How Greg Mortenson - Humanitarian Hero

As always with Jon Krakauer a wonderful book. Informative, detailed and with whatever he brings up about Mortenson well substantiated. A great story to read made overly pleasant by one of the best writers there is!

After having read and enjoyed Three Cups of Tea, I felt it was important to read this as well. I was saddened by the fact that not all of Greg Mortenson's story was true and still hope that someone else is trying to improve the educational opportunities for the children in that region of the world.

Brief Description: In this 30,000 word short-form book (which you can download from Byliner.com for your e-reader or as an audio book), journalist Jon Krakauer documents the result of his investigation into Greg Mortenson's various misdeeds and deceptions. If you don't know already, Mortenson is the author of the best-selling book Three Cups of Tea and the founder of the Central Asia Institute (CAI), which was created to build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In the years since his book was published, Mortenson has been a tireless advocate for the CAI and his books--raking in millions of dollars in donations. (Krakauer himself donated $55,000 to Mortenson's cause.) However, when questions were raised about Mortenson's management style and financial dealings, Krakauer felt compelled to investigate. The results of that investigation are documented in this book. Krakauer makes a damning case against Mortenson--exposing a series of falsehoods from Mortenson's books (the most shocking being that Mortenson's kidnapping by the Taliban NEVER HAPPENED!) and how Mortenson used the CAI as "his own personal ATM" and as a vehicle for augmenting his own profile and personal wealth. In addition, Krakauer exposes how numerous schools built by the CAI are "ghost schools"--sitting empty and abandoned due to lack of support and staff.

My Thoughts: Although I haven't read Three Cups of Tea, my parents and brother were ardent supporters of Mortenson and his organization. When I saw this book, I knew I had to read it--not only because I respect Jon Krakauer as a person and a journalist, but because I knew how much Mortenson's work had affected my parents and brother. When I told my brother I was reading this book, he asked to read it too. Despite his admiration for Krakauer, he was convinced that Three Cups of Deceit would not change his opinion about Mortenson. However, after reading it, his mind was changed .... and he felt as deceived as Krakauer and countless other Mortenson supporters. If you've read Three Cups of Tea or Mortenson's other books or made a donation to the CAI, I urge you to read this book to fully understand the degree of fraud, deceit and financial misdeeds perpetuated by Mortenson. I'm sure Krakauer and other Mortenson supporters wish this wasn't a book that had to be written, but I think it is best for all involved to get the truth out there.

Thank you, Mr. Krakauer for writing Three Cups of Deceit. In fairness to Mr. Mortenson, his intention at first may have been sincere but when thousands of dollars and then millions started pouring in, he became blinded with greed.

I am one among the millions of people who donated to Central Asia Institute (CAI), bought Three Cups of Tea (and read it many times), Stones to Schools and Listen to the Wind. I was awed by Mr. Mortenson's humanitarian ability and thoroughly enjoyed reading his books because they were uplifting (little have I known at that time). After reading Three Cups of Deceit, I was really dismayed and felt cheated to know that Mr. Mortenson's story were lies, if not fabricated. Everyone who bought his books should get their money back! Thank you 60 minutes and Mr. Krakauer for the expose.

Jon Krakauer does and excellent and thorough job getting to the truth behind "Three Cups of Tea". Greg Mortenson has had countless warning and opportunities to stop his fraud and come clean. It is unfortunate so many people covered for him and let him keep donations meant for people who really need it.

I noticed that some of the reviewers have criticized Krakauer for exposing the truth. If they were really concerned about the people Mortenson claimed to be helping, they would be aghast at the fraud that was perpetrated.

Worth the time, lots of insight into the garbage/theif that is Greg Mortenson! Interesting how very little time the state run media has given this story and that he's not in jail. But when you understand and know his "circle" of progressive influence it all makes all so much sense.

After a while however I found myself saying "OK, I get it, this guy is an egomaniac and dishonest... now what?" which may be just do to my lack of ability to focus. The book is written well just like all of Krakauer's books so it's pretty engaging. Certainly worth a read. It's very quick. Reminds us that it's just always better to be honest in life and business.

Great book, another well written by Krakauer. Great work uncovering the truth behind this organization. It is always unfortunate when good people donate their hard earned money to what they believe is an honest non-profit only to later find out their funds were grossly mismanaged.

First off, I have read "Three Cups of Tea" before any of this negative publicity came out. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would quickly have recommended it to anyone who asked. One of the most compelling things about it was the story itself and the experiences Mortenson relayed in it helped give it credibility. I have not read his second book.

