Hasn't Krakauer been consistently erroneous in his books? How can anything he says be taken as fact?

Thank you Scott for being willing to stand up for Greg Mortenson and CAI, and for shedding light on some of the "controversies" that have been generated by the media. I whole heartedly believe that any misinformation in Greg's books or missteps taken by Greg and his organization are the result of naivete, lack of business knowledge and over enthusiam for his cause. Greg deserves better from all of us given all that he has done for others.

I cannot believe how this has been blown out of proportion. Thank you so much for taking the time to clarify some very key points.

Let's keep in mind the journalistic process that Krakauer went through while writing Into the Wild. His novel is pieced together from McCandless's short notes and pictures he took while traveling. Throughout the novel he makes it clear that he isn't sure what happened in CM's adventures, but he does make claims about CM's life that many readers take as fact. Isn't this the same process that Relin went through? Let's be fair and give Mort. the same benefit of the doubt that we gave Krakauer.

Once again we discover that Krakauer's "facts" are not factual. Every single book this guy has written has this problem, including "Into Thin Air," which went through many corrections, and "Into the Wild," which is largely Krakauer's fantasy of made-up detail. Why anyone claims Krakauer is a great "journalist" is beyond me.

Greg Mortenson could have mitigated the damage to his reputation if he would have sat down with 60 minutes and explained the inconsistencies in the book. But he didn't and he looks guilty. It takes away from all of the good work he has done.

I do not doubt that editorial license was taken with the book but let's focus on the reason why the spotlight is on Greg Mortenson - namely the misuse of non-profit funds. This is what prompted the digging and no one here is addressing this despicable point. As a supporter of numerous non profit organizations the thought that the leaders charged with fiscal oversight are not living up to the task is discouraging and disgusting. If allegations are true, Greg is no better than Bernie Madoff.

interesting how critical Krakauer was of others himalaya climbing methods in his book "into this air" even though I don't believe JK had any himalaya experience before his Everest trip.

Mr. Mortenson would have been far better served without this excuse-laden missive from Mr. Darsney."A lesson we could learn from", indeed!

Thank you for trying to get the story correctly to the press. Non profits are not easy to run and when all facts come out one will see he deserves every penny he has taken in compensation after years of nothing. Where is the outrage over the corporate CEOs billions. I have not lost my faith in Greg and his purpose. I hope he perseveres, comes back to health, and does not suffer more from what appears malicious innuendo. May his cause not suffer any set back as a result of this.

Thank you for trying to get the story correctly to the press. Non profits are not easy to run and when all facts come out one will see he deserves every penny he has taken in compensation after years of nothing. Where is the outrage over the corporate CEOs billions. I have not lost my faith in Greg and his purpose. I hope he perseveres, comes back to health, and does not suffer more from what appears malicious innuendo. May his cause not suffer any set back as a result of this.

Krakauer is better at garnering publicity through character assassinations than he is at writing. Move on.

Darsney can't have it both ways. Mortenson is a troubled person. He's offered disrespectful explanations (the Pashto language can't describe the past very accurately) to damning criticisms that his non-fiction book actually contains fiction. If you still refuse to see that he's assassinated the characters of his Pakistani hosts by making up the story that they kidnapped him, you're blind to the facts. http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2011/04/greg-mortenson-peter-hessler.html

Except in another report, Masood Ahmad of Concordia Expeditions, who is very familiar with the region, states that it would be "difficult, if not impossible" for Mortenson to stumble into Korphe. He would have crossed at least one, and up to 8, dangerous rivers to get there. Note that he would have done it twice in one day, since he was only in the village a few hours. Darsney didn't give a satisfactory answer when asked about this, saying he couldn't recall and would need to consult a map.

I don't understand the byline of this article. Why does it read "By Scott Darsney" and then go on to recount the story in the third person? As for the underlying controversy, I'm sure that GM has accomplished some positive things, but if half of what Krakauer alleges is true, he should probably go to prison. Scott, CAI and GM can use whatever euphemism they'd like, but GM stole money from the people who contributed to CAI. My employer doesn't use money from our customers to line my pockets!

