In 1993, Greg Mortenson
attempted to climb K2, the world’s second tallest mountain. He fell ill, and was
cared for by villagers in Korphe, Pakistan, for seven weeks. They saved his
life, and in return he promised to build them a school for their children. That project grew into the Central Asia
Institute, a charitable organization that continues to build schools in rural
Pakistan and Afghanistan. The book
asserts that the way to fight Islamic extremism in the region is through collaborative
efforts to alleviate poverty and improve access to education, especially for
girls.
Since this book became a bestseller
in 2006, Greg Mortenson has been accused of fabricating this account, and of using
money raised for the Central Asia Institute for his own expenses. However, the
book itself is still a powerful reminder that poverty and ignorance can best be
combatted by education and friendship, not bombs and drones.
376 pages
