I just finished reading "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. It's one of the most inspirational books I've ever read. I couldn't wait to get home from work each day to read it, and that doesn't happen very often.

Greg Mortenson was attempting to climb K2 in 1993, but his summit bid was thwarted when he and another climber performed a successful rescue high on the mountain. On his way back to civilization he got disoriented on the Baltoro Glacier and wound up in a remote village, emaciated and exhausted. The villagers nursed him back to health, and, when he noticed children doing schoolwork outside in the frigid air, he promised to build them a school to show his gratitude. What follows is an AMAZING account of how he fulfilled his promise.

This was one of those rare, life-altering books that inform, inspire, and motivate people into action. After the attacks on 911 I have to admit I was wary of Muslims and their culture. As a mountaineering aficionado, I had always wanted to visit Concordia in Pakistan, but never thought I could make the arduous trek. And being a woman, traveling to a Muslim country was terrifying. But now that I've realized my first dream of trekking to Everest Base Camp, I am tentatively planning a trek to K2 Base Camp in 2009, politics permitting. (A lot can change in two years.)

"Three Cups of Tea" may not sound like your cup of tea, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. It's definitely one of my all-time favorites!

Shanda

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings." --John Muir