The Monk of Mokha Paperback – January 8, 2019

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!

The first cup of coffee was made in Yemen in the 15th century. Coffee details I never knew, but the book is much more than just learning about coffee. It’s a true story intertwining the growing & selling of coffee and the turmoil of present day war in Yemen. Mokhtar, a young Yemeni American who overcoming obstacles in his youth and an entrepreneurial vision, now becomes embroiled in the fearful reality of war. It shines the light on the people of Yemen, the farmers, the hard workers and the horrors of what has and is going on in a country considered a hotbed of terrorism. Well written and informative. As is often the case with books like this, it takes me longer to read as I check out the details plus search for info and the current politics in Yemen as well as the increasing immigration hurdles for Mokhtar coming in & out of the USA. I now spend most of my life outside the US and found this book well worth reading!

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!

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.

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

As soon as I read about Mokhtar seeing the freighter carrying his precious Yemeni coffee beans under the Golden Gate Bridge, I ordered some to find out for myself how the taste compares. I am waiting for delivery! This book was an amazing education about what it takes to make/grow coffee - how to grow, to prune to bushes, to harvest, to sort, to roast, to prepare; about the farmers who grow the coffee, the loan sharks and many middlemen, the long supply chain before the beans reach the consumer. All that is interwoven with the story of Mokhtar Alkhanshali. raised in a poor immigrant Jemeni family in San Francisco. After several forays into a sales career as well as a disastrous loss of a laptop and several thousand dollars in cash, Mokhthar decides to become a coffee importer. Well, why not? Jemeni coffee is good, the best, traditional. Connections in Jemen should/could help. And off he goes with only a rudimentary understanding of complicated grading and tasting rituals. There are many stops and helpers and he finally finds dependable sources. willing to honor his promises . Then war breaks out and Mokhtar is stranded in Jemen. It is a desperate trip from Sana'a and Aden and back and then finally California. After reading the book, I am willing to pay extra for a cup!