In "Three Cups of Deceit" Jon Krakauer accuses Greg Morteson of writing a "work of fiction presented as fact." However, I've first-hand knowledge of JK's own deceit in his revised edition of "Where Men Win Glory." My post "Jon Krakauer's Credibility Problem"* (at feralfirefighter blog) describes his deceit in detail. JK is a hypocrite to "throw stones" at GM for his deceit. JK's own hands are not clean and without sin. *Ref. to JK's "Gen. McChrystal's Credibility Problem" article

In "Three Cups of Deceit" Jon Krakauer accuses Greg Morteson of writing a "work of fiction presented as fact." However, I've first-hand knowledge of JK's own deceit in his revised edition of "Where Men Win Glory." My post "Jon Krakauer's Credibility Problem"* (at feralfirefighter blog) describes his deceit in detail. JK is a hypocrite to "throw stones" at GM for his deceit. JK's own hands are not clean and without sin. *Ref. to JK's "Gen. McChrystal's Credibility Problem" article

from Rockandice.com http://rockandice.com/news/1428-krakauer-key-source-disagrees "According to Ahmad, regardless of where Mortenson might have gotten lost, to reach Korphe he would have had to cross at least one "extremely dangerous" river, and in one scenario would have had to cross up to "eight dangerous and difficult glacial/rivers/streams." Which was it? 8 days or 1/2 day? Doesn't add up either way. He couldn't get there from where it was and he was suppose be sick?

Now we discuss degrees of Mortenson's lies, but what about the money? So now with this we know he is some degree of liar because he wasn't lost for 8 days and it was only 1/2 day.

from Rockandice.com http://rockandice.com/news/1428-krakauer-key-source-disagrees "There is no way Mortenson could cross any of the rivers and go to Korphe," said Ahmad. "There is no bridge."

from Rockandice.com http://rockandice.com/news/1428-krakauer-key-source-disagrees "There is no way Mortenson could cross any of the rivers and go to Korphe," said Ahmad. "There is no bridge."

Jon Krakauer has proven that he cannot be believed. His perception of the truth is truly distorted and I would hope that other people would investigate any of his allegations. He has been allowed to hurt people before and needs to be stopped

Whatever the TRUE story is, it does not detract in the least from the good that Greg has done.

I am a big fan and supporter of Lance and what he did for global cancer awareness as well as cycling. People often ask me if I believe he is clean or when is he going to get caught. Yes, 'IF' he did any wrongdoing and gets caught, he will lose some of my respect, but it can't take away from what he's done. The case against Greg Mortenson is similar...I still greatly admire what he's done and will always respect him for that. If only all of us could be so 'perfect' as these two heroes!!!

In my opinion Mr Krakauer has made some of the same "mistakes" that he made when he tried to discredit Anatoli Boukreev, head climbing guide for the Mountain Madness expedition during the 1996 Everest Expedition. I will not attempt to quantify in numbers those who did not agree with Mr. Krakauer opinions in his book "Into Thin Air". Suffice it to say that there are a significant number who admire and respect what Anatiol did during the Expedition--And those include many respected climbers.

Again, this is the internet, who finally knows the reality. But Krakauer documents the financial "improprieties" in his references, Mortenson hems and haws about poetic license/inaccuracies, and Darnsey hems and haws with some "maybes...possiblies...." My take, Mortenson had/has good intentions, probably has some schools that aren't empty, but might have a personality defect leading to self aggrandizement and excessively diverting funds to publicity and self benefit. Whatever, no money from me.

Mr. Krakauer appears to be making the same mistakes that he made when he wrote "Into Thin Air" and attempted to discredit Anatoli Boukreev, head climbing guide for the Mouintain Madness Expeidition during 1996. I will not attempt to quantify the number of respected Mountaineers who disagreed with Mr Krakauer, however the number was and is significant. Perhaps Mr. Krakauer should adopt a more positive approach in his writings and spend less time on the negatives.

