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Books published by Peace Corps Writers
2018
Frontier Cabin Story: The Rediscovered History of a West Virginia Log Farmhouse
Joseph Goss (Afghanistan 1967–69)
Peace Corps Writers
December 28, 2018
208 pages
$14.95 (paperback)
Frontier Cabin Story is a rare architectural biography of a long-forgotten 18th-century log farmhouse in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. After months of painstaking detective work, the author discovers the holy grail of his search—the cabin’s first owner and its age. This book goes far beyond the author’s original goals by creating an enthralling story about an unknown frontier house and giving it context by weaving it into the region’s unique history from pre-colonial times to the present. Colorful characters from the familiesof the house’searliest owners populate the story and act on the stages of the French and Indian, Revolutionary, and Civil Wars. Frontier Cabin Story adds a new dimension to the investigation of little-known historichouses, not only in West Virginia but in other regions, too. The author’s vision is that this book will inspire others to prize age-old dwellings and listen to their voices by showing the wealth of material they too can discover about them.
Breaking Kola: An Inside View of African Customs
Catherine Onyemelukwe (Nigeria 1962–64)
Peace Corps Writers
November 26, 2018
251 pages
$14.62 (paperback); $9.99 (Kindle)
“In this slightly fictionlized intimate portrayal of family members and friends, I reveal the secrets that build the strong sense of community in an African village; these are the ties that still bind me today!“
More Than Birding: Observations from Antarctica, Madagascar, and Bhutan
Harriet Denison (Tanzania 1966–67)
Peace Corps Writers
November 12, 2018
318 pages
$15.00 (paperback); $7.99 (Kindle
A travel memoir of Denison’s adventures on three continents observing birds, animals, and unique breathtaking landscapes found no place else on earth.
Treason and Triumph
Martin R. Ganzglass (Somalia 1966–68)
Peace Corps Writers
June 29, 2018
360 pages
$14.95 (paperback)
This is the fifth in the series of historical novels written by Ganzglass that focus on the Revolutionary War whose meticulous research yields details not only of the conflict, but also of the lives of people who were directly or indirectly impacted by the war; the other novels are . . . Cannons for the Cause, Tories and Patriots, Blood Upon the Snow, and Spies and Deserters.
The Vodka Diaries: A Peace Corps Volunteer’s Adventures in Russia
Richard Sayette (Russain Far East 1994–95)
Peace Corps Writers
May 17, 2018
330 pages
$16.00 (paperback)
The Vodka Diaries is my account of living and working in the Russian Far East as a Peace Corps Volunteer during the tumultuous, post Glasnost years of 1994-1995. Russians watched in shock as the economy collapsed under the weight of hyperinflation and lawlessness eroded any sense of personal security. Capitalism was in its infancy, the Mafia had control of the local political and business environments and an “anything goes” attitude resembling the “Wild West” took hold. I was eager to jump in, but within a few days the reality of my situation set in as I witnessed car bombings, assassinations and shake downs.
Although it was a struggle to learn the language and customs, I developed meaningful relationships and eventually felt like I a part of my community. I worked with Russian entrepreneurs, reported to the Mayor of the town who also happened to be the head of a local Mafia group, taught a Junior Achievement class and developed an active social life. My initial idealism was a great motivator, but living in Russia was a hard punch to the gut as I shared the anguish, fear and anger that permeated the lives of my Russian friends.
Raw Dawgin’
by David Mather (Chile 1968–70)
Peace Corps Writers
March 16, 2018
380 pages
$14.95 (paperback)
Five years ago as an undercover State Trooper, Rusty McMillan fell in love with the peaceful backwater fishing village of Crescent Beach. When he retires, he moves there permanently. But, he soon learns that things have changed. The sports fishermen now outnumber the commercial fishermen two to one and they’re at each other’s throats. The sexy bar owner’s ex has gotten out of prison and has come looking for her. Scallop shucking determines a Festival Queen while a modern day Tortoise & Hare race captivates the town. A body is discovered and a Colombian drug cartel seeks vengeance. Add Rusty’s attraction to his best friend’s wife into the mix, and Rusty’s peaceful little town is anything but.
A sequel to David’s novel Crescent Beach, many of the same characters return and some whacky new ones appear. If you enjoyed Crescent Beach, you’ll love Raw Dawgin’.
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