Run, Don’t Walk: Three Cups of Tea

I am starting a new series called “Run, Don’t Walk.” It will contain info about things that your should do or read or just experience as soon as possible.

I have a category on my Goodreads list called, “Life Changing” for books that truly impact my life. Now those of you that read “My Island” posts know that I don’t take labeling lightly. I have around 100 books on my list at Goodreads (that’s just the ones I remember to add) but there are only a few that make it into my Life Changing category. The book “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin just became one of them.

“Three Cups of Tea” talks about the journey of Greg Mortenson, a mountain climber who made it his mission to build schools for the children of remote Pakistan and Afghanistan. He started out by building one for a village that welcomed him with open arms after he almost died coming down from a failed attempt at climbing K2. He pledged to come back and build them a school. Greg was not a wealthy man. He basically lived in his car while trying to raise the money to keep his promise. He did fulfill it though and what happened after that goes into an amazing journey that will change your mind about how important education is in every part of the world.

What was most interesting to me about this story was the fact that in the very beginning it was about fulfilling one promise. What it turned into was a new way of promoting peace in a very difficult place and a very difficult time. The basic premise is that education is the key to peace. The people Greg met in his time in Pakistan and Afghanistan taught him that the Muslims that live there are not the Muslims of our nightmares. These people do not hate us and want to see us all dead. They are a people fiercely loyal to their family, friends, their way of life and… in the education of their children, boys AND girls. They believe that education will change their lives and give them an alternative to the violence that has become a part of many lives in those two countries…

and it has.

This book made me believe in humanity again.

  • http://coffeejitters.net/blog Judy Haley

    This book has been on my “to read” list for the longest time. It’s about time I go get the book and read it.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12928664767760648499 Hullaballoo

    I am going to get a hold of that book, I loved your description of it.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16047430228350114744 Sue

    Officially on my Christmas list now. Thanks for the book review!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11815426069055211963 Kelley with Amy's Angels

    I got this for my birthday a few weeks ago and have yet to start it (in the middle of the Twilight series…). I’ve heard such great things about it!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16794387734217000502 Los

    It’s great to read about people who make a difference in a positive way, even when they don’thave the money to make it easier on them … I’ll have to look into this.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14141660556692992334 ~Sheila~

    Thanks for the info on the book. I will definitely try to make time in my life for me (meaning when I get a chance to sit and rest and READ without being called out “MAMA” all the time). I haven’t even been able to sit and read Twilight and I own it.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07159846227539202044 L.R. M-J

    Food for thought….

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/03907178224086726030 Jennifer P.

    I’ll read anything that leaves me believing in Humanity again!(but first I have to get through Twilight :) !)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14933103811088365332 Brian in Mpls

    I just added that one to my queue on Friday :)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/06426465346446099471 Nina

    That sounds like a really great book. I am not much of a reader… I can’t when the kids are up and my eyes are to tired after they go to bed so it is rear I read a book. I have talked with troops who have gone to those places and say the same things. It is just a shame the news media only points out the bad things that happen and not all the good that has been done.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/10014244331752838359 Live.Love.Eat

    I like the name of your new series, very appropo!! And I have heard about this man. Truly amazing!!!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/03593468374316318014 Kimberly

    I bet you were THAT girl who wrote the best book reports in grade school.Oh just admit it.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12876721918832910737 Capricorn

    Ive seen that book everytime i walk into barnes and noble..right there, staring at me.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/10023417839687501752 Snooty Primadona

    So… that’s where you’ve been. All wrapped up in a book. I do think it sounds like something I should read. Thank you for giving your review. I knew about him from his (failed) K2 climb because I use to climb, back in the day. Now, I can only dream or read about it. However, I’d not known what followed his attempt. It sounds very multi-demensional, which always makes for a good read.At this juncture in my life, I have no time for anything that doesn’t leave me feeling good. Life’s too short. I also like your idea of a *Life Changing* book list. Must remember to do that, but must add *Fluff* category. This also sounds like my daughter would really get into it. Thanks! I needed a couple of books for her.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/15634829064005032831 Kat

    My book club just picked this for our January read. I am so glad to see such a glowing reccomendation. And after seeing a few things around the net recently – I have a lot of faith in my fellow man. People can be so generous of heart, spirit, and wallet.

  • http://claimid.com/asthmagirl asthmagirl

    Thanks for the great book review! This sounds like a must read!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09914276373305636583 Trooper Thorn

    Thanks for your comments on my blog. I had not thought of Austin Powers (which is surprising considering the number of times I have seen it). It would be frightening to learn that international offenses are now all based on Hollywood slapstick movies.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16056327117924455147 Mama Dawg

    Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll have to try that one out.