by Sharlene Gee
People continue to discover Mountain View Reads Together, now in its third year. This No-vember, our city comes together as a community around one book and its themes through a variety of activities. The 2008 book is the very popular “Three Cups of Tea – one man’s mission to promote peace… one school at a time” by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. The book recounts the unlikely journey that begins with Mortenson’s failed attempt to climb Pakistan’s K2 (the world’s second highest mountain). Recuperating in a remote Afghan village, Mortenson finds his passion, helping villagers in isolated regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan to realize their own dreams of building schools for their girls. Planned November activities center around individuals following their dreams to make a difference at home and in the world, nonprofits, K2, and Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Our featured speaker will be awardwinning author and filmmaker Jennifer Jordan, one of the world’s leading experts on K2 and women mountaineers. She’ll share tales of amazing courage and achievement, in an arena where decisions can mean life or death. Jordan’s film, Women of K2, will be one of several films to be screened in November.
Family activities include a Pakistani cultural event and one where local heroes relate their stories of how they turned their dreams into reality.
After reading this book, many are inspired to do something … anything … about causes they care about. To help make it easy for you to learn what you can do here, there will be activities that showcase local nonprofits. Come find out how a little of your volunteer time can really make a difference. Or create a short film inspired by this book and be eligible to win $500 and a new Flip Ultra video camera.
Mark your calendars for No-vember, and check the website for the most up to date information: www.mvreads.org, info@mvreads.org, 9036337.