A new book

1
New Book: Plants of the Ethiopian Landscape, by Andrew Tadross (Ethiopia 2011-13) and Hiwot Tefera
2
Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions by Bruce Edwards (Colombia 1968-72) and Ron Larson.
3
New Book: Killer Story: The Truth Behind True Crime Television, by Claire St. Amant (Ukraine 2008-09)
4
New Book: The Vanishing Point, by Paul Theroux (Malawi 1963-65)
5
No Flight Plan, by Paul Burnore (Thailand 1971-73)
6
Endless Horizons: A Global Backpacker’s Quest for Adventure, Connection, and Discovery
7
New Book: Pursuing the Leviathan, by Paul Magid (Malawi 1969-71)
8
Fiddler on the Roof of Africa by Derek Lowstuter (Ethiopia)
9
Tokyo-ing! by Eric Madeen e-book available for free this week on Amazon
10
Book Review: Falling Seven Times, by Mark Wentling (Honduras 1967-69 & Togo 1970-73)
11
A PEACE CORPS LAWYER IN PARADISE, by Donald T. Bliss (Micronesia 1966-68)
12
Ron Dube (Niger) Children’s book:The Small Dish
13
New Book: My African Anthology, by Robert Gribbin
14
New Book: HALF LIFE: A Collection of A.R.T., by Andrew R. Tadross
15
When Small Things Make Great Things Possible, by John Chromy (India 1963-65)

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

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. . . .

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

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 . . .

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

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 . . .

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

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 . . .

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

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 . . .

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

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, . . .

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

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 . . .

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

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, . . .

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Tokyo-ing! by Eric Madeen e-book available for free this week on Amazon

Bestselling author Eric Madeen has announced ‘Tokyo-ing! Three Novellas’ will be available at no charge in e-book format from January 6 through January 8, 2025 on Amazon. ‘Tokyo-ing!’ is an apt title for this trio of tales that chimes with anyone even slightly interested in Asia’s most dynamic metropolis and its glazing of layers – be they cultural or taking-wing exuberant. About Face — An American professor is trophy hunted by a wily student who then boasts of her conquest, sparking a full-blown scandal. Brought to heel in tradition, he fights for his dignity and what a down and dirty fight it is! Sobering Love — Told in first person female persona, a Japanese career woman is obligated to join after-work drinking sessions with her colleagues at behemoth ad agency Dentsu, leading to alcohol addiction and deteriorating health. There seems to be no way out, until she meets Frank, a . . .

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Book Review: Falling Seven Times, by Mark Wentling (Honduras 1967-69 & Togo 1970-73)

· Publisher ‏ : ‎ Archway Publishing (August 31, 2024) · Language ‏ : ‎ English · Paperback ‏ : ‎ 318 pages · ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1665763213 · ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1665763 219 · Available on Amazon.com : Falling Seven Times  I’ve read and reviewed several of the author’s books. We were both Peace Corps Volunteers in Central America and worked in West Africa, although Wentling went on to work and travel in 54 African countries over the years. My favorite book from his “African Trilogy” is “Africa’s Embrace,” which is fiction but reflects his experience working as a Peace Corps Volunteer in West Africa in the 1970s. This book begins in Ethiopia with a young woman’s struggle to be a migrant worker to support her family. It is a fictional story based on her experience with his Ethiopian wife. She became a naturalized citizen in 2019. . . .

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A PEACE CORPS LAWYER IN PARADISE, by Donald T. Bliss (Micronesia 1966-68)

A PEACE CORPS LAWYER IN PARADISE The Pacific Islands—Past, Present, and Future Donald Tiffany Bliss (Micronesia 1966-68) Self-Published, August 22, 2024; 275 pages Available on Amazon Paperback, Kindle, $14.99 ISBN 9798336456424   The book describes my Peace Corps experience as the first attorney to reside in Ponape (Pohnpei), Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and subsequent travels in the Pacific Islands. In the US-administered UN Trusteeship of the Pacific Islands, the author worked with Micronesians to establish a rule of law and learn democratic self-government, which led to the independence of the Federated States of Micronesia. The author illustrated how law evolves from local custom and tradition.

