The Bloomsbury Review called this book, Three Cups of Tea, "A template for peace."In my opinion Greg Mortenson's account of his mission to bring education to the children of Pakistan and Afghanistan should be required reading in every school in our nation, if not the world. Greg Mortenson is living proof that in order to bring peace to the world, to show other people and other cultures that the U.S. is worthy of trust and respect, we must go in peace, not in war. We must teach their children, not kill them.
Greg Mortenson went armed only with books and building supplies. He risked his life time and again to build schools in the Islamic world, educating the children of Islam and making it harder for militant, hate-spreading jihad groups to recruit them.
"Greg Mortenson represents the best of America," says U.S. Representative Mary Bono (R-Calif.) "He's my hero."
Mortenson is also a hero to rural communities of Afghanistan and Pakstan, where he has gained the trust of Islamic leaders, military commanders, government officials, and tribal chiefs by his tireless efforts to champion education, especially for girls.
"Three Cups of Tea is one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time," writes Tom Brokaw. "Greg Mortenson's dangerous and difficult quest to build schools in the wildest parts of Pakstan 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."
As of 2009, Mortenson has established or significantly supports 131 schools in rural and often volatile regions of Pakstan and Afghanistan, which educate more than 58,000 children, including 44,000 girls. Before Mortenson, education was practically nonexistent in these regions, especially for girls.
The book also points out the fact that not all Muslims are terrorists--not by a long shot. No more than all Japanese after the bombing of Pearl Harbor were our enemy. No more than all blond-haired white people are dangerous because Tim McVeigh was a homegrown terrorist.
I thank God that there are people in this world like Greg Mortenson. I wish there were more of them. How wonderful it would be if this kind of persons were in charge of world governments. I have always believed that violence is not the answer to peace or security. I agree with Ghandi, who said, " I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent."
Read this book. Give it to your children and grandchildren to read. Tell your friends and neighbors about it. In my opinion, the road to homeland security and world peace lies in the actions of men like Mortensen and women like Mother Teresa, people who personify the words of Jesus who said, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you."
To learn more about Greg Mortenson's work and the book Three Cups of Tea, go to http://www.threecupsoftea.com/.
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On 01/31/2010, Lynda Green said ...
Susan, Thanks for the stimulum to get the book off of my shelf and into the must read pile. After reading A Thousand Splendid Suns, I found it difficult to continue to delve into the culture but will welome an uplifting journey of education.
On 01/31/2010, Sandy said ...
Gives new meaning to "The Livng Bible".
On 01/31/2010, Ruth Landon said ...
I totally agree with you Susan. What our World needs is more people like Greg Mortensen. I heard him inteviewed on CBC radio the other morning and was very moved by what he has achieved. His second book "Stones into Schools" has just been published.
Ruth
On 01/31/2010, Debra Spincic said ...
You can never go wrong living a life of "Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You" It takes so little to be kind and generous.
On 01/31/2010, Nicole said ...
Inspiring!
On 01/31/2010, CarlaH said ...
I'm glad you enjoyed the book. You echo my feelings exactly - the world needs more people like Greg Mortensen - I'm looking forward to reading his second book in the very near future.
On 01/31/2010, Vickie said ...
Susan,
My husband loved the book and wanted you to know that the sequel "Stones into Schools' was very good too.
Vickie
On 01/31/2010, Pam Schroeder said ...
I have read the book and wholeheartedly agree - the way for the world is not through wars but through helping the rest of the world and it can start with education! PAM
On 01/31/2010, Barbara Anne said ...
Amen!
Hugs!!
On 01/31/2010, Carole Miller said ...
I loved both the King book and agree about brown's being his best yet. My dear friend, Sally McCammon's husband has his new one out. I'm eagerly awaiting "Mr Slaughter'. He writes as Robert R McCammon. I've read all his books and love them all. I always get excited by a new one. Check it all, everyone1
On 01/31/2010, Charlotte said ...
I had not heard of this book. I say God bless Greg Mortensen. The world certainly needs more people like him. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte
On 01/31/2010, Kelly@CharmingChatter said ...
Thanks so much for the recommendation. It looks like a wonderful book!
On 01/31/2010, Denise said ...
Bless you for sharing.
On 02/01/2010, Kai said ...
I'm on the same bandwagon YOU are! Just bought the 'sequel' last week at Barnes & Noble, and have it on my next-book-to-read list! That is one AMAZING human being who has done what all the fighting through the years could not achieve!
On 02/02/2010, Sandra Clarke said ...
Hi Susan, I enjoy reading your blog. I am a quilter, live in Atlanta area and agree that Greg's work is amazing. There is a children's book on this as well as a youth book ( think). I know I saw the children's book. This book is on the reading list for United Methodist Women. Blessings to you. Sandra
On 02/06/2010, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...
I've seen the children's book, Sandra, but haven't read it. A friend of mine is the UMW president at our church and she told me she read the book, found it on the UMW list.
Have a nice day. --Susan
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