Chico's Book in Common: 'Three Cups of Tea'

This article was originally published in the Nov. 8 edition of the Enterprise-Record

By MARY NUGENT

CHICO — Bernice Weborg just happened to be at City Plaza on a Thursday afternoon in September, when Mayor Andy Holcombe read a proclamation naming the book "Three Cups of Tea" as a common read for the city.

Weborg, 85, was intrigued with the idea of a Book in Common. Reading a book along with her community was appealing.

Continue reading "E-R: Fine weekly discussion grows from "Three Cups of Tea"" »

Posted by Chris Gullick at 09:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I read this chapter out loud last Friday at the Mangrove Safeway, as part of Butte Literacy Council's Read-a-Thon and a couple of people who paused to listen for a minute -- or a few seconds -- commented "Oh, that's the Book in Common." So, apparently word about the program is spreading. I like that.

I'm finding that I'm enjoying the book a lot more on the second reading and I'm noticing passages that I can appreciate more. For example, the title of the chapter is ironic, isn't it? Mortenson's wrong turn actually put him on the right side of the river for the work that became his life from that day forward.

Continue reading "Chapt. 2: The Wrong Side of the River" »

Posted by Chris Gullick at 07:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Joel Zimbelman, from Chico State University's college of humanities and fine arts, posted a review that reflects on faculty members meeting to talk about "Three Cups of Tea." Check it out under the "review" option on the right side of the blog page.

Posted by Chris Gullick at 02:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This article was originally published in the Oct. 17 edition of the Enterprise-Record

By CHRIS GULLICK

BUTTE VALLEY — Cultural connections, economic impacts and social stereotypes were among the subjects explored by a panel of six Butte College professors Thursday afternoon, during an event centering around the Book in Common program.

“Three Cups of Tea,” by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, was adopted as a community Book in Common for the year by the cities of Chico and Oroville, Chico State University, Butte College, the Butte County Library and other community organizations, with events planned throughout the year until Mortenson’s scheduled appearance at Laxson Auditorium in April.

Tom Grothe, an instructor in international communications, gave a brief synopsis of the book, which tells the story of Mortenson’s mission to build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan after failing to reach summit at K2, the world’s second highest mountain.

To date, he has built more than 55 schools in remote, rural villages and he continues to raise funds as founder of the Central Asia Institute.

Grothe read a section from the book that recounts Mortenson learning the significance of taking the time to share three cups of tea with his host. Grothe explained that it illustrated what happens when outcome-oriented Americanism butts up against relationship-oriented, and slow-moving Pakistani culture.

The book challenges readers to question stereotypes, he elaborated.

“It’s people like Mortenson who won’t let us stereotype.”

Jay Goldberg, who teaches English as a second language, talked about language barriers and how Mortenson could understand the people in that part of Pakistan because he lived in their culture and learned their language.

Angela Kraemer, an English instructor, showed off a traditional dress from Saudi Arabia and compared traditions from that culture to Pakistani traditions that appear in Mortenson’s story, such as the way guests are considered sacred people.

“It’s absolutely essential to accept at least two cups of coffee (in Saudi Arabia) ... and you never refuse,” she explained.

“Like Mortenson, I was a stranger, but I never felt like an outsider.”

Sociology teacher Julie Withers related how Mortenson’s effort to build schools in developing countries, especially those for girls, is vital to break a cycle of poverty.

The global education of women, she explained, effects more change in a nation’s economic success than any other improvement, and has made headway against malnutrition, infant mortality, disease and other maladies.

Economics instructor Steve Price stated small investments to support small businesses, such as the Pennies for Peace program that Mortenson promotes, have proven to be successful methods for growing the economies of developing countries.

Maria Shahid, a Spanish teacher, wore a flowing garment she said was typical of the area around Korphe, Pakistan, where Mortenson built his first school. She explained that she came to the United States from Mexico and married a man from Pakistan.

“We’re living in a house with three cultures, three languages and three religions,” she said. “It takes a lot of respect.”

She read passages from Mortenson’s book and concluded that his success came about because of the respect he showed for the Pakistan culture and people.

At the back of the conference room at the Butte College library, a jar welcomed donations to the Pennies for Peace drive, with hopes that the organizations participating in the Book in Common program will be able to raise enough money by April to present Mortenson with funds for one more school.

The next few events planned include the following:
• A lecture on “Restorative Justice: A New Paradigm for Social Transformation,” by Azim Khamisa at 7:30 p.m. Monday in Room 134 of Chico State University’s Performing Arts Center

• A movie showing of “Charlie Wilson's War” at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the Paradise branch of Butte County Library, 5922 Clark Rd., and 2 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Oroville branch, 1820 Mitchell Ave.

• A forum on “Anthropologists at War: Human Terrain Systems and the War in Afghanistan” mediated by Jesse Dizard at 4 p.m. Oct. 30, in Room 120 of Chico State University’s Ayers Hall.

