I have mixed thoughts on this book. If we consider the question we posed as we began this journey: "To what extent are we all witnesses of history and messengers to humanity?" Then I think this book is a huge success. I feel that I learned more from this book about the Middle East, its history and politics, and the US involvement in these areas, than I ever did from school or the media. Reading about all that Greg has done makes me believe that there is humanity and hope out there. By reading his words I felt I was a witness to this hopefulness. I was inspired by what he has accomplished and this makes me want to know more about what I could do.
I think I was most impressed with Mortenson's revelations that he could learn from the supposed "simple" people with which he worked. Each time he had to take a step back and realize that his way wasn't always the best way, I marveled. What a humbling experience. How often do I plow through my days assuming I know best?! Hmmm?
The ultimate "message" I got from this book was that "the enemy is ignorance." I was impressed with the effective way Mortenson explains how his efforts in Pakistan and Afghanistan would combat the negative stereotypes of Americans and fight terrorism. How obvious it seems to me now- giving the children an education, and an alternative to the "radicalized madrassas from where the Taliban sprung forth..." is the key to fighting terrorism. I wonder if any "powers that be" have read this book?!
Having said all this, I do feel that the writing of this book was somewhat uneven. There were many times I had to go back and reread passages because it was difficult to follow the threads of the story. It seemed to me that the author drifted back and forth between story lines. Did anyone else find this an issue?
I don't know that many high school students would have the patience to read this book. I definitely think they would benefit from the story, and it should be told to them...maybe via excerpts? I'm not sure. I would hope it would inspire them to be "messengers of humanity." Perhaps the CAI's cause could be taken up by groups such as Amnesty International in the HS...or maybe the penny program in the elementary grades. I think education works both ways- Americans need to learn more about this region of the world. Ignorance is the Enemy.
Lastly, there was mention in the book by several of Mortenson's admirers about his being a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize...I just have to say, he has my vote...and so does his wife!
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7 comments:
When I get into a book I read every word the author writes and immerse myself in the writers craft. This book sent me back to speed reading. I found it very difficult to read and as Kathy said uneven, I do not see the average high school student getting through the book. I do think that the message of education being the tool to fight terorism is true. I could not help but remember the statment of how the US made 2,000,000 enemies in their handling of Iraq- Turning even the moderate Arabs against us. I also know that those in Afghanistan have a legitimate bone to pick with US promises. First after the Russians were defeated and again now with our handling of the Taliban.
I found it surprising that the Muslim courts sided with Greg. After all he was bringing education to women who have been viewed as second class citizens for many years ( by tradition not religion).
Obession may be what is needed to be great. Certainly Mortenson has done great feats in Pakistan and Afghanistan but obsession can create blinders. However, as I read this I felt that if he had been more like his father, more would have happened. It was said in the book that it was suggested that he delegate.I think that might have helped especially for fund raising and PR about his group. His father believed in helping and then stepping back to let the native people take over. I found Greg to want to be the answer for all the problems these people faced. First he set up schools, then helped with the economy setting up trainig for porters, doctor and then funding for post graduate work. I feel that it is demaning to have to continue to ask for help.
I was surprised that schools only went up to 5th grade. I would have thought that if we truly were educating the population that the schools should have gone through high school.
As for Greg's wife she must be a saint.I know there are men whose jobs take them into danger and they are away from home but Greg when he was home wasn't home. He worked in his basement.
I was also concerned when the military was willing to give hime money to set up schools and he refused becuase he would lose credibility. Maybe he would have but maybe the US would have gained some. Maybe it would have fulfilled our promise. Maybe with his creditility and the overseeing of the schools left to his organization the US would be able to change its image. Right now it is only one man from the US that is trusted. This is not to say that the US should not try to improve Afghanistan in rebuilding.
we should.
A lot of what Greg was able to accomplish was by luck. First Jean contributes and sets up a foundation, then an article is written and people start contributing. I kept wondering how the CAI would maintain its founding. I do not think this book is going to be a sest seller.
I was impressed with what Greg did but as a man I liked his father better. His father was able to naintain a balnce between philanthropy and his family.
Throughout our discussions on the memoirs already read there has been a thread of helplessness-the feeling that we and our students could do something to make the world a better place but what? The answer I found in this book is Pennies for Peace. Why not, as a district (I think all schools are represented in this blog, although I'm not sure about Ginther) promote awareness through Pennies for Peace? I'm in and am willing (with all permissions granted) to lead it up in my building (Barclay).
