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 - The Cost of SainthoodMy book group often puts me in the position of reading a book that I would not normally choose to read myself--that's one of the main reasons I like it. However, this also means it's a crap shoot. Sometimes I'm pleased because I end up liking something I never would have read on my own. Sometimes I'm irritated because I've wasted my time with a book in which I end up disappointed. In the case of Three Cups of Tea, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. This book basically tells the story of Greg Mortenson who, after nearly dying on an attempt to climb K2 on the Chinese-Pakistan border, ends up in a small village called Korphe where he is cared for. He makes a promise that he will come back and build a school for the children of the village. The rest of this very well-written book is the story of how he fulfills that promise and then expands upon that one school to build a series of schools and community centers in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The early stages of his journey, in particular, are the most inspiring. How he comes back to America and kicks around for awhile while he figures out how to achieve his goal. How he writes letter after letter and persists in the face of no response. How he finally connects with Jean Hoerni, forms the Central Asia Institute, and gets the ball rolling. How he learns the subtleties of working in Pakistan to build the school. It truly is a wonderful thing to see him reach that success. None of that admiration changes later, when the CAI expands and we see Mortenson working harder, learning more, and reaching further. However, for me, there are dark clouds that overshadows his dedication. First, is his clear inability to run the business side of the CAI effectively. Most importantly, though, is his near-abandonment of his wife and children to pursue this work. Granted, his wife went into their relationship with her eyes wide open and probably expected this but that doesn't change the fact that my sympathies often turned to her when her husband foolishly put himself in danger on numerous occasions and disappeared from home for many months at a time. There is a scene in the book that has stayed with me: Mortenson happens to have a layover in Calcutta when Mother Theresa dies. He goes to pay his respects. Because he is a white American, he is allowed in and gets a private moment with her body. It is meant, I think, to offer a contact point between two people many would consider saints. But I feel very disturbed by the scene. The thing is, to be a saint or a president, a titan of business or a famous actor, to be what is often considered "great" requires fantastic sacrifice. No one can doubt the good accomplished by Mother Theresa or Mortenson, for that matter. And we probably need people like this. I, however, could never be one. I wouldn't trade time with my son and daughter to touch the foot of Mother Theresa. I think we need to keep in mind this darker side of "sainthood" and remember the power of living a good life where we are. That being said, Mortenson is on the right track when it comes to his work. The schools and centers he has built have done more to promote American interests in the region than anything done by our government. Perhaps if our government would look closely at this book, our policies would reflect something better--a cheaper and more peaceful way to connect to the Middle East. However I may feel about Mortenson as a husband and father, there is no doubt that he's doing good work. Rating: - not well written but a brilliant storyIf this story does not motivate people than nothing will! The sheer determination of one man to change lives is so incredible and inspiring that you want to write a big check, or send pennies, or book a trip to help build a school. The book is very poorly written so you have to get past the jumbled, 2nd grade writing and just focus on the passionate and determined work of dozens of people on different continents who have helped bring education and peace to the mountains of Pakistan. Rating:  - Solution to TerrorismThis is an excellent book...a true story of how one man has made the world a better place. If we used this as an international model in lieu of many of the policies we are following now, it would save thousands of lives and cost much less. I recommend this book for everyone. Rating: - One of the most incredible and inspiring stories ever told!This is an amazing, wonderfully written and very informative book that tells the incredible story of one of America's most heroic champions for peace. Please, do yourself a huge favor, but this book, buy a copy for your friends, your family, make an entire Christmas list full of copies! Help to spread this much needed message of peace through education as far and wide as possible. Rating:  - I'm glad I read it but ...I found it a little strange that Mortenson co-wrote a book that depicted him so heroically. I guess modesty isn't one of his virtues. Plus the book was poorly edited and could have been cut down by at least 100 pages. Having said that, I think this is an important, eye-opening book. Anyone who thinks they understand what's going on in Pakistan today should take a look at Mortenson's experiences. They're truly inspirational.
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