'Three Cups of Tea' by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

Note: This review was published before Mortenson's fraud was exposed. Please be aware that it has since come to light that parts of the memoir may not be true.

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin is the story of Mortenson's work building schools in remote villages in Pakistan. Mortenson moves from a lost climber who promises a school to one small village to a major player in promoting peace through education in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Three Cups of Tea is good reading for anyone who wants to understand more about Central Asia and be inspired by what one person can do.

Three Cups of Tea is the type of story Americans have been devouring in a post-9/11, post-Iraq invasion world as they try to make sense of the War on Terror and learn more about the Muslim world. Unlike books like The Kite Runner, though, Three Cups of Tea is a true story that began before Pakistan and Afghanistan were on the average American's radar. Similarly, Greg Mortenson's concern for the people of these nations -- and particularly the girls -- was born before aid to them was popular.

Mortenson's story, which David Oliver Relin narrates in Three Cups of Tea, is inspirational, sure, but it is also a good read. Mortenson is a personality unlike anyone I have ever met. Reading about his adventures is entertaining, particularly once you get through the opening chapters and the action starts picking up.

I recommend Three Cups of Tea to book clubs, schools and individuals who are interested in gaining a broader understanding of the world and being moved to give a little bit more in their lives.