I saw the 60 Minutes story and it did raise concerns about the book, but I was not totally convinced. Since then I have seen several other articles that also raised similar questions as the 60 Minutes interview. I have also seen some rebuttals of the charges against Mortenson, but I've found them all to be lacking. They give generalities about why Mortenson is not lying or dishonest or just mistaken, but most give nothing that concrete, though maybe a few. Mostly they just "no he couldn't have lied, Greg's a great guy and he's done all this great work" sort of stuff. The website Outside Online did interview Mortenson for his rebuttal of these charges and even in this Mortenson does admit to some "license" with the story. For one example, in "Three Cups of Tea" Greg gives the impression he was in Korphe for many days resting up after his weakened condition from the K2 attempt and the villagers basically nursed him back to health...a very touching narrative that is meant to show how generous and hospitable the people were and was sort of the "defining moment" of when he decided to go on this altruistic path of building schools in all these remote places. But even Mortenson now admits he was only there a few hours and that the same day he met back up with his climbing partner Scott Darsney in another town. Hardly enough time to be nursed back to health.

Outside Online also interviewed Scott Darsney and he did say he felt Krakauer took some of what he said out of context and that it was "certainly plausible" Greg could have (not did) ended up in the village of Korphe after his failed K2 attempt despite Krakauer saying he did not. I tried posting a link but I guess the store doesn't like that.

But shortly thereafter Outside Online actually posted this blog which indicated that after further research it did NOT seem likely Mortenson ended up in Korphe after his failed K2 climb. Again, I can't post the link but you can go to the Outside Online website and search the blog on April 27, 2011 by Grayson Schaffer titled "Can't Get There From Here." (it also has a link in the blog to the Darsney interview mentioned above as well as Mortenson's rebuttal to Krakauer)

One excerpt from the above article - "...Outside has learned that Mortenson's revised Korphe account has serious problems. Even if Mortenson had got lost between Korofong and Askole, Outside now believes it would have been nearly impossible to end up in Korphe. What's more, we've found a troubling lack of documentation regarding Mortenson's climbing record in Nepal."

So anyway, as for this book itself, it is very thorough and well documented. You get names of people Krakauer interviewed. This is not just one or two disgruntled people, this is person after person including former CAI board members, associates in Pakistan and Afghanistan, well-known mountaineers, and even a foreign researcher who has spent many years in Afghanistan and the surrounding area with one of the tribes Mortenson proudly parades in his second book. Krakauer lists names for almost all of them so it's easy enough to verify who they are if that's what you feel you need to do. He even has a picture of Mortenson gleefully holding an AK-47 with a group of men...men who Mortenson actually showed a picture of in his book and said they were Taliban who kidnapped him for eight days. I guess kidnappers let their abductees play with their weapons now.

Even if you take into account the "creative license" of writing and that perhaps there was just some "different points of view" of certain events, Mortenson's stories are still full of holes. But what is really eye-opening is that CAI pays for ALL of Mortenson's trips and advertising to promote his books...and yet they receive absolutely no proceeds from the book itself. And does Greg fly commercial? No, he has charter jets take him everywhere. Additionally, Mortenson even used CAI money to buy tens of thousands of copies of his book from retailers that he handed out at some of his conferences. He buys from retailers because it a.) allows him to receive the royalties from it and b.)it contributes to the number used to rank him on the bestseller list...neither of these things would happen if he got them directly from the publisher (for much less money). And the real icing on the cake is that over all the years, one of the most common complaints from those who resigned from CAI was that Mortenson absolutely refused to ever provide basic accountability information, like receipts or expense reports for what he was doing with the money.

I won't even get into the question of how effective (or ineffective) the schools CAI has or has claimed to have built. That certainly does not bode well for Mortenson either.

The bottom line is that CAI seems to be a organization that has a noble goal and Mortenson may very well have started out with good intentions, but these do not justify Mortenson's lying or his financial irresponsibility. My advice would be to stop giving to CAI until Mortenson steps down and a new board of directors takes over that is willing to be organized and transparent. When that happens CAI will again be a worthwhile organization to support. Until that time there are plenty of other noble charities to support that let you know exactly where your money goes.