Staff writer Chris Gullick can be reached at 896-7760 or cgullick@chicoer.com.

Posted by Chris Gullick at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One afternoon last week I met with a book club of about a dozen women who are all loosely connected to Pleasant Valley High School, to talk about "Three Cups of Tea." I confessed I thought the book could have been written more effectively, as I mentioned in my last blog.

While some of the group agreed with me, one woman also pointed out that it seems "journalistic." That hit home, being a journalist myself and I realized that was exactly right, and after all, co-writer David Oliver Relin's background is in journalism. When I report on an event or an issue for local news, I don't try to persuade my readers and I certainly don't try to engage their emotions. I strive for clear, unbiased writing, as a true observer. In that respect Relin succeeded in what he set out to do, I suppose. He researched Mortenson's story and observed all the particulars, then he wrote the story in a journalistic manner. Once again, I wonder if another choice of style may have been a better one. But, judging by the book club members' ravings about Mortenson's message and accomplishments, the writing was indeed persuasive, despite its "journalistic style."

Another book club member refuted my argument that Relin's writing was not all that powerful, when I explained that the story was told in a childlike manner, as if there were no beginning, climax or conclusion. It seems to be a series of "and then ... and then ... and then ... " and I had no feeling of the central, most important point being made. I certainly had no sense of conclusion. The woman commented, "I think Mortenson's story isn't over."

The first chapter, "Failure," sets the stage for the great irony of the book. When Mortenson fails at summiting K2 and takes another path, he is ultimately set on the way to a far greater success. Only through getting lost can he find the way to his accomplishments.

The book group wondered why Mortenson makes so many trips from the base camp partway up the mountain to carry supplies to upper camps and why he and Scott Darsney end up responsible for helping rescue one of their team mates, when they had just come back from an exhausting re-supplying trip. One answer suggested is that mountain-climbers are fairly selfish and self-absorbed overall and the others in his team were more concerned about their own ascents to care whether or not teammates made it to the top. I'll buy that. In which case, I guess "teammates" is an inaccurate label. I also noted that communication between teammates didn't seem to be a priority.

I noted that the chapter was a little confusing on my first reading last month. Part of that is my lack of understanding about mountain-climbing in general, but another part of it may be intentional. When I reread it this week, I appreciate the confusion because it's almost as if I were experiencing Mortenson's exhausted dementia.

Posted by Chris Gullick at 04:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The five-page introduction "In Mr. Mortenson's Orbit," provides us the only glimpse of David Oliver Relin, who co-authored the book with Greg Mortenson.

"Working on this book was a true collaboration. I wrote the story. But Greg Mortenson lived it," Relin writes, on page 5. He introduces himself to us and introduces Mortenson, as well, with descriptions that make M. sound saintly. Then he drops out of the picture for the rest of the book, writing a basic third-person story of the previous 10 years of Mortenson's life. Apparently Relin spent a couple of years researching Mortenson's life, including interviewing dozens of people and visiting all the places in Pakistan and Afghanistan that would appear in the book, in respectable reporter style. (Relin writes for Parade and other publications.) The intro begins with a snapshot of one of the research trips with Mortenson.

I think it's my favorite part of the whole book. On beginning my second read of "Three Cups," I'm struck by how personal this opening is. I enjoy the intimacy of the first-person narrative and I wonder if a first-person recounting would have improved the voice of the entire story. Parts of it dragged, I thought. As I mentioned before, I felt the message put forth by the book was more powerful than the telling of it. Relin is no William Faulkner or Toni Morrison. And yet his writing comes closest to greatness in the intro, when we feel connected to his emotions and can experience what he does. I wonder how he might have pulled us into Mortenson's feelings at various places in the story.

And then as a reporter myself, I sympathize with Relin when he confesses that he was one of those "objective journalists ... at risk of being drawn into his (Mortenson's) orbit." Rather than just observing and writing about Mortenson, as an unbiased reporter, Relin wants him to succeed and agrees that education is the only way to fight terrorism.

So, does anyone agree with me that the introduction is the best-written chapter of the book and can you argue that a first-person narrative throughout would be a mistake?

Posted by Chris Gullick at 10:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A co-worker walked up to me in the newsroom the other day and asked if I'd read the Book in Common.

Yes, of course.

Then he proceeded to rave about it, saying he couldn't put it down and was already more than half-way through in the first couple of days. I think the words he used were "incredible" and "wonderful." I finished the book just over a month ago and found it interesting, valuable and inspiring -- the things everyone I talk to says about it. Some people say they can't put it down and devour it in a few days. Not so with me. I'm a voracious reader and I race through many books, but I walked my way through "Three Cups of Tea," taking nearly three weeks to read cover to cover. Yet I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. In thinking about the book, I'd say its wonder comes from its lessons on culture, its historical perspective and its message in general, rather than the story it tells. And I do love a good story.