Mr. Krakauer appears to be making the same mistakes that he made when he wrote "Into Thin Air" and attempted to discredit Anatoli Boukreev, head climbing guide for the Mouintain Madness Expeidition during 1996. I will not attempt to quantify the number of respected Mountaineers who disagreed with Mr Krakauer, however the number was and is significant. Perhaps Mr. Krakauer should adopt a more positive approach in his writings and spend less time on the negatives.

I am glad you are taking the time to explain the serious charges leveled against a quiet, disorganized man with good intentions. Under a microscope, I am sure we would all be subject to harsh criticism. On the other hand, Mortenson is an adult who should be accountable to his donors and board members. Perhaps if the mountaineering community agree that his intentions are noble, they should work with him to fill in the financial reporting gaps. Krakauer and Mortenson should have a cup of tea.

I am curious as to who JK has hurt? Please explain, those who are detractors. I feel as though people are defending Mortenson so much because they have seen him as a hero. May I suggest that when we view people as heroes, we will defend them despite the tragic wrongs which may come to light about these folks. Perhaps people like GM should be viewed as helpers and good, so that when they fall, people do not throw blind support at them because of warm and fuzzy feelings one may have from a book

Scott Darsney's interview really doesn⿿t support Greg Mortenson's claims about where he was and when he was. If anything Darsney⿿s interview actually points out MORE inconsistencies. If anything they point out that Mortenson is a bigger liar than we though. Somehow the separation from Darsney and Mortenson only took1/2 day or 12 hours account for by Darsney; whereas Mortenson says they were separated for 8 days, 192 hours. That seems like a huge discrepancy to me.

Scott Darsney's interview really doesn⿿t support Greg Mortenson's claims about where he was and when he was. If anything Darsney⿿s interview actually points out MORE inconsistencies. If anything they point out that Mortenson is a bigger liar than we though. Somehow the separation from Darsney and Mortenson only took1/2 day or 12 hours account for by Darsney; whereas Mortenson says they were separated for 8 days, 192 hours. That seems like a huge discrepancy to me.

Scott Darsney's interview really doesn⿿t support Greg Mortenson's claims about where he was and when he was. If anything Darsney⿿s interview actually points out MORE inconsistencies. If anything they point out that Mortenson is a bigger liar than we though. Somehow the separation from Darsney and Mortenson only took1/2 day or 12 hours account for by Darsney; whereas Mortenson says they were separated for 8 days, 192 hours.

Scott Darsney's interview really doesn⿿t support Greg Mortenson's claims about where he was and when he was. If anything Darsney⿿s interview actually points out MORE inconsistencies. If anything they point out that Mortenson is a bigger liar than we though. Somehow the separation from Darsney and Mortenson only took1/2 day or 12 hours account for by Darsney; whereas Mortenson says they were separated for 8 days, 192 hours.

I agree with several comments above. Despite some of the differences in the actual facts put forth in "Three Cups of Tea", Greg has done a lot of improve the lot of girls in Pakistan and the surrounding countries. None of us are perfect and should not judge others. He is my hero and always will be. Sounds like a lot of misinformation on top of misinformation by those accusing Mortenson of wrongdoing. Our church has always supported his work and will continue to do so!

My friends and I donated to CAI and supported the work of Greg Mortenson until this last week. His obvious telling of 1/2 truths and lies is not showing how he can be a good Christian. Does it make it right about him lying about being held by the Taliban because they aren't Christians? It is said you will know a Tree by the Fruit it Bears. CAI spent $54,000 on teacher salaries and millions on Greg's book tour chartering private planes.and other thigns. He will never see another dime from us

Having been to K2 by hiking up the Braldu River I can tell you that to get "lost" between the Biafo Glacier and Askole one would have to knowingly (I hope) cross a river that at times is as rough as the Colorado River. I was skeptical the first time I read Three Cups of Tea. It was, however, a compelling story!

Jon Krakauer comes across as a tad bit vindictive and jealous of Mortenson's recent best-selling success overshadowing 'Into Thin Air'. He is a good writer and should direct his energy into constructive work rather than trying to debunk someone else. If Greg's story is not 100% accurate, I still think his heart is in the right place and lots of good has been done through the many years he has spent in the Karakoram.

