Wicked Local (Mansfield, MA)

February 21, 2008

‘Three Cups of Tea’ talk of town

By Donna Whitehead

Mansfield - They’re talking about it at the train station, at the soccer fields, even in the halls of the police station.

What everyone is talking about is author Greg Mortenson and his book, “Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace, One School at a Time,” the object of Mansfield’s first Reads Together program.

“Everyone’s talking about it all over town,” said Mansfield Public Library Director Janet Campbell.

Mortenson, a mountain climber, was taken in and aided by a Pakistan village in 1993 while climbing K2 and pledged to return and build them a school. He has since built 55 schools.

“His life is so amazing,” said Campbell.

The Mansfield Women of Today and the library have coordinated the first Mansfield Reads Together program in which the community reads one book. Activities related to the book such as rock climbing, making teacups and a discussion on Islam have been ongoing all month. The Islam talk offered by students from the Al Noor Academy drew 70 attendees, Campbell said.

School children are collection pennies for the Pennies for Peace program, which helps fund Mortenson’s effort to build schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Campbell said more than $2,000 has been collected so far. (See related story)

The highlight of the event will be a visit by Mortenson Wednesday, Feb. 27 at Mansfield High School. The 650 tickets to the free event were given out within 11 minutes of being released.

“I’m disappointed we had to turn down so many,” Campbell said.

The community-wide read appears to be catching on. At one point all but one or two of the 150 copies of Mansfield’s book were checked out, Campbell said. Copies were dropped off at town hall, the train station and the Village at Willow Crossings. Copies are for sale at Book Ends and Borders.

“Some people have got them from other libraries,” Campbell said.

The popularity of Mortenson and interest in his talk has been incredible, Campbell said.

“We are so lucky (to have Mortenson come),” she said. “I can’t imagine another author who would draw as he draws.”

Campbell said she has received calls from New Hampshire, New York, Connecticut, Vermont and other places inquiring about Mortenson’s talk, but most of the tickets went to residents.

While on vacation in Costa Rica this month, Campbell chatted with a fellow passenger in a van headed into the rain forest. As they talked about their professions, Campbell told her about the Read Together program and having Mortenson visit.

“So are we,” the woman replied.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/mansfield/fun/entertainment/books/x257793213