Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

“One man’s mission to promote peace…one school at a time”

Truly intrigued and amazed by the accomplishments of Greg Mortenson, David Oliver Relin decides to write Three Cups of Tea. Mortenson starts out as a mountaineer and as he fails to climb K2, he stumbles upon a village in Pakistan. While there, he is fascinated by the kindness and hospitality of the Balti, the residents of the village, and promises to pay them back. Mortenson realizes what this villages lacks is a school, and therefore promises to build a school the next time he returns. Within a decade, Mortenson not only builds a school for the Balti, but founded the Central Asia Institute, which in total created fifty- five schools, especially for girls.

Many people make promises and promise to do amazing things for others in need. Unlike most, Mortenson fulfilled his extraordinary promise to the Balti and changed the lives of those who live in unsafe, isolated, anti-American places in Asia. One promise made by Mortenson turned into a large campaign. Doing this Mortenson risked his life in many ways. Separation from his family, kidnapping, and death threats could not keep Mortenson from helping the people of the underprivileged areas. Mortenson did not do this in hopes of becoming a hero or making a difference, he was solely trying to carry out a promise. I admire Mortenson greatly for his determination and for starting a whole movement. I am amazed that this all started because of one person.

Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood

Charlie and Sam had a relationship stronger than most, as brothers and as friends. The story begins with Charlie at age fifteen, driving home from a Mets game with Sam (age twelve) and their dog Oscar. Unfortunately, they come into contact with a drunk driver, who terminates Sam’s life, and almost Charlie’s. Before Charlie was resurrected he promises to never leave Sam. The day of Sam’s funeral, Charlie experiences a miracle as he wanders into the forest. He is able to see and interact with his brother Sam. After that day, Charlie would go off to the forest everyday for about thirteen years. Charlie develops the gift of seeing ghosts before they move onto the next stage.

Charlie St. Cloud is a suspenseful story which embraces the undying themes of romance and brotherhood. It goes beyond the ordinary means of love and explores the true meanings of devotion and promise. It made me believe there is a world in between life and death and that when we die, parts of us live on. I was intrigued by every part of the novel, including the characters, the storyline, the theme, and the descriptive language.

Reading this book I saw Charlie as trapped. He failed in living his life to the full extent and he failed to take advantage of the fact that he was given another chance at life when he was resurrected. In many ways, Charlie feels like he does not deserve to live a happy life, seeing as Sam’s ended at age twelve. For a long time, Charlie lacks the strength to break away from Sam because he became so dedicated in keeping his promise to Sam. In many ways, Charlie’s life ends when Sam dies. It is amazing to see how Charlie manages to gain back his life in this riveting novel.