Three Cups of Tea Questions

  1. Would you believe Mortenson's story if facts to the contrary hadn't been published in Three Cups of Deceit and on 60 Minutes? Why or why not? What makes Mortenson believable, or what makes you question the actions in the book?
  2. Do you believe the scandal hurts the charity itself? Will it have an effect on the mission of the Central Asia Institute? Will this impact the schools that have already been built and are functioning?
  3. If Mortenson embellished parts of his story, does that change his message? Does it make you less likely to believe other parts of his story?
  4. Does Relin's colorful narration draw you into the story or make it more difficult for you to believe it?
  5. Do you think Mortenson's mission can help promote peace and end terrorism? Why or why not?
  6. Why does Relin include a quote at the beginning of each chapter? What do they add to the chapter? Why does he title the chapters the way he does?
  7. The book ends on a cliffhanger, as much as a book of this kind can. Are you compelled to read the sequel, Stones into Schools?
  8. With so many questions about whether this book is true or not true, does it matter? Does all non-fiction need to be completely factual? What is the truth anyway?