Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson| David Oliver Relin

Book Summary:
Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace… One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin is an inspiring true story of compassion, perseverance, and the transformative power of education. The book follows mountaineer Greg Mortenson’s journey after a failed attempt to climb K2, during which he becomes lost in a remote Pakistani village. The villagers care for him, and in gratitude, Mortenson promises to return and build them a school. That promise marks the beginning of a remarkable humanitarian mission. Over the following years, despite immense challenges—ranging from financial struggles and cultural barriers to political instability—Mortenson works tirelessly to build schools, especially for girls, across Pakistan and Afghanistan. The book highlights how grassroots efforts and cultural understanding can foster peace more effectively than conflict. Its title, Three Cups of Tea, comes from a Balti proverb symbolizing friendship and trust: the first cup is as a stranger, the second as a friend, and the third as family. The narrative weaves together adventure, cultural discovery, and a heartfelt message about the power of empathy and education to change the world.

About the Authors:
Greg Mortenson is an American humanitarian, former mountaineer, and co-founder of the Central Asia Institute, an organization dedicated to promoting education and literacy—particularly for girls—in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. His life’s work began with the promise to build one school, which grew into a movement that established hundreds of schools and learning centers. Mortenson has received numerous humanitarian awards, though his work has also sparked debate and scrutiny in later years. Nevertheless, his mission of promoting peace through education has inspired millions worldwide.

David Oliver Relin was an American journalist and author best known for co-writing Three Cups of Tea. Born in 1962, Relin had a background in narrative journalism and worked on stories focused on social justice and human rights. His writing brought Mortenson’s story vividly to life, helping to spread its message of compassion and intercultural understanding to a global audience. His contribution to the book helped make it an international bestseller and a staple of modern inspirational literature.