A reason I give this book two stars is because the prose is very slow at times. The book's content is pretty interesting, and the topic is timely and significant. This is the story of a man who carries out his promise to build a school for children in a small mountain village in Pakistan. One of the things I found particularly moving is the fact that he got threats and negative mail from Americans of all people. If nothing else, Mortenson's philosophy of promoting peace through education may well be the best possible way to fight terrorism in our time. It really is in our interest to promote education and peace. Why anyone would oppose this is something that will always puzzle me. The book reads a bit like an adventure tale and a bit like a travelogue. I think most people will enjoy it overall. And I think more people should be reading it because the book does provide an excellent look and overview at the regions of Central Asia, a place that very few people understand or appreciate. So, I do recommend it, just keep in mind it may be a bit slow to read at times.

(On an update note, after the various allegations about Mortenson and him taking money from his foundation, or at least misusing funds, came out, I am seriously disappointed to say the least. I guess my perception of him has changed, so I would have reservations over recommending this book to anyone).