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Three Cups of Deceit: How Greg Mortenson, Humanitarian Hero, Lost His Way Audiobook
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(3.01) - 3,003 listener ratings
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Greg Mortenson has built a global reputation as a selfless humanitarian and children’s crusader, and he’s been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. He is also not what he appears to be. As acclaimed author Jon Krakauer discovered, Mortenson has not only fabricated substantial parts of his bestselling books Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools, but has also misused millions of dollars donated by unsuspecting admirers like Krakauer himself. This is the tragic tale of good intentions gone very wrong. 100% of Jon Krakauer's proceeds from the sale of Three Cups of Deceit will be donated to the "Stop Girl Trafficking" project at the American Himalayan Foundation (www.himalayan-foundation.org/live/project/stopgirltrafficking). Photograph © Matthieu Paley/www.paleyphoto.com
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"I like Krakauer as an author, and he's written some excellent books including "Into Thin Air", "Under the Banner of Heaven", "Into the Wild", etc. So he's no disgruntled employee of Mortenson's charitable organization, but a respected individual in his field. It's apparent that Krakauer felt he was duped by the saintly self-enhancing story that Greg Mortenson spun in his book, "Three Cups of Tea". Krakauer donated considerable sums to Mortenson's charity, the Central Asia Institute, and did some work for the organization as well, only to later discover that money was being misappropriated and many elements of the story of "Three Cups of Tea" were either gross exaggerations or outright lies. That doesn't mean that everything in Mortenson's book or organization was fraudulent, and that there aren't some good things that come from Mortenson's work. But Krakauer does destroy the pedestal that Mortenson sat upon, documenting how the heroic exploits Mortenson painted in his original story never happened, and how Mortenson has abused the charitable donations he's received. I really enjoyed Mortenson's "Three Cups of Tea", but Krakauer reinforces the old adage, "if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is" (true good to be true). So unfortunately, the legend of Mortenson and his charitable work, building schools in Pakistan, has been proved to be, alas, largely untrue."
— Ray (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Krakauer forcefully claims that Mortenson improperly used his charity’s funds and failed to build all the schools he says he did.”
— Chicago Tribune -
“Packed with interviews and anecdotes that undercut Mortenson’s image as a cheerful do-gooder, Krakauer’s account of good intentions gone horribly wrong is a stunning example of investigative journalism.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Three Cups of Deceit Listener Reviews
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" I gave this five stars because it's a well-researched exposure by the reputable Jon Krakauer of the misdeeds of Greg Mortenson, founder of the Central Asia Institute and co-author of the two bestselling "nonfiction" novels "Three Cups of Tea" and "Stones into Schools." I hope the people and causes he has harmed can survive his failures as a leader and a person. "
— Natty, 2/20/2014 -
" Anyone who has ever read Three Cups of Tea or Stones to Schools or even knows anything about Greg Mortenson should read this book. Mr. Krakauer presents the facts and is fair about the situation. This isn't some sensationalized tabloid stuff and there is no motive for getting this information out other than educating the public and telling the truth. We need to investigate charities thoroughly and make sure that they are using the donations they receive in the way that they claim they are. There has to be some sort of accountability. Read this book and hopefully you will understand what all the buzz is about. Greg Mortenson should be ashamed of himself and should have to personally apologize to everyone that donated to CAI and to all of the people who believed in his message. Three Cups of Deceit gives the public the ammo necessary to go after Mortenson and rationally right this injustice. "
— Nikki, 2/17/2014 -
" Love me some brass tacks Krakauer. Like a Rottweiler gone all foamy at the mouth with this one - obvious that he was personally burned by Mortensen. But a fascinating read nonetheless. Not gonna be donating to CAI anytime soon despite it being a nice thought. "
— Nathalie, 2/5/2014 -
" Excellent bit of journalism again from Mr Krakauer, systematically exposing what a scumbag Greg Mortenson is. A well researched, well written article that has also saved me from wasting my time reading 'Three Cups Of Tea' and 'Stones To Schools'. "
— BMK, 1/30/2014 -
