I have read it, and heard his co-author speak. It is a worthwhile read, but it is useful to do some other research into the story and get other viewpoints-not on the schools, but on the author. That being said, his work is laudable and so so necessary.

I got about 2/3 of the way through Three Cups of Tea before I trailed off and have not returned. This was some time back but I recall finding it so laborious to read at a certain point, though it has been at the top of a best seller list for months and many people have enjoyed it. Ccrdmrbks, I'm curious about your comment on the author and what it means...I'll do some research.

I should explain that it is nothing awful, and i will explain further if jankin likes-

Well I haven't bought yet thinking about 'credit crunch' - but very interesting comments and 'yes' please I would love more insight.

Me too - spill the beans, CC.... :-)

As I said, his co-author David Oliver Relin was our speaker at our Junior League Annual Author's Luncheon. They were matched up by the publisher.
He spoke with great admiration for the work Greg M is trying to do, and of the people in Pakistan and Afghanistan and how they struggle. But he was also very candid about how difficult Greg M was to work with-one time they had an appointment to meet somewhere in Pakistan or Afghanistan and GM just never showed up. Relin waited two weeks, trying to contact him. When they later connected, and David queried what disaster had stopped Greg from making the appointment, the explanation was more "I changed my mind" rather than "I was waylaid by bandits" which was Relin's fear. There are other anecdotes about GM's cavalier attitude with donors and co-workers. I understand that to even conceive of this project, one must be slightly iconoclastic and free-spirited, but I also feel that if one is going to ask for support from others-monetary or as coworkers-then one does have a responsibility to show respect in return. I am glad I bought the book, but would probably find another organization doing similar work if I wanted to contribute more money.

Wow - I'm surprised at the responses here! DD had to read it for school last year - GM came to speak at her school. I read it then and got 3 more copies for friends/family. I thought it was really good. Especially with what's going on in the world today. When I bought it, I went through his website and bought it on Amazon. His org. gets a small percentage that way. I'd say give it a try.

I read the book and thought it was decent. Great cause, noble efforts, etc. But I couldn't shake the feeling that Greg M had made some very selfish choices too. To leave a young family and go to Pakistan that many times, during very unstable (politically speaking) times, to me was selfish. It seemed like he was hooked on the high of being known as a save the world kind of guy. I think he took great risks and liberties with his wife and children back home. Not that I don't hugely applaud what he accomplished, but I think he could have delegated his dream better.
Jo

Hmm. I picked up this book reluctantly and found it very readable and ended up being inspired. Undoubtedly Mortenson marches to a different drummer, but I think many folks who accomplish the incredible are somewhat outside the mainstream anyway. I couldn't hitch my wagon to him, but it probably takes a certain kind of spouse to marry someone whose "work" preempts everything else.

I read this and enjoyed seeing him speak at the University of Idaho.

The latest Good Housekeeping magazine had an article about Mortenson and his family, and how they cope. We've been very interested in his cause, as his uncle was our local doctor, and his mother was a sister of our pastor of a few years ago.