A new book – Peace Corps Worldwide

Biography of a Mountain: The Making and Meaning of Mount Rushmore by Matthew Davis (Mongolia 2000-02)

Mar 26 2025

Biography of a Mountain: The Making and Meaning of Mount Rushmore Imprint publisher: St. Martin’s Press November 2025 / ISBN 9781250285102 Available for preorder on Macmillan Publishers A comprehensive narrative history of Mt. Rushmore, written in light of recent political controversies, and a timely retrospective for the monument’s 100th anniversary in 2025 “Well, most people want to come to a national park and leave with that warm, fuzzy feeling with an ice cream cone. Rushmore can’t do that if you do it the right way. If you do it the right way people are going to be leaving pissed.” Gerard Baker, the first Native American superintendent of Mt. Rushmore, shared those words with author Matthew Davis. From the tragic history of Wounded Knee and the horrors of Indian Boarding Schools, to the Land Back movement of today, Davis traces the Native American story of Mt. Rushmore alongside the narrative of the . . .

The Peace Corps In Tanzania, by Lawrence E. Y. Mbogoni (Tanzania HCN)

Mar 24 2025

Editor’s note: The Peace Corps In Tanzania, by Lawrence E. Y. Mbogoni, is quite possibly the first Peace Corps history book written by a “host country national.” With thanks to Peter Reid (Tanzania 1964-66) for bringing it to the attention of Peace Corps Worldwide, we welcome your help in identifying other books published by our Peace Corps host country partners. Published: January 2025 Publisher: Kent State University Press 244 pages, 6 x 9 Paperback $39.95 ISBN 978-1-60635-488-9 Description In 1961, the first group of Peace Corps volunteers in Tanzania—surveyors, engineers, and geologists—arrived in Dar es Salaam with three core objectives: meet the newly independent country’s needs for trained personnel, promote a better understanding of Americans, and promote a better understanding of the people served by the volunteers. The Peace Corps in Tanzania traces the program’s progress, successes, and challenges, including analysis of the tensions that led to the program’s closure in 1969. The program . . .

Paths of Grass and Stone, by Robert Kowalczyk (Korea 1969-71)and Lou Spaventa (Korea 1969-71)

Mar 17 2025

Published by Pacific Century Institute (2024) ISBN: 978-2-6696-2366-0 Available for free on the Friends of Korea website ($10 single hardcopy shipping ) A note from Lou Spaventa ~~ Paths of Grass and Stone: Journeys Through the Korean Countryside of the 1970s has been published and is available from Friends of Korea (friendsofkorea.net). Bob Kowalczyk and I considered this project a way of giving back to Korea and to the volunteers who served there. Thus, we did not intend to earn royalties from selling the book. Instead we hoped and hope now that in exchange for a copy of the book, you will make a donation to Friends of Korea or any other worthy Korea-related organization. If you do receive the book, we hope you like it and that it will bring back memories of rural Korea. Order your copy here….the book is free, we ask that you pay for shipping and handling. . . .

Where The Axe Is Buried, by Ray Nayler (Turkmenistan 2003-05)

Mar 13 2025

Today we feature a new book by Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Ray Nayler (Turkmenistan 2003-05). This futuristic sci-fi novel will be published in April, and is available for preorder on Amazon. Where The Axe Is Buried by Ray Nayler MCD, April 1, 2025 (Amazon) ISBN: 9780374615369 About the book: In the authoritarian Federation, there is a plot to assassinate and replace the President, a man who has downloaded his mind to a succession of new bodies to maintain his grip on power. Meanwhile, on the fringes of a Western Europe that has renounced human governance in favor of ostensibly more efficient, objective, and peaceful AI Prime Ministers, an experimental artificial mind is malfunctioning, threatening to set off a chain of events that may spell the end of the Western world. As the Federation and the West both start to crumble, Lilia, the brilliant scientist whose invention may be central to bringing down . . .

Close to Home: The Wonders of Nature Just Outside Your Door by Thor Hanson (Uganda 1993-95)

Mar 11 2025

Today we feature a new book by a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Thor Hanson (Uganda, 1993-1995). This nonfiction ecology book will be published in March, and is available for preorder on Amazon. Close to Home: The Wonders of Nature Just Outside Your Door by Thor Hanson Basic Books, March 11, 2025 (Amazon) ISBN-10: ‎ 1541601246 // ISBN-13 ‏: ‎ 978-1541601246 About the book: We know nature is good for us: studies show that spending time outdoors can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and accelerate healing. And yet, in our fast-paced, technology-centered world, we often forget to slow down and pay attention to the natural one around us. We consider the common species in our neighborhoods to be mundane, blinding us to the wonders and mysteries waiting to be uncovered: Potter wasps building turrets out of mud and rocks to serve as nests for their young, thrushes singing in minor chords, and . . .