I have read several climbing/mountaineering/adventure books and there seems to be a pattern of extreme, sometimes sociopathic behavior among many people attracted to these extreme sports that goes beyond inflated egos and delusions of grandeur. My favorite book on this subject is written by Michael Kodas called High Crimes: The Fate of Everest in an Age of Greed. There is no doubt that the good works of Greg Mortenson outweigh the self serving myth-making he clearly perpetuated to either embellish his story simply because he could or CYA (cover his other lies.) There is something much deeper and darker going on with these people that makes their pathological embellishments and deceit much more dangerous than anyone wants to admit . Even when the original sin can be dismissed as minor ego embellishment or even narcissistic self promotion, the resulting bad behavior attempting to control the results of their lies often leads to destruction and serious injury to others both physical and otherwise. The story of Lance Armstrong and the damage he rot to the people around him is probably the most famous example of this unfortunate sociopathic misbehavior. I am sure a professional psychologist will have a lot more to say about this phenomenon in extreme athletes, the world they live in and the myths they create. But even a regular person like me can see there is something strange and interesting going on here and Jon Krakauer has only exposed the tip of the iceberg by publicizing the truth and lies of Greg Mortenson.

As usual Krakauer writes a wonderful page turning "story." I had never read 3 Cups of Tea (and now never will) but Krakauer does a fabulous job of presenting how one man's quest to do right can go so wrong. He is fair and even handed, even when dealing with someone who has undoubtedly stolen money from donors by laundering through a charity. He examines all the evidence, presents his facts, does his research and even makes it clear that there is the possibility for redemption for this charity. The story is short but all the information is presented accurately. Most of the information can probably be found online, but Krakauer presents it in such a digestible format and HIS proceeds ARE going to charity (a decent one)!

My mother, my she rest in peace, loved three cups of tea. But as a nonprofit treasurer and righteous person, she would be appalled at Mortenson's failures that Krakauer reports. Such hubris gives the nonprofit sector a bad name.

Having just finished reading this piece, all I can muster as a review at the moment is: WOAH. I was not aware of Greg Mortenson's existence before I came across this article yesterday (deciding to read it because I am a fan of Jon Krakauer's writing); and now that I do know who he is, regardless of what good he has done for the world, I cannot possibly ever think of him as anything but a liar and a cheat. It is astonishing what people will do to abuse and misuse the trust and kindness of others, and the lengths they will go to to further their own end. My thanks to Jon Krakauer for shining a spotlight on this man and exposing him for who he truly is.

Wow! This book really opened my eyes. I may never believe anyone's stories again. How can anyone do this to honest people who work hard for their money. I am going to make sure I really, check out where I give my money to. Thank you

Greg Mortensen (Three Cups of Tea) authored two bestselling books before being exposed as a fraud. While he portrayed himself as a great humanitarian and while he told stories of all his heroics, he has since been shown to be a liar (or chronic exaggerator at the very least). In this Kindle Single, Jon Krakauer does the research and thoroughly outs Mortensen. I read it largely because I had read Mortensen's two books and was interested in seeing where I had been led astray. If you haven't read either of Mortensen's books, this one will probably not be of much interest.

This was very interesting, especially for those of us who were incredibly inspired by Greg Mortenson's "Three Cups of Tea". However, it was really not much more than a lengthy article, not really a book full of information

After years of active support for Greg Mortenson and his charity, Jon Krakauer found out he was duped. Angry and hurt Krakauer sharpened his pen and went to work. At only 75 pages this book is a quick read. The writing is on par with his classic "Into Thin Air." This Kindle Single sharply details the history of Greg Mortenson and his slow but steady descent into financial misdeeds.

Krakauer is clearly passionate about the need to build schools for the impoverished children of Himalaya.
Mortenson burned a well known journalist, one of many bad moves on his part.

I remember when Three Cups of Tea was first published, and how touched several friends of mine were by the humanitarian work being done by Greg Mortenson through the Central Asia Institute. Having spent more than a decade in development work overseas among subsistence farmers and fishermen, I thought it sounded a little too good to be true. Three Cups of Deceit exposes the fraud with a forthright and convincing narrative. I recommend it to anyone interested in making a real contribution to less fortunate communities and individuals, both at home, where there is great need, and abroad.

J. C.
Peace Corps Volunteer Micronesia 86-88

Greg Mortenson makes over 160 public appearances each year promoting his Central Asia Institute (CAI) and its school-building efforts. The CAI received $23 million in 2010 donations alone, and Mortenson's first book ('Three Cups of Tea') has over 5 million copies in circulation. His book has been widely distributed to American officers stationed in Afghanistan and elsewhere. Mortenson's theme - terrorism can be eradicated by educating children in poor societies.

