Book: Stones Into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, In Afghanistan and Pakistan
Author: Greg Mortenson
Author: Greg Mortenson
Grade: A
Mortenson's follow up to his bestseller "Three Cups of Tea" chronicles his continued work in the most remote and dangerous areas of the world. Mortenson (and his multicultural team of unlikely accomplices -affectionately called the Dirty Dozen) fight terrorism by building schools deep inside these villages. Its not enough to simply drop supplies from a helicopter- most of which never actually wind up in the hands of those most in need. Mortenson demonstrates how much farther we can get by building regional literacy - especially among girls.
Mortenson's follow up to his bestseller "Three Cups of Tea" chronicles his continued work in the most remote and dangerous areas of the world. Mortenson (and his multicultural team of unlikely accomplices -affectionately called the Dirty Dozen) fight terrorism by building schools deep inside these villages. Its not enough to simply drop supplies from a helicopter- most of which never actually wind up in the hands of those most in need. Mortenson demonstrates how much farther we can get by building regional literacy - especially among girls.
The highlights for me were the descriptions of him building local ties with the locals. He quickly realizes that the most effective method to accomplishing the goal of completing a new school in every village (the more remote, the better) is forging relationships with the people of these areas and asking them what they need - rather than prancing in as an almighty American promising help but only in the ways they see fit. The respect that grows between local religious leaders, farmers, porters and Mortenson is nothing short of inspiring and was by far the most interesting parts of the story. Mortenson is, at various stages of the story, kidnapped, on the verge of starvation or crashing from exhaustion. By the end of each chapter, I found myself feeling like I'd just gone on the exhausting yet exhilarating journey right along with Greg. When setbacks occurred, I suffered the disappointment right along with him also. And finally as the project gets completed and the book ends - I find myself elated and humbled by the victory.
The group of Afghans and Pakistanis that work side by side with Greg -and continue his work on the ground when Mortenson had to travel back to the US - were some of the most inspiring people I've ever heard about. Following these characters was one of the most enjoyably interesting parts of the book. They put a human face to a people of the world whom we tend to unanimously write off as religious extremists at best and violent terrorists at worst. Glimpsing into the day to day lives of these folks was fascinating while restoring my faith in the humanity of the world. This book should be required reading for military and counterintelligence personnel - it already is in some troops and offices.
The explanations of the origins and rituals of the religions of these regions was non biased in its display of normalcy of their religious practices. These beliefs are the guiding force for good for the majority of these nations - those who use these beliefs as justification for terrorism are the minority and I walked away with a deep respect for them.
Overall the book was an incredible look into a part of the world you normal get little access to. I literally had to force myself to put it down sometimes - I could keep reading nonstop until the last word -but at over 300 pages that would be next to impossible. I look forward to continue to follow the works of Greg Mortenson.....
The group of Afghans and Pakistanis that work side by side with Greg -and continue his work on the ground when Mortenson had to travel back to the US - were some of the most inspiring people I've ever heard about. Following these characters was one of the most enjoyably interesting parts of the book. They put a human face to a people of the world whom we tend to unanimously write off as religious extremists at best and violent terrorists at worst. Glimpsing into the day to day lives of these folks was fascinating while restoring my faith in the humanity of the world. This book should be required reading for military and counterintelligence personnel - it already is in some troops and offices.
The explanations of the origins and rituals of the religions of these regions was non biased in its display of normalcy of their religious practices. These beliefs are the guiding force for good for the majority of these nations - those who use these beliefs as justification for terrorism are the minority and I walked away with a deep respect for them.
Overall the book was an incredible look into a part of the world you normal get little access to. I literally had to force myself to put it down sometimes - I could keep reading nonstop until the last word -but at over 300 pages that would be next to impossible. I look forward to continue to follow the works of Greg Mortenson.....
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