The Monk of Mokha

This was sold as a used book but I don't think it was ever opened. My thanks to the seller! As for content, I'm half way through and absolutely love it. I've learned more than I knew there was to learn about the coffee industry, as well as about the political situation in Yemen and nearby coffee producing countries. The writing really grabs me making it hard to put down. Some parts read like a thriller. Thanks to the author and man the book is about, both admirable!

There is a lot to like about The Monk of Mokha, Eggers’ book about a Yemeni American sharing his ancestors’ precious coffee with the world. The story is more than enough to prove to any Don Quixote out there that adventure still exists even in the 21st century. It’s also a pleasant introduction to the world of specialty coffee - a treat even for a non-drinker such as myself - and an ode to the benefits of direct / fair trade.We’re rooting for Mokhtar and his dreams as soon as we learn of the hustling young man, living (as all children of immigrants do) in between San Francisco and Yemen. Herein lies my particular gripe with the book though: Eggers does an excellent job painting a nuanced portrait of Mokhtar and his world in the first chapters - with depth, color and especially emotion. By contrast, the last third of the book, while thrilling given the (oftentimes life or death) situations our protagonist encounters, feels somewhat too fast paced / rushed for us to really savor it.Is it perhaps because Eggers could easily visit the landmarks that dot Mokhtar’s California life, but wasn’t able to do the same for his Yemeni life (for understandable security reasons)? That’s my best guess as to why this latter third isn’t as satisfying. Either way, I’m happy enough with the flavor of my first sips to recommend the whole cup.

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 thatDespite 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.

Inspiring account of the improbable rise of Port of Mokha coffee from the dreams of a young Yemeni man who knew nothing about coffee into an extraordinary success story. A tale that not only kept me on the edge of my seat but also taught me a great deal about the coffee industry. Very enjoyable, I was sorry to finish it!

In 'The Monk of Mokha', Dave Eggers takes us on a modern-day swashbuckling adventure that starts almost uneventfully, in one of the roughest neighborhoods of San Francisco, before taking us to Yemen and the chaos that ensues therein. Our hero, aspiring coffee entrepreneur Mokhtar Alkhanshali, is a real-life Indiana Jones, always taking on his next task with gusto and bravado but ultimately getting backed into a corner at every turn. Like Indy, he uses his wits and sheer willpower (and a lot of luck!) to overcome every obstacle put in front of him.There were parts of this book that I just laughed out loud at and had to pause to regain my composure, and other parts where I just couldn't put the book down, wanting to know what happened next. Throughout I learned a lot about coffee but what I loved most is that the entire motivation of Mokhtar's journey is quite selfless - he wants a better life for Yemeni farmers, and Yemen in general. Like Mokhtar, I am a product of mixed identities, caught between East and West, and I appreciated how he leveraged his advantages and privilege to help people - his people - in Yemen.I think one of the great lessons of 'The Monk of Mokha' is not to be afraid to dream big, and not to give up on your dreams when things aren't going your way. In Mokhtar's story, you'll find a protagonist who is charming, determined, but ultimately, (and I hope he forgives me for saying this!) a little crazy. Not bad crazy. Good crazy. The kind of crazy that can change people's lives for the better. I believe that the people - like Mokhtar - who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who eventually do.In 'The Monk of Mokha', you'll find several cups of crazy. And it will leave you wanting more.

hard to believe that this is a true story--but I learned a lot about the area and the production of coffee