Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Book catches fancy of Rochester readers; author here
Monday
By Christina Killion Valdez
In parts of
In
Billboards tout the author and humanitarian's upcoming talk,
which is part of Rochester Reads, students cheer his work at pep rallies and
children across the city are collecting pennies in his name.
He's the Minnesotan whom Minnesotans want to know.
"It would be much better than Jesse Ventura," said
DeAnn Spencer of
Mortenson's work building schools in some of the most
volatile regions of the world. It's an effort many people clamor to join after
reading "Three Cups of Tea," the New York Times best-seller
chronicling Mortenson's push to start the Central Asia Institute.
"It really has touched a nerve," said Katherine
Stecher, chairwoman of Rochester Reads, of the book.
His humble drive is what draws people to Mortenson, said
Gary Benson, a pastor at
"He has allowed his heart rather than his ego to define who he is," Benson said, adding,
"He's the same guy he was 35 years ago except that he's
certainly found a path and direction that can make a difference and has."
Now the city is gearing up for Mortenson's talk at
Looking forward to the talk is Mary Graf of
"I read the book and I just was blown away," Graf
said. "I just felt compelled to help this man."
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