My moral compass tells me that lying is wrong. Period. The ends never justify the means. Period. A religious perspective does not grant anyone a higher level believability and perhaps even lessens the ability to see the real world with open eyes. My guess would be that those hating on Krakauer are either Mormons still pissed off at being outed as a scarry cult or Christians pissed that he would dare take on one of theirs. GM passed off his book as NON-FICTION, anything less than 100% is...A LIE

From reading these posts, it seems people fall largely into two categories. Those that wanted a purely nonfiction 600 page story that would sell 10 copies about a businessman that oversaw underpaid staff to account for every penny & somehow had the passion & energy to succeed. And those that enjoyed a largely & engaging story w/ some literary license about the huge positive net impact that a passionate, driven, horrible time- & money-managing person had on the some of the worlds impoverished

From reading these posts, it seems people fall largely into two categories. Those that wanted a purely nonfiction 600 page story that would sell 10 copies about a businessman that oversaw underpaid staff to account for every penny & somehow had the passion & energy to succeed. And those that enjoyed a largely & engaging story w/ some literary license about the huge positive net impact that a passionate, driven, horrible time- & money-managing person had on the some of the worlds impoverished

Why did Mr. Mortenson feel the need to lie? How did it help his cause? Does the end justify the means? He said he was in a town being nursed back to health for eight days. He now admits that he exaggerated that part a bit. His friend, Darsney states that it is 'possible' he was in the town for a few hours. That's some exaggeration. And yet, somehow, for some people, John Krakauer is the bad guy? Don't shoot the messenger because you don't like the truth.

I read - and loved - Three Cups of Tea, and Stones into Schools is queued up in my reading list. I will still read it, but perhaps a bit more critically than I read 3 cups. Greg Mortenson may have seemed "too good to be true" in his books, but his use of literary license in his first attempt at writing a book - and with a co-author who probably did most of the writing to boot, since it was mostly in 3rd person - doesn't make him "not good". He does good works that deserve to be supported.

It's interesting to see the parallel agendas followed by Greg Lemond and Jon Krakauer as they attack highly visible, successful heroes. Both Lance Armstrong and Greg Mortenson have made significant positive contributions to humanity, in spite of what any of us claim to know about their methods. One has to wonder about the motives of Lemond and Krakauer, both of whom achieved impressive successes themselves, but failed to make the sacrifices necessary to positively serve humanity.

At the end of the day Greg Mortenson has done a lot of good work with CAI for many children in these mountains, even by Krakauer's assessment. Is it possible that Greg is a megalomaniac that seeks praise and attention? Probably. Is it possible that Greg has mismanaged funds? Probably. So what? You could say the same things of many US President(s) and the US Federal Government by a thousand fold. Mortenson is without a doubt a flawed human being.. that being said he has done extraordinary work.

Interestingly Scott doesn't give much of an argument in Greg's defense. Because he likes him, just isn't good enough. To say that other NGOs have mismanaged funds and so if Greg has then that is OK???? Who uses that kind of logic? Take a look at MSF, they are much larger and do infinitely more good than Greg ever will, if you need to see how it should be done. I predict Greg will hide behind his heart condition in hopes that this blows over. Doubt that it will. The truth doesn't go away

I met Greg and sat with him, and a group of other Montana librarians, for lunch at an MLA meeting when he was first starting CAI. Greg seemed anything but the megalomaniac that some of you are describing him as. Greg has done many remarkable things and had given up everythng he had for the organization. I have no real, recent, information about his lifestyle, but I do not believe that he is using CAI funds to live an amazingly rich one. That was certainly not his goal for CAI when I met him.

