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vancouver, bc
Canada
186 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2007 : 2:40 PM
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Highly recommended book recieving numerous awards these days.
Greg Mortenson began as a climber, attempting K2, but now is fully involved in building schools (especially for girls) in Northern Pakistan and Afganistan.
I have rarely been so impressed by a book.
try this link www.ikat.org |
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Abbotsford, BC
Canada
1005 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2009 : 10:32 PM
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| I just found this entry here. The lack of agreement(posts) is more likely to do with the dearth of readers of this book, then evidence of mediocrity. In fact I have seldom been inspired more by a book. |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
118 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2009 : 11:28 PM
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Thanks for bringing this up, EAK!
I was briefly introduced to this book somewhere (quite possibly by another book or someone... Where The Mountain Casts Its Shadow??), and then pretty much forgot about it. Now I just requested in the library. Will read it soon. |
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Jasper, ab
Canada
1029 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2009 : 05:35 AM
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| Three cups of Tea is a wonderful book and a testament to what one person can accomplish. I have spent years in third world countries, mostly in Africa and I've seen firsthand what a difference educating the young can make. Unfortunately, they are far to often not allowed to graduate because of familial needs or lack of funds for supplies. Change in that part of the world is a slow process and only education can bring on change. What Mortenson has done is truly remarkable. I am still selfish with my time and have only a few months a year off and I enjoy travelling around, so I don't get involved in projects like building schools, but I donate cash, most recently to a girls school on the Andaman Islands and there is no better feeling than to help people in need. |
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vancouver, b.c.
Canada
235 Posts |
Posted - 02/26/2009 : 06:37 AM
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| I read this over my December vacation and loved it. It was a lucky quick choice in an airport bookstore. Very inspiring, and funny, and touching. It gave some insight into what life is like in a very different part of the globe. The things Greg has accomplished there are quite amazing. |
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 Maple syrup lovin', tree huggin', face paintin' relocated Québécoise who is VERY serious about having fun
Vancouver
Canada
2637 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2009 : 7:23 PM
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I really enjoyed this book. Very inspiring story.
On a side note, if someone from the Vancouver are is wanting to buy a copy, I have two of them and can sell one to you. Received one as a present a bit after I had bought my own copy. Paid $16.50 for it at Banyen Books, can let it go for $10.
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bandana wearin', pole huckin', view lovin', dog herdin', 4x4 navigatin', lake huntin', butt-slidin' bridge crosser, who enjoys postholing with an overnighter pack
Surrey, BC
Canada
4649 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2009 : 7:52 PM
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Annie, I'll take it from you  |
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Terrace, BC
957 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2009 : 8:33 PM
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We had a Pennies for Peace" at our school based on this book. I don't know how much we raised but there are full jars everywhere.
It sure is good to encourage kids to be outward looking. |
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Maple syrup lovin', tree huggin', face paintin' relocated Québécoise who is VERY serious about having fun
Vancouver
Canada
2637 Posts |
Posted - 03/01/2009 : 6:43 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Spunky
Annie, I'll take it from you
Will do a delivery on March 14th... |
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bandana wearin', pole huckin', view lovin', dog herdin', 4x4 navigatin', lake huntin', butt-slidin' bridge crosser, who enjoys postholing with an overnighter pack
Surrey, BC
Canada
4649 Posts |
Posted - 03/01/2009 : 7:21 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by SnowSeeker
quote:
Originally posted by Spunky
Annie, I'll take it from you
Will do a delivery on March 14th...
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 Best grilled cheese maker ever
Whitehorse, YUKON
Canada
2149 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2011 : 12:14 PM
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I'm curious to hear everyone's thoughts about Krakauer's recent expose on Mortensen.
Essay here:
http://byliner.com/
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877 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2011 : 2:27 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by darren
I'm curious to hear everyone's thoughts about Krakauer's recent expose on Mortensen.
Essay here:
http://byliner.com/
Well that's a kick in the nuts if I ever read one.
It sounds like Krakauer has quite an ice axe to grind, and with good reason. I think it speaks volumes that Krakauer would go to such lengths to expose Mortenson; it is a move -- if his facts weren't completely accurate -- that could backfire on his own reputation as an author.