So how about it fellow bloggers?
Suzanne aka Happy Librarian
I went on line to check out pennies for peace. They have currirulum and teacher suggestions for all age groups. They have a good rating using most of thier million dollars for projects.
Cathy P
I think the pennies for peace idea is wonderful for those of us who want to help in some way, even if it's small!!!! I went to the CAI website and researched a bit about their funding etc...it's pretty amazing. At this time there is not a need for American Volunteers for schools in Pakistan...it's a good thing because I was ready to pack my bags after reading this book! Even though I didn't care for the style in which it was written. Nor did I develop a great sense of esteem for Greg.
I do agree with both comments about the writing. I found this book most difficult to read beginning with the introduction. I wanted so badly to read more about Greg's endeavors, but became so frustrated with the sentence structure and the author's attempt to use words that were much more sophisticated in a place where that just wasn't necessary. I jumped around this book and read through various parts in the end before going back to try and tackle how he got to that point.
I think I was so excited to read this book, that I was let down too by the lack of any true emotion conjured for Greg. While I am amazed at his desire and determination to make education a leading solution for Peace in the world, I found his ego to be a large part of why he was doing what he was doing...I may be way off here. I felt the same way Cathy did about his father (kind, unselfish) yet Greg struck me as a person who was not going to stop at anything to accomplish his goal of the day. Even from his first relationship and living in a car, it seemed to me to be less than noble. All in all, however, I truly enjoyed the story and certainly learned a great deal more about Mortenson's mission by researching his website, but I could not "bond" with this book and let myself get totally into it like I did with, First They Killed My Father. There is just no comparison in the writing.
I am still trying to finish this book, reading it bursts of starts and stops. One minute I'll be intrigued and the next, bogged down. I, too, find myself refering to previous chapters to sort things out. The window opened onto this world that I so do not understand is greatly appreciated though. I am amazed at this man's courage at venturing into such unfamiliar and dangerous territory. I do not know if I have enough dedication to education to risk my life. I guess that's why he's the mountain climber and I'm the librarian. I't facinating to read about someone with what I consider having a certain amount of "death wish" or lack of a healthy respect for danger using it to bring reading and writing to 8 year olds. Refreshing. As far as liking his father better, I don't know. I did feel that here's a guy using his nature to DO things, to accomplish the feat. There is something about a person who is not willing to give up even when they're in over their head, especially when they realize it. Would I want to be married to him? No. But, as someone already stated, these kinds of feats are the result of all -consuming passion and focus. Such people live on a different level, I believe. We do a nickels thing at Hill and have been considering a change. This is something I will definately look into. Let's coordinate. What a great outgrowth from our reading.
Cathy M
I have to say I was not all that crazy about this book. I found myself wondering when it would "hook" me. I did learn some very interesting things, but I do not think many students would be excited about reading this book, especially when I compare it to the others we have read. I did find Greg inspirational; I wish we had more people in our world that truly cared enough to do the things he did to promote education. Humanity was definitely something Greg had for the people of the Middle East, but it came at some cost, his family. I agree, his wife was a saint. I honestly would probably not recommend this book as a whole, but perhaps excerpts could be used in school to promote the message of humanity.
I struggled to get a copy of this book, and finally tracked one down. I was certainly glad I did. I found this memoir far easier to read that the last one of First They Killed my Father.
I think I enjoyed this novel more than the previous one mainly because it didn't just involve killings and murders. It was a different form of cruelty, this time it was the crime of deliberately keeping other ignorant. It shocked me that there were areas of the modern world that dealt with this - we have so many students who take their education for granted. If only we could allow them to see what they have, or allow them to trade spots for a day, maybe then they'd appreciate it more.
I can see where Chris was saying that the "hook" of this was off for some. I lost interest at times, especially when Mortenson kept dealing with his issues of failing to climb K2. Yeah, we got it from the beginning, but it still bothers me that it was such a huge issue in the book.
I do like the message the book sends with it - that one dedicated person can truly help to change the world, or at least a corner of the world. We have so many people who feel powerless and ignored, maybe a message like this would reach out and shake them?
I do like the Pennies for Peace idea, too!
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