This book picks up where Three Cups of Tea left off in 2003, recounting Mortenson's ongoing efforts to establish schools for girls in Afghanistan, including his work after a massive earthquake in 2005 and the unique relationships he has built with locals even while dodging shootouts between warlords and surviving abduction by the Taliban. For the first time, he shares his broader vision to promote peace through education and literacy, as well as touching on military matters, Islam, and women, all woven together with rich personal stories of the people involved in this remarkable humanitarian effort.

Greg Mortenson is the recipient of Pakistan's highest civil award, The Star of Pakistan, for his sixteen years of work to promote education and peace. The cofounder of the Central Asia Institute and Pennies for Peace, he lives in Montana with his family.