Anyone who despairs of the individual’s power to change lives has to read the story of Greg Mortenson, a homeless mountaineer who, following a 1993 climb of Pakistan’s 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 schools—especially for girls—that offer a balanced education in one of the most isolated and dangerous regions on earth. As it chronicles Mortenson’s 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.

Customer Reviews Average rating - 5.0

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-10-10
Content: The book three cups of tea, is a story of monumental dedication and superhuman efforts to build schools for people who had no hope of education. An inspiring story for any age.
Summary: 3 cups = 5 stars

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-10-10
Content: This is one of the best books I have ever read. In retrospect, it is difficult to imagine the difference a single person can make. Dr. Greg Mortenson is building schools in the most hostile situations and is the real hero for America and people world wide.
This book is a must read because it truly gives a glimpse of the world we are mostly unaware of.
Greg fought against all adversaries - fatwa, kidnapping and being caught between a free for all shootout. These are extraordinary situations and require extraordinary character to work under those circumstances.
Some readers complained that the book went back and forth between US and Pakistan quite often and the reading is not clean. I disagree. The book is very well written and the back & forth is not much different from hos own life. He is living in two parallel worlds, working under bullets half a world away away from his family to make a difference.

His is the right way to fight evil - through education. I wish there were more like him.

I think the least we can do is read the book and educate ourselves about the real problems and real solutions to the current menace (terrorism, poverty, depravity) around the world.

Third cup of tea is a gesture in certain cultures to accept another person as part of the extended family.

This is such a great book that I do not want to (and cannot) write a feedback about the book and will only encourage you to read it.
Summary: Please read it. Based on true story but can't be further than fiction

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-10-10
Content: Of all the people I have had the pleasure to meet or read about, Greg Mortenson is the most heroic by far. This book is an incredible read but not near as incredible as what this man has done and continues to do. He's fighting terror and violence at its source by actually not fighting. Not threatening or pushing or forcing. Instead by listening, learning and then acting out of sincere compassion and understanding, not a hidden agenda. And thats why he is so credible. His risks are greater then I can imagine but he's sketched out a path to peace that seems far more effective then any governmental intervention. This story proves that even today incredible changes are possible just by starting with a sincere caring for other people. There's hope for us yet!
Summary: A pretty clear path...

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-10-10
Content: I had no idea what the book was about, I bought it during an unexpected stay somewhere.

The journey I have been taken on by the tale this book tells is so important, true, beautiful, and moving.

This book has changed my life. The power one person has to create change sometimes is easy to forget.

Now that the book is over, I have lost a friend. But, I have gained valuable insight in the fight one visonary hero and the team of supporters (from all around the world) has made and will continue to make.

This is an important read.
Summary: Your life will be changed.

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-10-10
Content: I picked this up randomly from a bookshelf at the airport on the way out for a trip. I wasn't expecting much since I hadn't heard of the author or his exploits.

...I was completely wrong.

Mortenson shows himself to be a very human supporter of ideal principles and doing what is right to make the world a better place, even in place of immense setbacks, threats to his life, and personal challenges to his pocketbook and relationship. Through all this, he presents a likeable, actionable picture of what one man with a dedication to his mission can accomplish.

Without formal training or access to resources, Greg single-handedly has built dozens of schools for young people to improve their lives and make something more out of life. It's a prime example of the type of sentiment building, ally making, soft power that America needs to be using. Through small amounts of money and dedication, Mortenson has shown that he can stop radicalization, encourage others, and bring development to people with extreme challenges.

We could all learn from his example.
Summary: A prime example of how to stop radicalism and promote America