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DX
Story? Check. Storytelling? Uncheck
Greg Mortenson's story is inspirational and true. We can all agree on that.
The fault that this book suffers from is the compete lack of any writing talent. The book put emphasis on boring details. All the while, quotes from the present day make the book feel like a 400 page newspaper article. It's like they couldn't decide if they wanted it to be a novel or a biography.
Greg Mortenson had an amazing story to tell, and I respect that. However, it seems that Mortenson wanted to write it like a novel, but had a journalist help him write it, resulting in a very poor blend of styles and an overall poor book.
bryant
Spoiled in the telling
This is an inspirational story of courage, fortitude and persistence in a noble cause. Few of us can say that we leave the Earth a better place than we entered it but Mortenson can. What a pity then that he has made such an error of judgment in choosing his collaborator. To say that the prose is pedestrian would be a kindness; it is simply appalling. Good writing has few adjectives; in this book they are scattered like snowflakes in a storm.
Mortenson would have been better served by a competent biographer than by a hack.
Katherine
So Biased
This is one of the most liberal books I have ever read. The story line is great and what Greg has done is wonderful but it can be presented in a different way than how this book has been written. For example, "If we Americans are to learn form our mistakes, from the flailing, ineffective way we, as a nation, conducted the war on terror after the attacks of 9/11, and from the way we have failed to make our case to the great moderate mass of peace loving people at the heart of the Muslim world, we need to listen to Greg Mortenson." p5
In my opinion they can praise Mortenson without criticizing the nation...it was in poor taste and very unnecessary.
Ashton
High School Student
I was recently able to read this book for extra credit in my 12th grade level 1 English class. I thought for sure it was going to be awesome since my English teacher raved about it all of the time. Maybe it's because I'm only 18, but this book was awful. The story line is amazing, but I would suffer through each page. I'm not one for stopping in the middle of books, but it just wasn't enjoyable to read.
Matthew
Don't Waste Your Money
I love to read everything from fact to fiction and I had high hopes for this book but what is there to say when every time you open the book, your eyes feel heavy and within minutes you're in a light sleep? The idea of the story, the mission and accomplishment is FABULOUS, but the book is horrid to read. I only made it half through and just couldn't, as much as I wanted to, finish it.
Save your money, and borrow mine if you'd like to try reading it!
TJ
Three Cups of Tea
I could only read the first 120 pages as it was written so poorly. No doubt there is a need, but a 20 minute on tv interview would have been a better forum.
Kay
Who does
This is one "gift book" that was definitely NOT appreciated by this reader. It is poorly written and tedious to read. While categorized as 'current events' it reads like part fiction/part fantasy. Does "Dr." Gregg really expect a reader to believe that he, a bum-turned-moocher, actually is privy to presidential phone log information? Or was driven directly from the airport, and allowed to mourn, casket side of Mother Theresa? Give me a break. Don't bother wasting your time with this book. Go out and do something really meaningful for your local school. PS: I've always believed everyone is entitled to their view. I will be curious to see if BookBrowse publishes a negative review.
arman najmi
three cups of tea
This book shows the nature of human courage & fortitude. Bringing light of knowledge to a deprived & backward area is the noblest & kindest mission. Greg Mortenson has written a vivid tale of his educating mission. I think this book should be read by every leader of Pakistan to learn the ways of doing things in bringing their country forward. It teaches us that we can with a little effort can make the future of the backward regions a story of success. It is inspiring and shows us all the way to remove the darkness of ignorance and bringing hope where there was none. Arman Najmi, India