I was a bit skeptical when I picked up this book - it immediately made me think of Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea - but any concerns that I had were washed away as I lost myself in Grennan's tale of love, perseverance, heartbreak and self-discovery in Nepal.
When Conor Grennan decided to leave his job to travel around the world, he felt a little self-indulgent, so he made arrangements to volunteer at an orphanage in Nepal for a couple of months at the start of his trip. Plus, being a young single man, he figured the ladies would swoon over his obvious selflessness and sensitivity. He had no idea that his experiences in Nepal would be a life-changing event.
What Conor discovers during his brief stay in Nepal is that he cannot stay away. He returns a year later and becomes even more involved in the lives of the "orphans," who he discovers are not actually orphans. He discovers that they are the victims of a child trafficker and most, if not all, of their parents might still be alive. This leads him on an unlikely and unforgettable adventure into the Himalayas in search of the parents of the children.
What I like about this book is that it is so eminently readable. Grennan is a likable and self-effacing character, and his story is so inspirational. While there might be other more well-known stories of white-man-does-good-in-third-world-country, this one about reuniting families against near-impossible odds will stay with me. It truly demonstrates how one person, armed with a goal, good intentions and a heart can accomplish miracles.
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