Two Books That Cross Borders

I highly recommend two books that take their readers across borders and into areas of the world where conflict is rampant and perhaps the last hope will be intervention by others who care enough to become involved.

Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace - One School At A Time, Greg Mortenson and David Relin, Penguin Reprint, 2007 (ISBN 0143038257)

In 1993 Greg Mortenson failed in an attempt to summit K2, the 2nd highest mountain in the world. He became dangerously ill and would have probably died had it not been for the efforts of a small village in Pakistan that gave him food, shelter, and help in recovering. Mortenson vowed to return and help the village build a school. Fifty-plus schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan later, he is still helping the people of this area.

This book will inspire you. It's a book about adventure, politics, education, and charity...but also about how one person can make a difference.

Check out www.threecupsoftea.com

Not On Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond, Don Cheadle and John Prendergast, Hyperion, 2007 (ISBN 1401303358)

At last a book that doesn't merely draw a horrific picture and then leave you depressed and wondering, "what the hell can I do about it?" A plan of action, practical suggestions that anyone can choose from and become involved in are offered. If there is any hope left for our brothers in Darfur (and elsewhere) we must all take the first step of becoming accurately aware. Through informed awareness and raised consciousness, books like this will hopefully encourage us to do what we can to help.

see http://notonourwatchproject.org/

As both books are meant to do - they help us understand the one thing we cannot do is choose to do is nothing.