Book Review: Three Cups of Tea
September/October 2008
Spreading Peace… His Own Way
By Tara Dugan Kusumoto
When Three Cups of Tea was first published in hardcover, the subhead read: “One Man’s Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations…One School at a Time.” Against author Greg Mortenson’s wishes, the publisher insisted on the fear-based, sensational title.
It wasn’t until after the unexpected success of an unknown author, and the pending release of the paperback version that Mortenson’s voice was heard. Today, the cover reads: “One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace… One School at a Time.”
Beyond a simple publishing disagreement, this anecdote also reflects the disconnect between American foreign policy and Mortenson’s own philosophy to use education as a catalyst for peace.
After a failed attempt at summiting K2 in 1993, Mortenson was brought back to health in a remote village in Pakistan's Karakoram region. A self-proclaimed climbing bum who lived out of his car and had no income, Mortenson promised he'd return to build a school.
This humble mountaineer not only stayed true to his promise, but found his life’s work. With coauthor David Oliver Relin, Mortenson recounts the journey – in all of its innocence (we need to build a bridge before we can build a school?), success (completing the first school), and hardship (having a Fatwa issued against him) – in Three Cups of Tea.
Under the umbrella of his nonprofit, the Central Asia Institute (CAI), Mortenson has built nearly 70 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, providing the opportunity for education to tens of thousands of children. By creating an environment for non-extremist, balanced education, Mortenson levels the playing field for both boys and girls in Muslim society. Rather than imposing a western view on these tribal villages, he works with local community members to create opportunities within the context of the existing culture.
Part mountaineering adventure story, part memoir, part documentary, Three Cups of Tea brings readers to the remote Himalayan and Hindu Kush mountain areas of central Asia. Along with the suspense that gets adrenaline junkies in the gut, Mortenson's story also captures the heart and mind.
This is a story to be valued for its message of hope, and appreciated by anyone who believes in the possibility of peace through cultural understanding… regardless of political or religious views.
With 82 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list (and currently at #1), Mortenson’s story continues to motivate and inspire.
A young adult version of Three Cups of Tea will be released in January 2009, followed by Mortenson’s second book, which will continue where Three Cups of Tea left off, later in the year.
Tara is a writer and reader based in Breckenridge, Colo. She works part-time at an indie bookstore, loves to play in the mountains and travels often.
