This month's meeting was at Janet's home. In attendance were Betty, Carla, Colette, Jane, Janet, Jolene, Linda and Michèle. Betty's sister Helen came as a guest. The book was Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. As usual Janet provided great hors d'oeuvres, wine, Chai tea and an apricot cake.
This book exposes Mr. Mortenson's experience in Pakistan when he finds himself brought back to health by the people of a village when he has an accident climbing Pakistan's highest mountain. He leaves promising to bring what is needed to build a school. He is one of few foreigners who has worked in remote Pakistan. Many members found his achievements inspirational and were amazed by how much he accomplished with little. They felt that he was a humble person who was willing to listen, willing to admit his errors and he did not bring in North American values but rather worked with the local elders and listened to them.
Mr. Mortenson feels that education can solve many problems such a poverty, bring peace and combat terrorists or at least allow young men an alternative.
Janet thought of the book "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. Jolene brought up "Paths of Glory" by Jeffrey Archer.
We also talked about the impact of his tireless work with the Pakistan people on his family, his wife and children. In one of the interviews with his daughter, she spoke of how proud she was of him but how little of him she could enjoy.
