Three cups of teas served with a grain of salt...

[Toramana]

http://www.amazon.com/Three-Cups-Dec...tt_at_ep_dpi_9

[Catya Sher]

Here's the best part of the best review so far.
It's slow to start,because few people realize that this minibook
would be on Amazon

[Glad I read it when ghundal posted it at the beginning while it was free.
But it's only 2.99 if any PF readers are interested.]

"In this thoroughly researched piece, Jon Krakauer exposes Greg Mortenson as a terrible charlatan.

According to dozens of people who spoke to Krakauer, most of whom are quoted by name, Mortenson lied about the origins of his school-building project, lied about the number of schools he's built, lied about how much time he spends in Afghanistan, lied about his financial relationship with his charity, lied about how much he pays himself, lied about his "kidnapping" in 1996, and even lied about the fact that schools are mainly in relatively peaceful parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. There are probably a few other lies I've forgotten. For his own ego and financial gain, Mortenson took advantage of the goodwill of donors in America and all over the world."

One could get the feel for what type of person Greg Mortenson is by the scene when 60 Minutes tries to speak to him.
He turns them away SO RUDELY, then skips out completely from his hotel and appointments.

"Charlatan" IS the best word for him
- along with Pathological Liar.

I hope we get more follow-up as tme goes on from either this author or others.

[BarakzaiAbdali]

I know this will come as a surprise since its from me. In person Greg was actually warm, friendly, and extremely passionate about this cause. My concern with him primarily was that he avoided questions regarding missionary sentiments as both his parents are Christian missionarise. His lies about Mr. Mehsud are reprehensible. However, what I can note was that in person in 2008 he told me and my wife in a private conversation that he was upset with the publisher and ghost writer of Three Cups of Tea. He had a stormy relationship with the ghost writer and appeared uncomfortable with the set up. He did not lay out specifics, but my guess is that Greg was told by the Ghost Writer that basically, he had to pump up the story for the book to get sold and was pressured. I do however think Adam Clark Estes makes some good points against Kristoff's defense piece:

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/natio...n-alone/36883/

Once again, I am not defending or attempting to sustain Mortensen... but I am providing my personal interaction with the man. He chose to take my side in multiple discussions with the white house folks that resulted in two of them storming out of the meeting when he threw support my way. The Greg Mortensen I met was aloof, generally childlike, and in way over his head.

[ghundal]

Im still waiting to see if he speaks on the matter rather than have his publishers comment