" Recently read this with my AP Language students after reading Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea. Glad Krakauer took the time and effort to research, write and publish this. Made for an interesting follow-up discussion in class. "
— Sasha, 1/25/2014 -
" Note to self - do not screw with Jon Krakauer. Absolutely devastating takedown of the author of Three Cups of Tea. But also an interesting insight into how any non-profit can lose it's way. "
— Scott, 1/14/2014 -
" This was interesting to read - I had no idea about the discrepancies between what Greg Mortenson says and what actually happened, or between what he writes and what he says. There was a slightly bitter edge to this, presumably because Jon Krakauer personally donated around $75,000 to Mortenson's organization, but it didn't detract from the writing. "
— Marjorie, 1/7/2014 -
" Sobering to read. "
— Jen, 1/3/2014 -
" I tried but did not finish Three Cups of Tea. I am so glad to see Krakauer expose this sham for what it is: complete abuse of the system. But this is the saddest of all shams because it will cause donors to second guess their giving to worthy, legitimate causes. "
— Sue, 12/24/2013 -
" Greg Mortenson should go to jail for misusing so much donor funding. What a wretched man. Kudos to Krakauer for exposing this egotistical thief. "
— Dennis, 11/30/2013 -
" I am glad to have read this short piece, as it illuminated the smoke and shadow non-profit of Greg Mortenson and showed how deceitful non profits can be. "
— Kate, 10/7/2013 -
" I'm glad I never read any of Mortenson's books. It's shocking what a con man he is. "
— Riki, 7/17/2013 -
" I couldn't get through Three Cups of Tea, and this book explains why. Some good stuff in this book. "
— Neha, 3/24/2013 -
" AMAZING. I love reading Jon Krakauer. His books are always so truth-filled and his research is very well documented. I read this in a day, and found it all very enlightening. I also HATED the book Three Cups of Tea, so that helped! "
— Michelle, 11/3/2012 -
" What I can find so far in the way of answers to questions raised in Krakauer's accusations are not strong enough to restore my faith in Greg Mortenson's story. I'm put off by what appears to be Mortenson's arrogance and self-absorption as contrasted to the image put forth of a selfless humanitarian. "
— Sandy, 7/31/2012 -
" I am a huge fan of Greg Mortenson and his work, so although it is seemingly well researched and provides adequate documentation, this book just made me sad. "
— Tamara, 9/28/2011 -
" So incredible. I wish everyone who bought three cups of tea was given this as well. Speaks volumes about the responsibility of nonprofits who accept donations and the importance of donors understanding how their money will be spent. "
— Jamie, 8/17/2011 -
" As always, Jon Krakauer is a wonderful author. This book is very enlightening and I am so glad I bought it before reading the other Mortenson book. I am just so sad that the feeling I had after reading Three Cups of Tea was not based on truth. "
— Sara, 7/16/2011 -
" Very well documented expose of a unethical charity. "
— Rosie, 6/3/2011 -
" I didn't want to read this one but I felt I needed to. I wish I didn't believe Krakauer but I do. "
— Marjorie, 5/24/2011 -
" Super fascinating, especially after having read (and totally believed) 3 cups of tea. Jon Krakauer is amazing. "
— Bethany, 5/23/2011 -
" Wow. Greg Mortenson is a giant asshole. "
— Jen, 5/20/2011 -
" A very important expose on the fraud that is Greg Mortensen and his since discovered phony books "Three Cups of Tea" and "Stones Into Schools", as only Jon Krakauer can. "
— Troy, 5/18/2011 -
" A shocking account of avarice, mendacity and narcissism. "
— Leo, 5/17/2011 -
" OMG SCATHING, and totally changed my thinking about Greg Mortenson. To the point where "Three Cups of Tea" has come right off my to-read shelf. Shameful, if true -- and Krakauer's not one to make unsubstantiated allegations. "
— Caroline, 5/16/2011 -
" Very well documented expose of a unethical charity. "
— Rosie, 5/15/2011 -
" Excellent bit of journalism again from Mr Krakauer, systematically exposing what a scumbag Greg Mortenson is. A well researched, well written article that has also saved me from wasting my time reading 'Three Cups Of Tea' and 'Stones To Schools'. "
— BMK, 5/14/2011
About Jon Krakauer
Jon Krakauer is the preeminent writer of narrative nonfiction. His numerous bestsellers include Under the Banner of Heaven, Into the Wild, and Into Thin Air. He is editor of the Modern Library Exploration series.
About Mark Bramhall
Mark Bramhall has won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration, more than thirty AudioFile Earphones Awards, and has repeatedly been named by AudioFile magazine and Publishers Weekly among their “Best Voices of the Year.” He is also an award-winning actor whose acting credits include off-Broadway, regional, and many Los Angeles venues as well as television, animation, and feature films. He has taught and directed at the American Academy of Dramatic Art.