Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson

I know, yet another book recommended to me a while ago that I didn't pick up, but once I did I loved it and am now telling everyone else that they need to read this book. (Why don't I listen to my friends).  This is also the only book I've read in completion that isn't a cookbook (more on that to come) since having my daughter in January. 
For those of you who haven't heard about this book yet (there is a sequel out, which tells you how behind I am), this is a true story.  It is the story of Greg Mortenson, a mountain climber who accidentally got into the business of building schools.  The schools he builds are in hard to reach places, particularly to educate girls.  I don't think I can adequately describe the journey that he takes.  It is absolutely fascinating reading.  There is also a junior version of the book, which a good friend of mine gave to some students of hers to read.  From reading that book, they decided to start fund-raising in their school for Pennies for Peace, assisting other children in the world to be able to attend school.  It's that kind of impact that this book has.  If nothing else, it helps us in the west open our eyes to the people of the Middle East, not the terrorist news stories we hear every day, but the every day stories of the people who live there.  It's a wonderful read, well worth it!