Book Choice: Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson
Three Cups of Tea (The Young Reader’s Edition) documents Greg Mortenson’s life story and the good works he has undertaken in Pakistan and other parts of Asia. It begins with Mortenson’s failed attempt to reach the summit of K2 and his encounters with helpful locals. Interested in returning favors and providing help to the villagers who had saved his life, Mortenson promises to one day return and build a school for the local children. We learn that this goal wasn’t easily accomplished. In order to carry out his plans, Mortenson had to overcome fund-raising difficulties, Asian corruption, misunderstandings, and death threats. Ultimately, through amazing determination, his efforts resulted in a promise fulfilled. The first school’s success bred additional successes and eventually Mortenson helped build the CAI, the Central Asian Institute, through which he and others continue to practice humanitarianism and bring education to impoverished villages. Three Cups of Tea is a superb story of doing good, of appreciating goodness in others, and of attempting to bridge cultural divides and reduce violence through education.
Note: Three Cups of Tea is currently being read by groups at SMHS, SCES, and Abbott Library. The library has several copies of the Young Readers Edition, which is most appropriate for middle school students, available for check-out.
Tags: Book Choice