Yes. I will continue to support Greg and the CAI from Spain. I am a writer and have travelled extensively thru Nepal, India, Pakistan,... So I understand the literary licenses in his first book, writen by other person who certainly was tryng, with this autofiction work, make the book e bestseller. Probably Greg didn't forsee the impact.

http://outside-blog.away.com/blog/2011/04/greg-mortensons-trip-to-korphe-cant-get-there-from-here.html#comments Outside has also learned, however, that Mortenson doesn't appear in Kathmandu archivist Elizabeth Hawley's Himalayan Database. Outside's Eric Hansen profiled Hawley in April; by all accounts, Hawley's database is a thorough and exhaustive account of all Nepalese expeditions. Hawley, who is 87, meticulously contacts the leader of every permitted expedition. .

As a non-religious person who loves literature, I cannot help but think of the quote from another poster. "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." To equate all lies and/or inaccuracies is something akin to saying a drunken Winston Churchill is the same as Adolph Hitler. As adults it would behoove us to recognize the fallibility of each and everyone of us. If you don't want to contribute your money, that is your choice - but if you don't know the story, stop the assassination.

The question becomes; We could have made donations to other organizations, but we chose CAI because of Greg Mortenson's story. I am sure all would agree that perhaps the several hundred dollars we donated made very little of an individual difference, but combined if perhaps even 1/2 of the money we had donated to CAI had gone to Doctors Without Borders or another NGO perhaps that would have made a true difference in Pakistan and Afghanistan or even the US

Greg Mortensen made up a complete lie about being kidnapped by the Taliban in Pakistan's tribal areas. He insulted his host Pakistani guide and his family by actually using pictures of them as his 'captures'. This is a little bit like you needing a ride somewhere, imposing yourself on your neighbor, then accusing your neighbor of carjacking you when he gives you a lift. Watch the 60 minutes episode here: http://tinyurl.com/3w8rm6o

I've worked in the two- thirds world for 20 years. Many say I've adapted to the people, I speak their language well, live within in the culture. My work is often seen to be effective. Yet I can't keep a checkbook, cant understand the US tax forms, can't locate my receipts and 1099's, was practically fired from an NGO for not keeping time sheets. I think its very hard to live in two worlds seamlessly - most have to chose one world or the other - thank God some, like Greg, chose the other side.

I'm just reading "Three cups of Tea" and loving it so far. This whole issue with the book and CAI's financials seems like a bad reaction by a jelaous kid who didn't get that cool new bike for his birthday - sorry, that's just how it feels. I'm also involved with a (VERY small!) NGO, and I know how difficult it is for a non-business person to keep everything in hand and sight. But if only half of CAI/GM's work were true, he's done more than most. Respect.

It's obvious that the story about recovering in Korphe and promising to build a school is an invention. But that's not the main point. CAI has received about $30 million in the last three years. It's spent more on promotion and tours and private jets than it has on building or supporting schools. It just issued a list of 147 schools it claims to have built OR SUPPORTED. $30 M divided by 147 is $204K per school built or supported. They have done some good work at to high a cost.

The fact is Greg Mortenson has not personally milked CAI for his own benefit. He's not a materialist. Everything is for the cause. If there were inefficiencies just look at American aid to Pakistan. Some $20 billion with a HUGE proportion slipping through the cracks. Krakauer set out to lynch Greg out of envy and to sell his books by piggybacking on Greg's notoriety.

Why haven't the publisher or the actual author (David Oliver Relin) been questioned or made a statement about this? I have been told that when Greg looked over the rough drafts, he asked about some of the "inconsistencies" with the timeline, and was told it was OK because it still happened, and made the story "flow" better. Not having ever written a book before, I guess he decided they knew what they were doing. I have to wonder how Stan, 2nd comment above this, seems to know for a fact that it is "obvious" that the story of recovering in Korphe is an "invention". Perhaps if he was being held as legally accountable as Mortenson is experiencing, he might have rephrased his comments. SInce he can apparently say whatever he likes, even without any factual foundation, perhaps his innuendoes should be taken with a large pinch of salt.

I feel the same as Mariana above. The whole 60 Minute thing smelled like a rat from day one. None of us have seen any evidence with our own eyes. It's 'he said-she said' . The older I become (63yrs) the more astounding it is to me how easy it is to control the population through fiction packaged as NEWS, and we've been dumbed down and conditioned to loving negative sensationalized 'news' to the point that we crave it. Not too different from the Romans loving to watch the gladiators.