Jon Krakauer, however, begs to differ with Mortenson's account of his actions and accomplishments. Differences include Mortenson's report of traveling within Pakistan early in the 1990s, being kidnapped by the Taliban (those in the alleged photos have been identified as government workers; in one Mortenson is actually holding the AK-47), the actual numbers of schools built and operating, etc. Krakauer reports that Mortenson is paid up to $30,000/appearance (he keeps), receives millions more from book royalties (he keeps), and also has his book ads and promotion expenses paid for by CAI. A CPA found that fund raising and administrative costs took over 50% of CAI expenses in a recent year. Krakauer also contends that the majority of schools CAI has established in Afghanistan and Pakistan are in areas where the Taliban has/had little/no influence. Also a significant number of these schools exist only on paper (pupils enrolled and expense statistics are manufactured), and many other have been abandoned.

CAI has seen a large number of resignations over Mortenson's failure to properly account for or control expenses. Those resigning include a board majority, his first CFO, and his first Director of Development.

At the end of 'Three Cups of Deceit' Krakauer states that Mortenson has done much good, but that he has also largely destroyed the credibility of his CAI.

I read this after seeing a local presentation by Greg Mortenson. I even waited in a huge crowd to have him sign a copy of Stones for Schools, which I purchased in hardback at the presentation. Sadly, since reading this piece, I cannot even open the book by Mortenson. Little has been heard from him since. I don't think anyone would even buy this book from me. It is a sad fall from grace. Since I had read all of Mr. Krakauer's books prior to purchasing this, I believe he is telling the sad truth.

This is a well thought out and documented article uncovering the lengths to which someone who has bought into their own hype will go to to maintain the illusion. The real problem with Mortensen and this article seems to be that no one is taken to task for enabling this guy, who seems to be out of his depth, and cracking the whip. Several times we are told of auditors and Board members who try and reign the man in. They ask for the most basic of accounting controls, like receipts and other information, to account for millions of dollars this guys spends. What does he spend it on, nobody knows but him, he won't say or provide receipts according to those around him... It smacks of fraud. Also to hear this non-profit has been allowed to operate without filing timely, and accurate, tax returns is a crime in itself. The government meddles in many issues, but this is one we actually expect them to be responsible for. To allow a designated charity to operate like this without immediately removing their tax-exempt status is beyond the pale.

To everyone who loves Mortensen and what he does and defends him so ferociously on this site, I say this and I say it sternly : Separate the man from the message. The message is great, schools for kids who need them. The man is not, apparently he is absconding with your money and thumbing his nose at you to boot. Realize that for every dollar he takes form the charity, which he has taken millions apparently and has refused to account for, that is one less dollar spent on those kids and schools. These do not appear to be the actions of a transparent and exceptional philanthropist. The actions described in this article are of a basic swindler, taking advantage of your good intentions to line his own nest. If you wish to be angered, be angered about that.

Interesting, but too much indirect evidence/info by third parties; and when Krakauer claims something is quintessentially false he states in the next paragraph that it is partially true. I get the impression this book is almost as factual as TCT...

I rad this "book" after hearing about and reading about it on the Internet. I am glad. Jon K investigated and wrote about it. People who read Three Cups of Tea ought to read this as well. Having traveled to the Balti region of Pakistan years ago, Mr. Mortenson's description had not matched my experience of that area as a "hotbead" of potential terrorism. In fact it is quite "open" and safe to travel in. It is where all the trekkers and mountaineer people go. But when I read it, I let it go. Not reading with enough critical eye. Just glad someone was writing that there ARE great people in that area of the world. Even if that were not so bad, its the lack of financial accountability that is really, really bad and is an ongoing lie. Why Mr. Mortensen needs a private plane to fly anywhere is beyond me. Imagine how many teachers he could have employed.. and said he employed.

I think Jon found it a personal affront what Greg Mortenson did in gathering funds for a cause by creating a story to solicit funds for it which were not delivered as promised. I think Jon felt compelled to get this article out for the sake of truth and I find nice that the money for his article is used to help others and not to make the author money.

Our book club found this book an eye opener after first reading "Three Cups of Tea" as a group. Good to get another perspective on the whole thing. No great literature, but very interesting. We had also read "Into the Wild" by this same author. Interesting to follow up on another book by the same author as well as another book about the same topic -- Greg Mortenson.

Our book club found this book an eye opener after first reading "Three Cups of Tea" as a group. Good to get another perspective on the whole thing. No great literature, but very interesting. We had also read "Into the Wild" by this same author. Interesting to follow up on another book by the same author as well as another book about the same topic -- Greg Mortenson.