Before Before — A Story of Discovery and Loss in Sierra Leone, By Betsy Small (Sierra Leone 1984-87)

Mar 08 2025

Imprint: University of Michigan Press Open Access : 9780472904907, March 2025 Paperback : 9780472057290, March 2025 Hardcover : 9780472077298, March 2025 Available at University of Michigan Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other bookstores. A Place to Be Young In 1984, I left home for Sierra Leone, a place I could not find on a map. The Peace Corps sent me to improve rice yields in swamps. I had never even seen a rice plant, yet they assigned me to labors that traditionally belonged to men. There, in an old agricultural world that separated me geographically and historically from the America I knew, I first encountered our two countries’ interwoven stories of rice and diamonds. For two years, I worked as an agricultural extension agent in Tokpombu, a remote rainforest village, home to forty rice-farming families, both Christians and Muslims, living peaceably along a barely passable dirt road. This narrow . . .

Savanna Spots: Colorful Creatures of Africa, by Benjamin Morse (Ethiopia 2011-13)

Mar 06 2025

Publisher‏ : ‎ Independently published (January 28, 2025) Paperback : ‎ 32 pages ISBN-13 : ‎ 979-8339263340 Reading age : ‎ 2 – 10 years Savanna Spots: Colorful Animals of Africa: Created for Children Ages 2-10: Discover 18 Amazing African Animals with Fascinating Facts, Over 25 Captivating Photos, and Engaging Animations Savanna Spots: Colorful Creatures of Africa is a captivating children’s book inspired by an unforgettable safari in Tanzania, perfect for introducing young readers to the beauty and diversity of African wildlife. This vibrant adventure features Buddy the Bee, a charming guide who leads children on an exploration of the savanna. Inside the book, young readers will encounter 18 different fascinating animals. Among them are majestic African elephants, known for their intelligence and social bonds, and regal lions, often called the kings of the savanna. Towering giraffes showcase nature’s elegance with their long necks and gentle demeanor, while resilient . . .

New Book: Plants of the Ethiopian Landscape, by Andrew Tadross (Ethiopia 2011-13) and Hiwot Tefera

Feb 19 2025

Today we feature a new book by a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Andrew Tadross (Ethiopia, 2011-13) and Hiwot Tefera. This plant science and gardening book is available now on Amazon. Plants of the Ethiopian Landscape by Andrew Tadross, Hiwot Tefera Independently published, Jan. 25, 2025 (Amazon) ISBN: ‎ 979-8877782006 About the book: Discover the botanical abundance of Ethiopia with Plants of the Ethiopian Landscape, a comprehensive guide to its flora, providing commentary and descriptions of over 400 plants; including native species, exotics, ornamentals, crops, fruits, herbs, palms, bamboos, and wildflowers. From the Afromontane highlands of the Simien Mountains to the verdant lowlands of Gambela and from rural homesteads to lakeside resorts, this book will connect you with plants and the people whose lives are shaped by their natural environment. Ideal for the casual horticulture enthusiast or a seasoned botanist, this book is your companion to understanding and appreciating Ethiopia’s botanical treasures. . . .

Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions by Bruce Edwards (Colombia 1968-72) and Ron Larson.

Jan 31 2025

Editors note: From time to time we learn of books authored by Peace Corps writers that have not been announced on Peace Corps Worldwide at the time of publication. Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions is a recent academic book by Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Bruce Edwards (Colombia 1968-72) and Ron Larson. Publisher:‏ ‎ Cengage Learning, January 2, 2023 English; 1312 pages ISBN-10: ‎ 035775932X / ISBN-13: ‎ 9780357759325 Available on Amazon: $183 (hardcover) Book Description Discover the clear explanations and digital support you need to truly understand calculus with CALCULUS: EARLY TRANSCENDENTAL FUNCTIONS, 8th Edition by award-winning authors Larson and Edwards. This edition effectively introduces and demonstrates the concepts and rules behind calculus using a thoroughly updated learning experience specifically designed to remove any typical barriers to learning. New “Big Ideas of Calculus” notes present the overarching ideas behind chapter topics, while new automatically graded Proof Problems, annotated examples and “Concept . . .

New Book: Killer Story: The Truth Behind True Crime Television, by Claire St. Amant (Ukraine 2008-09)

Jan 28 2025

Claire contacted us when she saw our post on The Authors Show and she’s signed up to learn more about the interview and book review opportunities. Her debut memoir comes out February 18, 2025. You can follow a journalist and TV producer from 48 Hours and 60 Minutes as she carves out a career in the ruthless, knives-out world of true crime television . . . one killer story at a time. Serial killers. Homicidal spouses. Sociopathic criminals. Claire St. Amant has met them all. She spent nearly a decade in network television chasing the biggest true crime stories in the country, including the murder of Chris Kyle, plastic-surgeon-turned-murder-for-hire suspect Thomas Michael Dixon, the Parkland high school mass shooting, the disappearance of Christina Morris, and serial killer Samuel Little. In Killer Story, readers will learn what it really takes to get these gripping cases on the air with insights such . . .