That said, I decided to buy a copy of the book, since I'd borrowed one from the Chico Library for my first read, and start again. So, my plan at this point is to blog on the book chapter by chapter and invite comments. Who wants to read along?

Posted by Chris Gullick at 07:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Nan Timmons, a member of the Book in Common committee at Chico State University, sent me the following review, revised from when she first proposed the book as this year's selection:

I was “on fire” about previous books, but the fire over “Three Cups of Tea” is a bonfire, a virtual conflagration. I owe a lunch to my friend who recommended that I suggest it to the Book in Common committee with a one-line review: “If this isn’t a book in common, I don’t know what is.” I stayed up until 1:30 a.m. to finish reading it and I lay awake in bed until 5:00 a.m. thinking about it. Then I got up and wrote a check.

The authors, Mortenson and Relin, lay out a list on page 337, a simple list that offers nine imminently do-able things any individual can do to halt the spread of terrorism (not to mention ancillary beneficial outcomes). They have kindly provided us with a perfect springboard for developing dozens of meaningful class projects. And let me be bold enough to add a 10th item to the list: Have a class research what it takes to nominate or support a nomination of someone for a Nobel Peace Prize and then wage a campaign to do exactly that. Mortenson is an ideal candidate for the honor. The book inspires action in very simple tangible and accessible ways that feel empowering, so much so that upon completing the book I pledged to do seven of the nine things on that list within the next two weeks, and I’m well on my way to keeping that promise.

Although we should hold the bar high and expect students to read the book in its entirety, I think if students only read pg. 257 of Three Cups of Tea, it’s probably worth the price of the book - although what a loss for them not to devour the whole thing.

I found two over-arching themes:

The cheapest, most effective and long-lasting way to stop terrorism is through education.

The second theme is epitomized by Margaret Mead’s famous quote - “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” It is clearly illustrated here in spades by Mortenson and his supporters. So again we see the “oft visited” theme of someone having passion, commitment and perseverance making a difference.

There are plenty of other themes and questions that would make good discussion for classes or reading groups:

For example, Mortenson discovers that he can be his own worst enemy when trying to move his agenda forward without being sensitive to cultural imperatives – noble intentions and a good heart don’t always guarantee success. Hence, be sure to drink all three cups of tea.

Also, I hope it would resonate with Chico students as they read this compelling story that they are incredibly fortunate and blessed to be sitting in this “citadel of higher learning” receiving an elite university education instead of sitting on a rock in some cold, remote, windswept mountain village eager to learn without benefit of paper or pencil.

And …
What does building a small school in Pakistan have to do with terrorism?
How did a mountain climber end up having tea with a high ranking Taliban official in a Marriott Hotel?
Can a near homeless penniless guy who meets his wife at a formal gala and then marries her six days later end up living happily ever after?
How does a guy with a big dream and no money hook up with an eccentric billionaire to support his passionate mission?
How does it feel to wake up on the morning of 9/11 just miles from the Afghanistan border only to have your bodyguard (with his AK-47 in hand) tell you “a village called New York has been bombed.”
How does someone turn the biggest failure of his life into the greatest success of his life?
And the list goes on…..

Because I was so impressed with the message of the book, I nearly forgot to mention its plot. In a nutshell, an offbeat mountain climber yearns to conquer K2 and as he retreats in abject failure, a series of events lead him to pledge to build a school for the children of Korphe, Pakistan in honor of his deceased sister – a decision that forever changes the course of his life in ways that neither he nor we could ever imagine.

Posted by Chris Gullick at 03:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The latest issue of The Orion includes an article on the Book in Common by Raelene Willis.

The article discusses the kickoff event and the local effort to raise money to help build a school in Pakistan. The article quotes William Loker, Chico State University's dean of undergraduate education, about his desire to present author Greg Mortenson with a check for a new school during the writer's local appearance next year.

"They're a tribal group who barely recognize that Pakistan exists," Loker said. "And the people are really hungry for education, and that's why he's welcome here."

Click to read the entire article

Posted by Ryan Olson at 12:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A bunch of people have joined reading groups to share thoughts about "Three Cups of Tea," but it's not too late to jump on board. Or, if you're not willing to commit to a time and place to meet people for literary discussion, just post a comment here.

For the foreseeable future, I (Chris Gullick) will be moderating the blog, and prodding others to participate.

As a writer, anytime reading and writing are being talked about, I get excited. So, naturally I love the idea of a whole community, or at least a number people from different parts of the community, discussing a book. As a reporter, I'm finding it a little hard to stay neutral on this series of events and the public (as well as my editor) may have to forgive me for crossing that line between reporting and participating.

That said, I'm looking forward to reading what others have to say about Mortenson's book.

Posted by Chris Gullick at 10:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)