_Three Cups of Deceit_ by Jon Krakauer
Upon sharing with some colleagues that I had really enjoyed reading Greg Mortenson’s _Three Cups of Tea_ last summer, someone said that he thought that Mortenson had been ratted out as having made up some of his story. I hadn’t heard this before, but it bothered me because I had been really been moved by this book. Another friend of mine has also been reading it with her son and thinking about doing the Pennies for Peace program promoted by Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute.
So, I came across Jon Krakauer’s title _Three Cups of Deceit_ and decided it was time to read it especially since I really respect Krakauer’s writing.
Krakauer reveals through correspondences with members of CAI and characters mentioned in the original book many untruths told by Mortenson in his book. Krakauer explains that he had offered an opportunity for Mortenson to be interviewed to dispel these allegations, but suddenly (conveniently) became unavailable shortly before the scheduled interview.
How disappointing to read these facts about a story that was so inspiring and had re-energized me in why I believe in education and my profession. Of course, these facts do not change how I feel, but it is a huge disappointment that a man who had such ability to inspire and motivate could be such a jerk as to lie and embellish when his story could have been just as effective without it. I wonder how people live with themselves and continue to sell their stories despite all the lies….
I am reminded as to why I am so skeptical about charities and stories of great giving…. π
So, on to other reading….
