The astonishing, uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his humanitarian campaign to use education to combat terrorism in the Taliban’s backyard
Anyone who despairs of the individual’s power to change lives has to read the story of Greg Mortenson, a homeless mountaineer who, following a 1993 climb of Pakistan’s treacherous K2, was inspired by a chance encounter with impoverished mountain villagers and promised to build them a school. Over the next decade he built fifty-five schools—especially for girls—that offer a balanced education in one of the most isolated and dangerous regions on earth. As it chronicles Mortenson’s quest, which has brought him into conflict with both enraged Islamists and uncomprehending Americans, Three Cups of Tea combines adventure with a celebration of the humanitarian spirit.
Three Cups of TeaIntroduction. In Mr. Mortenson's Orbit Chapter 1. Failure Chapter 2. The Wrong Side of the River Chapter 3. "Progress and Perfection" Chapter 4. Self-Storage Chapter 5. 580 Letters, One Check Chapter 6. Rawalpindi's Rooftops at Dusk Chapter 7. Hard Way Home Chapter 8. Beaten by the Braldu Chapter 9. The People Have Spoken Chapter 10. Building Bridges Chapter 11. Six Days Chapter 12. Haji Ali's Lesson Chapter 13. "A Smile Should Be More Than a Memory" Chapter 14. Equilibrium Chapter 15. Mortension in Motion Chapter 16. Red Velvet Box Chapter 17. Cherry Trees in the Sand Chapter 18. Shrouded Figure Chapter 19. A Village Called New York Chapter 20. Tea with the Taliban Chapter 21. Rumsfeld's Shoes Chapter 22. "The Enemy Is Ignorance" Chapter 23. Stones into Schools
Acknowledgments
Greg Mortenson’s dangerous and difficult quest . . . 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. (Tom Brokaw)
An inspiring chronicle . . . this is one protagonist who clearly deserves to be called a hero. (People)
Mortenson’s mission is admirable, his conviction unassailable, his territory exotic. (The Washington Post)