Jon Krakauer should (to quote my grandmother) sweep his own front porch before he goes and sweeps someone else's..... Read Into Thin Air and then talk to mountaineers...and while Into the Wild was an interesting read, it was Jon's made up version of events loosely wrapped with bits and pieces of truth. So what if Mortenson is a lousy bookeeper. ask yourself this question..would you do any better? Ever tried being that organized when you are a one man band? Sorry Jon, you are a sad and pathetic boy seeking attention by capping on others...first Anatoli and now Mortenson.

Jon Krakauer should (to quote my grandmother) sweep his own front porch before he goes and sweeps someone else's..... Read Into Thin Air and then talk to mountaineers...and while Into the Wild was an interesting read, it was Jon's made up version of events loosely wrapped with bits and pieces of truth. So what if Mortenson is a lousy bookeeper. ask yourself this question..would you do any better? Ever tried being that organized when you are a one man band? Sorry Jon, you are a sad and pathetic boy seeking attention by capping on others...first Anatoli and now Mortenson.

Really amazed at the attacks on Jon here given how crystal clear it is that there was at least some transgressions on the part of Greg. John's a writer, WTF do you expect? There was a story to write and he wrote it. It seems pretty obvious that Jon's piece had more truth to it than Greg's. Further, given how some of you are referencing Jon's past works to criticize him, it would seem as though you haven't even READ these works! Shame on you. Greg had great intentions and clearly did some good in this world, but he lost his way. Get over it.

When I was reviewing the map, routes, and bridges around Korpe and the Bradlu rivers. I wasn't obvious that there was a vine (rope bridge) that Greg could have used to cross into korpe. as many people have pointed out.. But then again when was the google map created? What is of far greater importance, is that there is a new bridge and a school in Korpe, that Greg was responsible for building. Not even krakauer has disputed this. What is more important the story or the work? You should not have to travel to villages in Norther Pakistan, as I have (Hunza, Karghan, 1992) to realize that the work is of far greater importance. But then again, the minimal amount of support that the western climbing community gives to the people in these regions, may show where there priorities and hearts really are. Also, it is ironic that when i did a spell check on this document, the spell checker offered muckraker as a spelling correction for my misspelling of Krakauers name.

The above anonymous posting on 9/26/11 was submitted by me Don Perrault

Jon Krakauer would have been well advised to meditate on the old proverb, When you point the accusing finger at someone else, you have three fingers pointing back at you. When Jon Krakauer corrects (or even acknowledges) the demonstrated falsehoods in several of his best-sellers, some mentioned above, (there's lying for personal gain for you), I'll consider his criticism of Mortensen worthy of investigation. As it is, the really interesting issue is, what is Krakauer's motive? Obviously it is not to help the poor in Pakistan and the rest of Central Asia (what is HE doing for them?). What drives people to engage in character assassination to no apparent good end? It speaks volumes, none of them positive.

I am NOT impressed by the "writing", the "books" of Jon Krakauer. Regarding his "investigation" of CAI and Greg M., from what year or years did he examine any financial records: how long has there been records avail. He states that some schools are empty. How many schools have been built: how many students have gone through those schools --- compared with, oh, let's say twenty or thirty years past. Should the Board of the CAI employ appropriate standards for now and future audits, perhaps past ones? I would suggest yes. Can the Board and Greg M., use what JK has written and find ways to improve? I would suggest yes. And, frankly, I enjoyed reading BOTH of Greg M.'s books. I am also impressed that schools were built in that region ---many of them, that boys and girls attended, and that Greg M. was there and worked with others. I am still trying to discover exactly what Jon Krakauer has done in that area to help those away from the large cities.

I do believe the GM's heart (hope it gets better) was/is in the right place. The children that benefited from his efforts should have a say in the matter. And yes, the coauthor should have some accountability. No doubt, GM did make a real difference in many lives and served as a good ambassador for our country. I loved the book, and wish him well.