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What are you reading? STONES INTO SCHOOLS

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty RED STICK PARTNERS

STONES INTO SCHOOLS was just released last week.  This is a nonfiction sequel to Three Cups of Tea which has been on the New York Times best seller list for more than three years.

Greg Mortenson became lost on his way down the K2 mountain in Pakistan.  That adventure was the beginning of his life's work as told in Three Cups of Tea.  The subsequent creation of the Central Asia Institute has led to the building of more than 130 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.  The major emphasis is on educating girls and young women who will use their new knowledge and skills to continue educating their own families and communities. 

As the U.S. embarks on new campaigns to rid Afghanistan of the Taliban, our military efforts need to be supported by development of communities who want to live without fear.  The most horrendous acts of the Taliban are those against young girls who want an education.  In one village, girls leaving their classroom were sprayed in the face with battery acid to discourage school attendance.  So it is that security for the Afghanistan population is paramount.

STONES INTO SCHOOLS continues the "story of how this remarkable humanitarian campaign began."  When I started reading, I couldn't put it down.  The book will surely head to the top of the best seller list.

To find more information about the Central Asia Institute, go to www.ikat.org.

 

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Franklin & Brentwood, TN Homes Mike Nastri
Keller Williams Realty - Franklin, TN
It matters to us as much as it matters to you.

It looks like a great book and a wonderful endeavor bringing education to those who are denied.  It appears to be quite an uphill battle.

Dec 05, 2009 02:20 AM
Lisa VonBargen
Photography7522 - Estes Park, CO
Estes Park Real Estate Photographer

Incredible story, thanks for the post and the link for more information on this great cause. I agree that a major component in the Afghanistan conflict is the education of girls...it is sad to think what they are going through right now and the futures they are facing. I applaud them for their courage and for the work that Greg Mortenson has done!

Dec 05, 2009 02:21 AM
Sallie Williams
Keller Williams Realty RED STICK PARTNERS - Baton Rouge, LA
REALTOR - MBA, Baton Rouge

Mike, it is one of the most inspirational books that I have read.  While Greg Mortenson, in his very humble way, gives all the credit to the staff of his CAI and the Afghanistan people themselves, it is amazing how the vision of one person can have such a tremendous impact on, not only one, but TWO countries.  Hope you enjoy both books ... I'm sure you will. 

Dec 05, 2009 02:24 AM
Sallie Williams
Keller Williams Realty RED STICK PARTNERS - Baton Rouge, LA
REALTOR - MBA, Baton Rouge

Lisa, it is an incredible story and an incredible journey for the Afghanistan girls.  I hope that, while the politicans haggle over the numbers of troops we send, they will keep in mind the hopes and dreams of the girls.  Hope you enjoy the books. 

Dec 05, 2009 02:27 AM
Jill Schmidt
Aurora, CO

Thanks for the recommendation, Sallie.  I was just looking for my next read.  I must have been napping for 3 years to have missed this.

Dec 05, 2009 03:43 AM
Sallie Williams
Keller Williams Realty RED STICK PARTNERS - Baton Rouge, LA
REALTOR - MBA, Baton Rouge

Jill, it is hard to explain what an impact these books can have.  Greg Mortenson's tour schedule is online at the CAI website.  I can only hope that he will be in Louisiana sometime so that I can attend one of his presentations, maybe even get my book signed.  I'm glad you plan to make this your next read.  Merry Christmas.

Dec 05, 2009 03:54 AM
Chris Fisher
Your Virtual Assistant - Concord, CA

Three Cups of Tea was an amazing book, I cannot wait to read this one.  I didn't even know it was coming out, so I am very happy I visited this group today!

Dec 14, 2009 05:40 AM
Ann Dail
Baton Rouge Area Homes, Louisiana, USA, 225-761-0551 - Baton Rouge, LA
Broker/Realtor,CRS, ePRO, SRS, B.A.Chem

Wow, why don't we hear about this on the tv news?  I have to get a copy of that book and learn more.  Maybe we should funnel just a little of that $ going to military into schools....or maybe that's what they'll do.

Dec 16, 2009 05:40 AM
Sallie Williams
Keller Williams Realty RED STICK PARTNERS - Baton Rouge, LA
REALTOR - MBA, Baton Rouge

Chris and Ann, I'm glad you plan on reading this.  Having written this post, if just one person reads the book because of it, I'll be a very happy camper.  If you put Greg Mortenson on your twitter list of people who you follow, you will get updates on his news releases.  Have a Merry Christmas.

Dec 16, 2009 09:24 AM
Larry Brewer - Benchmark Realty llc
Benchmark Realty LLc - Nashville, TN

Education is the only way to improve the environment we live in. It's unfortunate that the thugs who call themselves taliban are able to intimidate families into not attending school, and the communities do nothing to stop them.

Dec 21, 2009 12:12 AM
Sallie Williams
Keller Williams Realty RED STICK PARTNERS - Baton Rouge, LA
REALTOR - MBA, Baton Rouge

Hi Larry, from what I read, at least some schools are hiring their own security guards.  It is a difficult situation, but I figured that since we are immersed in Afghanistan this book would teach us a lot, and it does.

Dec 21, 2009 06:08 AM