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Ron Dube (Niger) Children’s book:The Small Dish

The Small Dish by Ronald N. Dube (Niger 1964-66) Mindstir Media 20 pages Reading age: 4-12 years $17.18 (Hardcover); $2.99 (Kindle) Available on Amazon     A small farm near the major city was once a teacher’s retreat. However, it remained neglected until a Vietnam veteran bought it as a refuge. After a few years, the veteran decided to sell the farm, but before the new owners could move in, he had to remove his possessions. During target practice, a small dish was lost. Massachusetts teacher and former Nashua native Ron Dube (Niger 1964-66) shows his granddaughter Penelope, 4, a copy of his first children’s book, ‘The Small Dish.’ The book describes the story as an allegory about “existence, usefulness, loss, oblivion, resurrection, and back to existence and usefulness again.” Ron is an octogenarian and always led with an adventurous spirit. Ron grew up in Nashua and earned an Eagle . . .

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New Book: My African Anthology, by Robert Gribbin

My African Anthology By Robert Gribbin (Kenya 1968-70)) Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (August 9, 2024) Language ‏ : ‎ English Paperback ‏ : ‎ 351 pages ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8335491563 Available on Amazon.com ($17.00) My African Anthology is a compendium of anecdotes, articles and stories that mirror years of living and working in Africa. Beginning in the sixties with my first sojourn on the continent, the items both factual and fictional paint a compelling portrait of the Africa I knew. From the Peace Corps Kenya era are snippets of Luo tribal consternation regarding America’s moon landing, competing in the Safari road rally, trouble with noisy bees, and a shape shifting terror. From Bokassa’s Central African Republic – stories of a man lost in the forest, the president’s mistress, a search for gold, plus an eye-witness account of the lavish coronation. A later return to that beleaguered nation, . . .

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New Book: HALF LIFE: A Collection of A.R.T., by Andrew R. Tadross

HALF LIFE: A Collection of A.R.T. By Andrew R. Tadross (Ethiopia 2011-13) Independently Published, November 2024; 103 pages Available for $42.00 on Amazon HALF LIFE: A Collection of A.R.T., by Andrew R. Tadross, is an evocative anthology spanning two decades of creative exploration. This collection transcends genres, blending pop culture, expressionism, nature art, abstraction, and surrealism. Featuring over 100 works, it delivers a vivid mix of satire, nostalgia, melancholy, and tension. Highlights include a fishy homage to Jackson Pollock, a chimp playing Russian roulette with a banana, and landscapers at sunset. Fans of cinematic and cultural nostalgia will chuckle at scenes like Colonel Kurtz losing at Tetris, Cousin Eddie navigating Downton Abbey, and a chess match between Darth Vader and “The Dude.” Drawing from personal experiences and far-flung settings—Ethiopia, the Everglades, and beyond—Tadross’s work captures both the iconic and the everyday. Portraits range from Willie Nelson to Mr. T, while . . .

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When Small Things Make Great Things Possible, by John Chromy (India 1963-65)

A little over a year ago, John Chromy (India 1963-65) began a project to gather narratives on at least ten programs where the cumulative efforts of Peace Corps Volunteers and their host country counterparts either initiated, expanded or laid the groundwork for future expansion of programs that over a half century have become permanent elements in improving the lives of millions of people. It was his intent to share these great narratives with a wide audience and to make these achievements a historical hallmark of the Peace Corps concept and its inherent belief in the value of “bottom-up community-based development.” I helped John identify these programs and also committed to helping disseminate the product of his work. Sadly, John passed away on October 19, 2024, just after delivering his report. Published posthumously, “When Small Things Make Great Things Possible” shares a 50-year perspective on 10 Peace Corps programs that enabled . . .

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