Three+Cups+of+Tea

Robert Ferira: I chose to read //Three Cups of Tea// because, after reading a bit about each book, this one seemed like quite an intriguing book. When I began reading //Three Cups of Tea// it was very dull and tough to follow, and I had great difficulty keeping myself from selecting a different book to read. But, as Mortenson persevered, so did I. I read along during his journey of K2 and its neighboring rock giants in Pakistan. This man had promised the Korphe village a school in return for their hospitality. Greg had a tough time raising the money for the school until Jean Hoerni showed up and gave him all the money he needed to complete it. Once the first school had been finished, Hoerni founded the Central Asia Institute (CAI), and Greg’s schools started popping up all over Pakistan in the smaller, less fortunate villages. Greg Mortenson changed thousands of Pakistani lives just by giving villages a place to read and write. This man was just an ordinary individual in America, yet he meant the world to many Pakistanis. Many Americans have taken advantage of what they have and do not realize the immense poverty that exists in other parts of the world. By reading this book I learned that all dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.

Olivia McPherson: Since my grandmother loves to read inspirational books, she persuaded me to read //Three Cups of Tea// when I read her the wiki book list. Also, we have a family friend who went to Iraq on a mission trip in July and, after hearing all of his stories about the culture there, I thought it would be interesting to read about another one. I have to admit, this book started out really slow but got more interesting the farther I read along. The best thing about this book would have to be Greg Mortenson's character, and how he persevered through all the challenges he faced. He is a great example to all of us of how one person can make a huge difference in so many people's lives. He never broke his promises no matter how hard they were to keep. The fact that he found a way to go back and build a school in Korphe shows how dedicated he is once he sets his mind to something. Also, he accepts that there is another plan for his life when he realizes he will not be able to finish climbing K2. Although his ultimate goal was to climb K2 in memory of his deceased sister, he accepts the fact that it is not going to happen and ends up doing something else. In my opinion, he honors his sister even more because it helps so many other people. Ultimately, we can all learn from this book. Sometimes when we think we have something all planned out, an even greater plan is in store for us. By Greg never giving up, as poor as he was, he teaches us how one person can contribute to the lives of many. This book also makes me thankful for all of the blessings I have here in this country. It's good to be reminded of that every now and again. I would recommend this book, but warn the reader about the slow start of the book.

Christian Belcher: I selected //Three Cups of Tea// because of its remote and engrossing setting, as well as for the people and culture of the area. I enjoyed the book, but found it slow in some sections. I found it interesting whenever the Muslim cultural traditions were mentioned. I am amazed by Greg Mortenson's willpower, which shows me he was really dedicated to his task. I believe his story is one of the more inspiring stories of our generation and hopefully it will reach the minds of people willing to attemp similiar tasks for the well being of mankind. I am glad the book showed how difficult it is to raise money for a cause, but also that in the end you can be succesfull. Mortenson himself led a more unusual life than most, (growing up in Kenya, having his father build a hospital) but this made the story even more fascinating. It's a neat thing to think that if he had stayed on the trail to askole, none of this ever would have happened. I am greatful to live in a place with freedom to listen to music (outlawed by Taliban), and do other things that we take for granted here. I would recomend this book to a patient person more than anyone else.

Will Henry Lawrence: I decided to read Three Cups of Tea because I had heard alot of good things about it and it seemed like it would be very interesting. I also had just returned from Burundi, Africa where among the many things that we did, I helped lay the foundation for a school there. So, just by reading about the book and realizing that it was similar to my recent experience, I was immediately intrigued. Greg Mortenson is truly inspirational to me. He shows us that even after failure, we can make something of that failure. When Mortenson fails to climb K2 in memory of his sister, he encounters the Korphe people and from there, the story emerges. He shows us that even though we might fail, we can still do something far greater than we can even imagine. Although, it may be very tough at times, through perseverance it can be done. He also shows us the true value of kindness and friendship. Mortenson's attitude towards the people of the Middle East should only be contagious and all Americans should strive to be more like him and we can achieve peace in this world; in our lifetime. Overall, I think this book teaches many other valuable lessons, such as the effect that one man can have on something if he perseveres and I would recommend it to anyone!

Alexa DeAntonio: I chose to read //Three Cups of Tea// because of the inspirational story that takes place in such an intense, extreme setting. I am not very well informed on the areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan, so I found this a good opportunity to learn more about them. I found the book a little slow, but I highly enjoyed Mortenson's determination. After he failed at climbing the mountain, he was able to build up the strength to give back to the global community instead of just giving up like so many would have done. His determination was put to the test so many times, like through the struggle to raise money, but he continued to work hard and do anything in order to get the schools built. The fact that one ordinary man is able to make such a difference made this story almost seem fictional to me. His story truly showed that anybody can do anything as log as they put their mind to it. The book also taught me about the culture and lifestyle in Pakistan and Afghanistan. I understand now how friendly and hospitable the people were to Mortenson, and I never get to see that side of the culture through the media today. I recommend this book to everybody, even though i found it a slow read. Mortenson's story was inspirational and can show anybody that there are no limits.