The Monk of Mokha

This is not just a story about getting some coffee beans from Yemen to Frisco. This is a story about how a man can fight against all odds to conquer the goal he has set for himself. I am absolutely sold by Mokhtar's Journey and what he has achieved in his life. A must read for anyone who is going through rough patches in life.

The seller has charged Rupees 888 though it’s price is Rs. 699 Yet 4 stars because the book is original print.

What a great story! I picked up this book, thinking it was similar to assignment Rosti book I just finished reading, which was more of a fable. I would still light it to learn that this was a true story. Having spent time in the Middle East, I know something of its gloried past. I loved learning more about Yemen. I had no idea the Yemini were the first to brew coffee. I’m so glad that there is someone making it worthwhile for the farmers to grow coffee again rather than qat. This is the type of tale that helps you understand why America is a land of immigrants. Yes, they came for a better life, but they also came, hoping to make life better for those they left behind. Moktar truly is able to do that Despite the fact that he seems worthless, once he found his dream, his passion, there was no stopping him from succeeding. I can’t wait to discuss the story with my book group. I’m eager to hear their insights into the tale.

Mokhtar's story is extraordinary and the author's talent transformed it into a page-turner book. I learned so much about Yemen and the coffee trade and production. I loved it all along.

Well-written and interesting facts about coffee and Jemen, and a fascinating story of a capable young man who even pursues his idea when civil war interrupts his entrepreneurial activities. A great book for coffee lovers and those who love travelling.

This is an extraordinary true story that is more compelling and incredible than most fiction. I really thought it was a novel - and if it was, it would be an excellent one. Eggers' writing is so good and entertaining that the reading experience is much closer to a novel, although some parts are more fact-heavy than others. The subject of the book is Mokhtar, a young American who finds his calling in reviving the fortunes of Yemeni coffee. Unfortunately he chooses a time of great politic unrest to start his project, and finds himself caught up in the civil war. However despite his life being at risk, he remains determined to improve the lot of coffee farmers in the wartorn country and goes to unbelievable lengths to set up his export business. It would make a fantastic film - it's got all the excitement, and Hollywood would love the rags to riches story. Mokhtar is a wonderful character - both ordinary and extraordinary, and shows how an average person can achieve incredible things in the right circumstances. It's an inspiring story that shows sometimes real life can be better and stranger than fiction, and that happy endings can occur. Even in the midst of war and despair, hope and improvement are possible - and can be achieved by ordinary people. It's the most uplifting thing I've read in a long time, and I have nothing but admiration for the young man who set out to do something worthwhile, and wouldn't let anything stand in his way. I'd highly recommend this book, which is as pleasurable a read as any novel due to its fiction-like excitement and good writing,, especially if you're feeling down.

Eggers is a fantastic writer and this is an exciting, fascinating story that made me want to finish it in one sitting. It also exposed me to worlds I knew nothing about (Coffee, Yemen, and its culture). Highly recommended!