It's too bad, because as Krakauer writes towards the end of the essay, Mortenson has done a lot of admirable things which, let's face it, would not have been enabled without the dramatic hyperbole in the book. In fact, there wouldn't have been a book without some of the (allegedly) fictitious events. There's no way it legitimizes the means, however. (Edit) Some of the financial liberties are even more inexcusable and would make me furious as a donor. I can see why Krakauer was inspired to write this expose.
I'm going to read the article a bit more carefully later on, but right now I have to say it irreparably tarnishes his reputation and, without a complete reorganization and ending their relationship with Mortenson, will eventually kill the CAI as well.
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Edited by - dav1481 on 04/20/2011 3:39 PM |
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Finally stopping that crazy suffering that is ice, climbing to concentrate on great ski tours!
3509 Posts |
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opinionated-stove huggin'-fleece wearin'-arse burnin' hill virgin
Here
Canada
4642 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2011 : 7:40 PM
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| Typical of most self-promoters these days, more interested in inflating his own ego and bank account than being honest. |
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Whistler, BC
Canada
1176 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2011 : 8:27 PM
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quote:
Typical of most self-promoters these days, more interested in inflating his own ego and bank account than being honest.
Krakauer or Mortenson? |
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Burnaby, BC
Canada
462 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2011 : 10:35 PM
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Mortenson of course ...
Unfortunately. Probably his intentions were good but things get complicated over the time.
I have to admit ...
I now feel little relieved since I couldn't read his books. I came to Canada from war torn country and can't read stuff like this. In Bosnia I met so many people who came to "help". They did more harm than good.
Also, whenever is anything on the news about wars I can't stand it! I never go to rock-concerts or Canucks games. Don't like big crowds. Wouldn't go even if it's free.
The best place on Earth is somewhere near the ocean, deep in back-country or in the beautiful BC huts (like Waddington Hut, or Overseer Hut). As soon as I see ocean, trees, or mountains 360 degrees around me I feel much better.
Only books I can read are rock climbing/mountaineering/ski guides or technical books. Nothing else .. It's sad, I know. I am sorry. Can't help it. |
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Southern Vancouver Island, BC
Canada
231 Posts |
Posted - 04/21/2011 : 4:55 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Loudwater
Thanks for bringing this up, EAK!
I was briefly introduced to this book somewhere (quite possibly by another book or someone... Where The Mountain Casts Its Shadow??), and then pretty much forgot about it. Now I just requested in the library. Will read it soon.
You can download a free pdf of the Mortenson book from http://library.nu and read it on your computer or e-reader. Unfortunately Maria Coffey's book is not available there. |
Edited by - Osbos on 04/21/2011 7:09 PM |
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Whistler, BC
Canada
1176 Posts |
Posted - 04/21/2011 : 6:22 PM
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Mortenson of course ...
And you know Hiker Boy's thoughts so clearly because?
Krakauer has been accused before of self-promotion, especially after Into Thin Air hit the stands. The irony is delicious... |
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opinionated-stove huggin'-fleece wearin'-arse burnin' hill virgin
Here
Canada
4642 Posts |
Posted - 04/21/2011 : 9:21 PM
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| Agreed about the irony, both are self-promoters with Mortenson being a clear front runner. |
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vancouver, bc
Canada
186 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2011 : 10:38 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Hiker Boy
Agreed about the irony, both are self-promoters with Mortenson being a clear front runner.
I agree that Mortenson may be the front runner in self-promotion, but when you compare the two in what they have done to help disadvantaged Mortenson is definitely the front runner. Who else has managed to do what Mortenson has done? |
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vancouver, bc
Canada
186 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2011 : 11:01 AM
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A lot of what Krakauer writes in his article is based on hearsay and rumour. He talks to disgruntled employees and aquaintances. He mentions empty schools, but he does not mention the full ones. He does not bother to find out why certain schools may be empty. There are numerous legitimate reasons why schools may be empty at certain times. Krakauer does not bother to mention the thousands of students who are going to school who wouldn't otherwise have that opportunity. He does not acknowledge that Mortenson is opperating in a very difficult environment in Afganistan and Pakistan where things are done differently from Canada and the US. Nobody else has managed to operate in this environment, only Mortenson. I'd like to see if Krakauer could manage to operate schools in Afganistan and Pakistan. I don't think he could. He has a right to criticise Mortenson, but he needs to look at all sides of a complicated issue. He needs to acknowledge what Mortenson has accomplished.
Krakauer is attacking a friendly target. He is using a one-sided veiw of Mortenson. |
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Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