New Book: The Vanishing Point, by Paul Theroux (Malawi 1963-65)

Jan 27 2025

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mariner Books (January 28, 2025) Language ‏ : ‎ English Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 035872225X ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0358722250 Available on Harper Collins Publishers for $14.99 (digital); $24.00 (hardcover) Available on Amazon for $14.99 (Kindle); $24.00 (Hardback) The stories in Paul Theroux’s fascinating new collection are both exotic and domestic, their settings ranging from Hawaii to Africa and New England. Each focuses on life’s vanishing points—a moment when seemingly all lines running through one’s life converge, and one can see no farther, yet must deal with the implications. With the insight, subtlety, and empathy that has long characterized his work, Theroux has written deeply moving stories about memory, longing, and the passing of time, reclaiming his status, once again, as a master of the form. About the author Paul Theroux was born and educated in the United States. After . . .

No Flight Plan, by Paul Burnore (Thailand 1971-73)

Jan 22 2025

No Flight Plan Author: Paul Burnore ISBN: 9798892283946 Format: Paperback (450 pages) Publication Date: January 15, 2025 Available on Barnes & Noble ($19.89 paperback; $3.99 digital) Available on Amazon ($19.89 paperback; $3.99 digital) Overview The life story of a midwestern boy who adopted “what if I …” and “what’s the worst that could happen…” as his life plan. This led to discoveries and journeys in the wider world, to international adventures, leadership challenges, and poetry. About the author Paul Burnore grew up in South Bend, Indiana, and earned degrees in English Literature from Indiana University. He became a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand where he taught at Songkhla University. He later taught poetry and literature at Indiana University, Jundi Shapur University in Iran, and Anatolia College in Greece. He joined IBM in 1978 and worked in several management jobs until 1992 when he rejoined the Peace Corps as the first . . .

Endless Horizons: A Global Backpacker’s Quest for Adventure, Connection, and Discovery

Jan 15 2025

New book by Peace Corps writer Paul W. Neville (Tonga 2000-02) Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (January 1, 2025) Language ‏ : ‎ English Paperback ‏ : ‎ 316 pages ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8393074708 Buy it now on Amazon.com It’s a pursuit of adventure, connection, and self-discovery. Each backpacker embarks on a unique quest, whether it be for adrenaline-pumping thrills, exotic cuisines, the perfect beach, or the elusive pursuit of love. For many, the journey is about better understanding the world and their place within it. From sweltering jungle temples to stunning Nordic fjords, Endless Horizons chronicles the evolution of a wide-eyed novice traveler into a seasoned adventurer. Following a transformative Peace Corps assignment in Tonga, the author embarks on an epic yearlong backpacking odyssey around the globe. Through Southeast Asia, Europe, and South America, Endless Horizons describes vibrant cultures, unforgettable encounters, comical mishaps, useful travel tips, . . .

New Book: Pursuing the Leviathan, by Paul Magid (Malawi 1969-71)

Jan 13 2025

Format: Hardcover Pages: 296 pages Illustrations: 3 Maps, 19 B/W Photos Published: June 17, 2025 ISBN-10: 1682473783 ISBN-13: 9781682473788 United States Naval Institute Press Overview Set in the golden age of whaling in the nineteenth century, this book brings to life the adventures of Benjamin Clough, best known for single-handedly rescuing the ship Sharon from mutineers in 1842. Clough’s heroism earned him a whaling command, which led to a whaling career that over the ensuing twenty-five years took him into the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans. The extraordinary event that merited Clough his promotion to captain occurred when he was just twenty-three years old. At sea since the age of sixteen, by 1842 Clough’s impressive skills and seamanship had earned him an appointment as third mate aboard the whaling ship Sharon. While most of the crew were in smaller boats pursuing whales, three Pacific Island crewmembers, enraged by their captain’s . . .

Fiddler on the Roof of Africa by Derek Lowstuter (Ethiopia)

Jan 08 2025

Fiddler On The Roof Of Africa by Derek Lowstuter (Ethiopia 2010-12) Spring Cedars Publisher December 2024 277 pages $24.99 (Hardback) Available on Amazon Do you enjoy learning about far away lands and cultures? Do you have recurring dreams of pooping your pants in front of a foreign president? Have you ever begged neighbors for water to survive? Derek Lowstuter captures these realities of living and working abroad as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ethiopia. Fiddler on the Roof of Africa is a mix of academic study and personal observations—equal parts literature review, introspection, scholarly analysis, confabulation, with a pinch of classic ethnocentrism. Peace Corps service is exceptionally context specific, every Volunteer and every host community is unique. The reactions that take place between the two can be unpredictable and chaotic. The goal of this book is to address international development issues such as food aid, environmental conservation, cultural traditionalism, . . .