Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time

book review: Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time
I just cannot express enough gratitude to Greg Mortenson for his humanitarian efforts in Pakistan. His accomplishments are a beacon light for humanity. As a Pakistani, I felt so much guilt that we attribute the ills of our country to the inefficiency of the government and the corrupt bureaucracy. It takes an American to teach us the lesson - that even one person can accomplish a lot, provided the intentions are true and sincere. Mortenson went on a course to change the destiny of a small village in the foothills of the Himalayas -a much neglected part of the earth. How he saved money to fulfill a promise to build a school in the remote village of Korphe, makes this story seem surreal. Mortenson's humility, sheer passion, respect for traditions, sincerity and nobility make him more than human. He is the stuff that saints are made of. Mortenson's relentless efforts in the face of utmost hardships are truly inspirational. He was never deterred by the stereotypes and misconceptions about the region that he had ventured into, even after his brush with the fundamentalist elements of the region in the form of `fatwas' and kidnapping. His initial success propelled him on a mission that has expanded in the region and resulted in more than 50 schools. There are countless moments in the book that touched me so deeply that I felt invigorated to do something for this cause immediately. As long as there are people like Greg Mortenson, there is hope in this world. He has shown the world that the path to succeed is one that surpasses the political, ideological, cultural and religious divides. I also admire the courage and sacrifice of Tina Bishop, who shares the same ideals as her great husband. More detail...

Description
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.More detail...