Amelia Fattore

Amelia Fattore

Three Cups of Tea – Young Reader’s Edition

Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

Inspirational Nonfiction

Challenge

I am on page 24

1. What is going on in the book?

I have just met Greg Mortenson, the main “character” in this book. While lost on an expedition to the summit of K2, he stumbles into the town of Korphe. The people of Korphe treat him like royalty, giving him the most valuable things they own to use. When leaving the town, “Greg knew he owed the people of Korphe more than he could repay. But he was determined to try” (16). The book is a "diary" of his journey to help these people who helped him in his time of need.

2. How do you feel so far about the book?

So far, I really enjoy this book. It gives you an inside look at the towns of Pakistan through the eyes of an average American. Mortenson does a great describing the extreme conditions these people live in. His descriptions paint saddening pictures in my head. For example, “most of the children did not get quite enough to eat and suffered from malnutrition. One out of three children died before the age of one” (16). Few Americans have ever experienced anything such a lack of food, if anything; we are throwing away wonderful excess food.

3. What is a theme you have noticed in the book?

A theme that I have noticed in Three Cups of Tea is determination. When the first chapter begins, Mortenson is determined to reach the summit of K2, however, his focus changes dramatically within the next few pages. He then feels it is his responsibility to come back to Pakistan to give items, such as better food, something these people have only dreamed of.

4. Who is your favorite character?

My favorite "character" is Greg Mortenson. He seems like a really sweet, caring man who has dedicated his life to helping others. I believe that in the first few pages you can already see a major personality change. During the first 10 pages, he was focused on his climb, the goal he set out with. However, when he finds himself in Korphe, his concerns change to the people who cared for him like he was a relative. I hope to see his character continue to improve as the book continues.

5. Who is your least favorite character?

My least favorite "character" is Mouzafer, Greg’s porter during his expedition. A porter is a local who knows the area VERY well and helps others move their belongings as well as help them navigate their way. Mouzafer “lost” Greg twice during their descent. I believe that it should have been Mouzafer’s responsibility to help keep his eye on his customer. Greg is paying this man four dollars a day. Instead, he would walk ahead in order to set up shop for the night. While this is very helpful, it leaves a lot of places for his customer to lose their way.

6. What do you believe will happen next?

I believe Greg will honor his promise and return to Tanzania to make a big impact. I have an idea that he will focus on education as the cover shows two Pakistani girls sharing a book. I am very pleased he choses this subject as it is VERY important

NOTE: I placed character in quotation marks as they are not really characters, they are real people