Books to Prepare

I love to read so during my long application process I've read lots of books about the Peace Corps organization, Africa (culture, history & politics), living abroad, and stories from RPCVs (Returned Peace Corps Volunteers). I found all of these at the Madison, New Orleans, or West Bend public library systems. I know there are many more books out there but I was looking for free copies to read. Check a few out if you're interested in learning more!

My Favorites

• Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the Heart of an African Village, by Sara Erdman (Cote d'Ivoire, 1998-2000)
• Power Lines: Two Years on South Africa's Borders, by Jason Carter (President Jimmy Carter's grandson) (South Africa, 1998-2000)
• River Town: Two Years on the Yangtzee River, by Peter Hesller (China, 1996-1998)

Other Books by RPCVs

• Mango Elephants in the Sun, by Susana Herrera (Cameroon, 1992-1994)
• The Village of Waiting, by George Packer (Togo, 1982-1983)
• Dear Exile: The True Story of Two Friends Separated (for a Year) by an Ocean , Hilary Liftin and Kate Montgomery (Kenya, 1996-1997)
• Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle, Mortiz Thomsen (Ecuador, 1965-68)
• Riding the Demon: On the Road in West Africa, by Peter Chilson (Niger 1985-1987) (this is about a return trip in 1992-1993)
• Under the Neem Tree, by Susan Lowerre (Senegal, 1985-1987)
• Away From Home: Letters to My Family, by Lillian Carter (India, 1966-1968)

Short Story Collections

• A Life Inspired: Tales of Peace Corps Service, Collection of Short Stories (including 2 from Burkian Faso PCVs) published by Peace Corps
• The Great Adventure: Volunteer Stories of Life Overseas, Collection of Short Stories published by Peace Corps
• At Home in the World: The Peace Corps Story, Collection of Short Stories Published by Peace Corps
• Going Up Country: Travel Essays by Peace Corps Writers, John Coyne (editor) (Ethiopia, 1962-1964)
• From the Center of the Earth: Stories Out of the Peace Corps, Geraldine Kennedy (editor)(Liberia, 1962-1964)

Books About the Peace Corps

• So, You Want to Join the Peace Corps: What to Know Before You Go, by Dillon Banerjee (Cameroon, 1994-1996)
• American Taboo: A Murder in the Peace Corps, by Philip Weiss, about the 1976 murder of Tongan PCV
• All You Need Is Love: The Peace Corps and the Spirit of the 1960s, by Elizabeth Cobbs Hoffman