Stones into Schools

Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan

By: Greg Mortenson

Narrated by: Atossa Leoni

Length: 11 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of the number one best-seller Three Cups of Tea, the continuing story of this determined humanitarian’s efforts to promote peace through education

In this dramatic first-person narrative, Greg Mortenson picks up where Three Cups of Tea left off in 2003, recounting his relentless, ongoing efforts to establish schools for girls in Afghanistan; his extensive work in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan after a massive earthquake hit the region in 2005; and the unique ways he has built relationships with Islamic clerics, militia commanders, and tribal leaders. He shares for the first time his broader vision to promote peace through education and literacy, as well as touching on military matters, Islam, and women - all woven together with the many rich personal stories of the people who have been involved in this remarkable two-decade humanitarian effort.

Since the 2006 publication of Three Cups of Tea, Mortenson has traveled across the US and the world to share his vision with hundreds of thousands of people. He has met with heads of state, top military officials, and leading politicians who all seek his advice and insight. The continued phenomenal success of Three Cups of Tea proves that there is an eager and committed audience for Mortenson’s work and message.

©2009 Greg Mortenson (P)2009 Penguin

Great Book!

This amazing story is one for our times. My only downgrade on the book is the narrator -- it is distracting to hear a first person narrative written by a man read by a woman. However, if you can get by that, this book should be required reading/listening by all government officials and military.

A good follow on

While much debated in the press, the story of cultural challenges in central asia has many examples that you only believe if you've been there. Worthwhile sequel.

Diving into the greater masterpiece

I really enjoyed Mr Mortenson's bravery and foolishness in attempting to honor the great art of education. It is one thing to be a good student and entirely greater thing to create opportunity for the education of someone else, especially a perceived enemy. In a time of such hatred between religions, it is great to read about humans who seek out constructive understanding.

Astounding Account Full of Detail

Picking up where Three Cups of Tea left off, this work gives you everything you want from greater depth of the already told stories, updates on many of the people involved in Mortenson's quest to build school in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and more news about the past few years. What this man has been able to accomplish is astounding and can make even the most selfish feel the need to get outside themselves.

This would be four stars, but the narration is a bit odd. Since it's a first-person account, hearing the narrator of a man be a woman is a bit off-putting.

Drove me mad

I enjoyed reading 3 cups from Kindle, and bought this audio book instantly without a review there at that time - big mistake! - that sweet and lazy female voice representing a male former mountaineer just drove me crazy! 2 hours struggling and I still could not get into this book, so I have to stop listening to stop the torture.

Change the reader please, and refund me that precious credit! At least I can use the refund to buy a Kindle book instead! So unbelievably unprofessional!

Just Read It

A great book and a great story. I have read Three Cups of Tea and this is a great continuation of the story bringing it up to mid 2009. As others have said, the female reader of a first person narrative is a very odd choice and somewhat distracting. Sometimes I got caught, but most of the time, I was able to look past it.

A Wonderful Adventure

I'd read Three Cups of Tea and enjoyed it immensely. Although I felt that the first few chapters of this sequel were slow, the book sure clicked into gear and began to build a momentum. By the last third of the book, it felt like a thriller! And it's all the more amazing because it's a true story. The final chapters were very, very moving and I'll say this: Greg Mortenson and the activities of his group remind us all of what is really important in life.

Fascinating & Thumbs up for woman narrator

It was fascinating to me to learn in this book of the progress made in educating girls - and now women - in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Not only is Greg an inspired leader, but also an articulate writer. He describes beautifully what has transpired since Three Cups of Tea. I also think his choice of narrators is most appropriate. After all, the whole focus of Greg and his institute's mission involves girls and now women, does it not?

Unfortunate Narration

Sorry, but I was disappointed with the narration of this second book by Mortenson. Because it is written in first-person, I think I would have felt closer to the material if a male narrator had been used. Worth listening to, but not as engaging as the first one: Three Cups of Tea.

A Worthy Sequel to Three Cups of Tea

It is hard to give this book too much praise. It combines adventure, colorful characters, and behind-the-headlines descriptions of life in rural Afghanistan and Pakistan, areas that have loomed large on the world stage since 9/11. The common thread through all is the amazing saga of Greg Mortenson: his organization has now built over 100 schools in these rural areas and he has built lasting and deep personal friendships with people from all walks of life and cultures as he pursues his mission to bring educational opportunities to the neglected villages of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The writing style seems more polished than his first book and includes informative background on the political and cultural background of the region.

I read this book right after "The Good Soldiers." It provides in certain sections a helpful counterpoint to the dark description of US Military operations in the earlier book. In Mortenson's experience, the US Military now clearly gets the importance of building relationships of trust and goodwill with the local communities. In fact, they even have a term for it--"COIN." If you are not familiar with the lessons the US Military has learned from Greg Mortenson, that is another reason to read this book.