Jon Krakauer is known for his in depth research and clear telling of complex stories. He is also an experienced mountaineer. He brings these talents to unraveling the complex story of Greg Mortenson and what he did, or did not, do for the people of Tibet. It is a cautionary tale of good intentions, fame and money in the third world. In the aftermath of the recent earthquake in Tibet, this book is again timely reading.

I offer that many people coming to Krakauer's "Three Cups of Deceit" previously read Mortenson's books. I would be included in that group myself. And previous to coming to any of these texts, I read Krakauer's earlier books and found him to be a fine investigative writer who argues points thoroughly and investigates deeply into his subjects.

I found "Three Cups of Deceipt" to be no different. It's a fine piece of writing and Krakauer, supported by his connections in the mountaineering world and his proximity to Mortenson, offers striking evidence rebuking Mortenson's creation myth and claims.

Since many of you have Mortenson's books on your shelves, I suggest you buy Krakauer's version of "Three Cups," read it, enjoy it, and place it next to Mortenson's books. At some point I'm sure it will be a conversation piece, too.

Looking forward to Krakauer's next book, whenever that may be.

In the years since it was published, I have read "Three Cups of Tea" in bits and pieces, but have always had to put it down after a certain point because of the book's overwhelming theme of self congratulation and, frankly, the absurdity of the tales it contains. The account given here of Mortenson's increasing lack of accountability regarding CAI is a factual one, however painful it may be for Mortenson's devotees to admit. Rather than directing anger at Krakauer, demand answers from Mortenson regarding these charges. Thus far, Mortenson has provided no factual info or documents to rebut this expose.

Krakauer provides an in-depth analysis of a shyster (Mortenson). I found this book both intriguing and disturbing; disturbing because a disingenuous scumbag has gotten away with defrauding people who want to help those in need.

I noticed this title in my list of books recommended by the store. I probably would have ignored it if I didnt have a lot of respect for Jon Krakauer.
It exposes Greg Mortenson, the founded of the Central Asia Institute and the author of "Three Cups of Tea" and "Turning Stones into Schools" as at best a well-intentioned do-gooder who thought that the end justifies the means, and lost his way in the process, or at worst a swindler and liar.

I had truly enjoyed both of Mortensons book (previously reviewed) so I was dissappointed to read this damning account of his flaws and failures, which extended well beyond poor timekeeping, alluded to in his first book.

A well researched, thought provoking short read.

Jon Krakauer is a great author and writes wonderful books. However, the main reason I purchased this book is that I had been "swept away" with the book Three Cups of Tea thinking how wonderful and courageous Greg Mortenson was to promote educating girls in Pakistan only to discover that it was not factual and very "self promoting". Mr. Krakauer does an excellent job discribing the events.

Krakauer does a good job unraveling much of Greg Mortenson's mistruths in this short read. This is *definitely* a must-read for anyone who has read Three Cups of Tea (or Stones into Schools--though I haven't read that one). There is much good being done by Mortenson, but it is valuable to know the bad as well, regardless of whether it hurts emotionally. Krakauer is a very thorough journalist and does not take his subject matter lightly. He cites sources and is a matter-of-fact.

One wishes this book didn't need to be written, but since it did, good thing it was done by Jon Krakauer.

Well, this saved me from shelling out the money to read Three Cups of Tea.

Stones Into Schools was required reading for a college English class I took not too long ago. That was my first - only, really - run in with Greg Mortenson. The book was okay. His accomplishments, as told in the book, impressive. This guy is building schools in the sticks of the sticks of Central Asia! He's super into educating girls! Cool.

Today I ran across this Kindle Single in a fit of boredom and decided, eh, why not? it's three bucks. And oh man, what a depressing read.

I make a point to read both the higher rated reviews and the one star reviews of the books I read or I'm thinking about reading. It certainly seems like Krakauer has an axe to grind - and who can blame him? - but at the same time, I don't understand the ends-justifies-the-means sort of argument some of these lower views are presenting. So what? Never mind embezzling ridiculous sums of money, he's still managed to produce so much good! I don't understand how that argument can fly. I don't understand how a so-called humanitarian hero can in good conscience carry on the way as presented in Krakauer's expose. I just don't get it. Stuff like this makes me lose hope in humanity.

Three Cups of Deceit was a brilliant piece of journalism. I highly recommend it - Krakauer is analytical and thorough and everything is well-presented. It probably will burst your bubble.

This book provides valuable information about a popular charity and how it lost faith with the people it was supposed to serve, as well as with the people who generously provided the funding for its stated mission. Krakauer handles the details in his usual deft way and reasons the reader through the details of the deceit. His book reminds us to be generous AND smart.