hopefulness and positivity. Amazing! I mean, have you ever met a happier, more funny man than Steve? Okay, I think I am finished, but books like 3 Cups, bring out the philosophical side of me.
ReplyDeleteThis is not meant to be a depressing comment, but rather one of finding inspiration in these people. Thanks for listening to your long-winded sister/daughter. :-)
Still trying to figure out the post thing
ReplyDeleteJust read a book on vacation: People of God. An ancient book scholar traces a Jewish Haggadah (Bible Story Book) backwards in time from modern Bosnia conflict to WWII Bosnia to Pre WWI Vienna then back to Venice and Spain. Also involves the hero's current family life and secrets and deals with Syphlitic book binders, sex crazed Jewish doctor, alcoholic priest and gambling addicted Rabbi and many other curious characters. Should stimulate me to read more about Dark ages. What the Inquisition guys did to the Jews and wayward Christians makes waterboarding look like wakeboarding. A smile to you all. Daddo
ReplyDeleteOops.
ReplyDeleteThe book's name is People of the Book.