Usually a library fan, however...

I need to vent and this seems like the appropriate place, as I'm sure you fellow book lovers will relate.

Normally, I love the library - I go for fun and enjoy finding new treasures. I also love to put things on hold or grab the latest recommendation from a friend on Good Reads.

For the past few years, I've lived in areas with wonderful libraries. It has never been a problem to get a book. I am now living in a town in eastern Idaho where I assumed the library system would be just as convenient and book-lover friendly. Not at all.

For a town with the slogan "America's Family Community" their library system needs some serious work. Here has been my experience - I want to read a book. I try to check it out - never can get it the day of as it is always checked out. So I put it on hold. Already three holds. WHY? Because the entire Library district only owns one copy of every book.

Don't get me wrong - I am lucky to live in a place with a library. It just amazes me that for classics and popular books you have to wait two-three months to read it. And with the library fines around here, you think they could do better.

Anyway, that is my vent. That is also my reason for taking forever to read book club books. I am just now reading Christy - only two months later.

FINALLY - Three Cups of Tea discussion

Please share your answers in the comment section. And please respond to others answers.

Questions
1. Please share what you learned from Greg Mortenson's experience.

2. What did you think of how the story was told? And what was your favorite part?

3. How has the sacrifice of Korphe and other villages made you reflect on your own education?

My Answers:
1. I'll be honest - I"m STILL not done, but a little past halfway. Although, you only have to read the first couple chapters before you are awed by Greg Mortenson. So far, it has made me think more about how I can help those around me. Also, I think Greg is a great example of learning others culture and not imposing your culture and belief system. It also amazes me how passionate he became about building the schools. Would I be willing to live out of my car in Berkley? I'm not so sure...

2. The story telling was a little slow, but I think that is because the author wanted his readers to understand the beauty of the region, their pace of life, and all the trials Mortenson endured. That being said, the pace is a struggle for me to get through, but I love reading about a part of the world I know little about. I've never thought much about K2, but the authors use of Mortenson and others experiences to paint a visual picture makes me want to go there! Crazy, I know!

And my favorite part (so far) is when Haj Ali gives up 12 rams (or half of Korphe's income) to the bully Haj in order to keep the school. He was so wise! It really shows that it isn't your formal education that makes a person wise, rather how they respond to life's challenges.

3. I totally take my education for granted! All my life I have, and I probably still do. Yet now I'm more grateful for our public school system, my teachers and the effort of my parents to make sure my siblings and I attended college.

What do you have to say?? I promise I'll read and comment back.

Three cups of Tea discussion

Honestly.... I'm not done yet!

So if you don't mind, I'd like to postpone our discussion until May 14. And then if there is anyone else who is a little behind, we can all have more time.

In the mean time, let's also start on our May book. I'm so excited to read it! Once again, not in my library so I have to do some hunting, but it sounds good enough to motivate me.

Where are you in "Three Cups of Tea?" I'm about 1oo pages into it. The main guy just returned to the USA to raise money for the bridge.