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

Education is a long term solution to fanaticism

I picked up this book right when I finished it's predecessor. Excellent writing and good narration. Listeners would find the female narrator narrating Greg Mortenson a little confusing at first but Atussa Leoni does a great job overall. First few hours in the book is a quick recap/summary of "three cups of tea" and "Stone Into..." starts exactly were the last one ended; on the roof of the world. Greg Mortenson is trying to achieve something that will fight the war on terror from it's core. I hope all his readers and listeners would understand the need for what he's trying to achieve. Some reviewers are right when they say, only 1 school is constructed by the half of the book. But this book is about how Dr Greg managed to and his journey towards creating a relationship with all the far end villages and tribals of Afghanistan. This book also covers the devastation by the 2005 earthquake in pakistan and Azad Kashmir. By the end of the book, there are many more schools created. Taliban and other groups realize now that education can be a threat to their existence and that is why they threaten teachers and female students. This and Three cups of tea should defintely be added to the curriculum just the way Three cups of tea is essential read in the few sections of US Army.

Narrator sounds like a computer

I also found the narrator distracting. It was as if she was a computer reading the book. I loved 3 Cups, so I think I'll actually read the book rather than listen to it.

A good book

I enjoyed this book roughly as much as Three Cups of Tea.

The narration is entirely different, but in contrast to some reviewers, I didn't mind it at all.

People such as those in this book are a credit to our species - it's too bad they're not more common.

Great Humanitarian and brave people

I loved 3 Cups of Tea and have gone to all venues in Eugene OR where Greg has spoken. He is a true Hero. This book was great and inspiring. I found myself distracted by the narration. it would have been better with a male voice

excellent story

Really good examples of how policy translates to actions on the ground. very informative.

Could not stay with this reading

I tried several times to listen to this. The reading and writing is very poor compared to the first book which I enjoyed very much,

huge disappointment after 3 Cups of Tea

I just completed the 1st half of this audio book and NOT one school has been built AND it is read (in the first person) by a WOMAN... WHAT THE HELL? They couldn't find a man to read this book. I mean COME on!!!! ridiculous!!! Hopefully at least 1 school is built in the 2nd half. VERY DISAPPOINTING.. sadly played off the popularity of 3 Cups of Tea... shame on you G.M.

Poor choice of narrator

I love Greg Mortenson's work, loved reading Three Cups of Tea, and was excited to listen to this book. I was very disappointed by the choice of narrator. I enjoyed her narration of "A Thousand Splendid Suns" but her dramatic, syrupy voice just clashes with Greg's persona and words. Very disappointing.

A female narrator?

I'm all for equality but when a book is written by a man and read by a woman, I'm not making the connection. I don't think this was a good decision by the audio book publishers. Her narration is very pleasant and she pronounces difficult words with ease, but not appropriate to the story.

Also find the story drags on in several sections. Not up to par with the Three Cups of Tea.

Why have a woman speak for Greg!

Having this read by a woman is a total turn off. I loved his first book and think he is a great man doing a job no one else would consider taking on but I am not ejoying listening to this book.